Amazing diary, indeed!
The discussion in the diary and the comments is mainly
about economic and political benefits, but if these projects take place, I think they will be benefits in a broader sphere of interrelations between Europe, Russia,and Asia. The cultural and social aspects should not be forgotten; I mean the connection between different cultures and societies could be "explored live" not through discovery channel or some magazines. The tourists flow in both directions will rise, even if the tickets are expensive at the beginning, could you imagine the challenge of travelling with train in the Old Silk Route or through Siberia up to the far east Russian coast. With a plain you can go from Brussels to Tokyo, but you will not see any of the variety and beauty of Asia or the Russian countriside.

The counterarguments like corruption, uncertainty, high expenses, political turmoils are definetely valid, but they will make the journey even more exciting. I do not know what do you think about this kind of tourism and experience, but I personally am looking forward for the first Trans Asian tourist train ;)))


I'm not ugly,but my beauty is a total creation.Hegel