September 13, 2019 We have free time until 2pm today, when Evgeny escorts us on a tour of his beautiful city. We pass the World Cup Stadium from last year’s games on the way out of town to visit a mass grave of victims of Stalin’s repressions. By accident a farmer discovered some bones, and it was discovered that over 18,000 had been buried here. After examining the archives in the KGB office, names were able to be listed at the graves. A truly moving experience.
We go to a pedestrian street and enjoy free time for shopping and grabbing dinner before we return to the train and begin the long journey to Novosibirsk (almost 24 hours). Another wonderful day along the Trans-Siberian Railroad.