“I can’t imagine what the Trans-Siberian train would be like if you knew what time it was. That was the ongoing fun of the experience -- never really having any clue what time it was.” – Jonathan Arlan

Jonathan Arlan (@JonathanArlan) is the author of the book Mountain Lines: A Journey through the French Alps and a recent Tablet essay titled Off the Rails in Birobidzhan.

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Jonathan discuss travel bucket lists (2:30); the Trans-Siberian experience, including being an American on the train (12:30); the passing of time on the railway (28:00); and a final evaluation of the journey (38:00).

For more information on Jonathan Arlan, check out his website at http://jonathanarlan.com/

Notable Links:

Trans-Siberian Handbook, by Bryn Thomas (guidebook)
Lonely Planet Trans-Siberian Railway (guidebook)
Real Russia (travel agency)
Monkeyshrine (Trans-Siberian travel agency)
The Man in Seat 61 (train-travel website)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.