Journey on the Siberian Railroad is a travel documentary series produced by JOIE TV. The show follows host Alexander as he crosses the vast expanse of Russia while traveling on one of the world's most famous railway journeys - the Trans-Siberian Railway. In this epic journey, Alexander takes viewers on a scenic train ride that spans over 9,000 kilometers in distance, beginning in Moscow and ending in Vladivostok. During this 20-episode series, viewers are treated to breathtaking views of the many landscapes that make up this vast country, ranging from the urban landscapes of Moscow to the rugged terrain of Siberia.
Throughout the series, Alexander explores the different regions that the train passes through, providing an in-depth look into the rich history, culture, and geography of the country. Along the way, he meets with locals, learns about their way of life, tastes various traditional foods, tries local drinks, and engages in different activities.
The show highlights various aspects of the Trans-Siberian Railway, including the impressive engineering feats, the diverse cultures that the train connects, and the wide range of creatures such as bears, moose, and eagles in their natural habitat. Each episode is like a mini-travel guide, with Alexander providing useful tips on where to go, what to do and what to expect.
In the first few episodes, Alexander explores the bustling city life of Moscow, the largest city in Russia, with a population of over 12 million people. He visits landmarks such as the Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the Kremlin, and learns about the city's vibrant nightlife and food culture.
Further along the journey, Alexander visits the remote regions of Siberia, which make up most of Russia's territory. He gets to see the vastness of this region, which covers more than 77% of the country, and learns about the nomadic way of life by staying with reindeer herders, trans-siberian traders and the Indigenous peoples of Yakutia.
The show also highlights the hardships of the Soviet era, with visits to industrial cities such as Novosibirsk, and to the Baikal Amur Mainline, where the gulag-era prisoners worked amidst incredibly harsh conditions. Through interviews with locals, Alexander learns about how they managed to survive and bounce back in post-Soviet Russia, and how the train lines that cross the vast expanse of Russia continue to play a crucial role in transportation, trade, and tourism in the region.
Throughout the series, Alexander shares his thoughts and reflections, drawing on his own personal experiences while on the journey, and highlights the importance of being open-minded to different cultures and ways of life.
Overall, Journey on the Siberian Railroad is an insightful, educational, and entertaining show that takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the diverse landscapes of one of the world's largest countries while also introducing them to its people and history. If you want to discover the magic of Russia from the comfort of your couch, then this series is a must-watch for you.
Journey on the Siberian Railroad is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between December 31, 2003 and on JOIE TV
