Economics 101

Day 4 - More stuff makes its way onto the train. We get to know our fellow passenger, Ida (not her real name) who gives us the 101 on the economics of the Trans Mongolian train. We find out that this is the Trans Mongolian train, not the Trans Siberian (both run the same route before one continues to Vladivostock and the other to Beijing.) We will later find out from other tourists that the Trans Siberian is the tourist train whereas the Trans Mongolian is the 'working' train..).
Ida chats to us and through a mixture of russian, mongolian, chinese words and charades, we piece together the dynamics of the system. There is a trilateral capitalistic marriage of sorts between the Chinese, Russian and Mongolian (ahem) organisations where the Mongolians act as the go-between between the estranged pair. For example, the black pvc mens jackets cost 100 rubles from the Chinese, and are sold along the way (by the mongolians) to local russians for 200-300 rubles. Russians retail these at about 500 rubles in Moscow. Everyone knows their place and no one sells above the 'recommended retail price' lest they get yanked by the authorities who'll 'have a word with them'.

After sweet talking us for about an hour or two, Ida moves in her consignment of black jackets and padded coats.

We begin to get used to our surroundings. Several chaps knock on the door (a first) and point at the ceiling. I nod and move to let them unscrew the light panel and remove about fifty rolled up brown jackets and more jeans.

Ida disappears and reemerges several times during the day, sporting various items of fashion, shoes and makeup. We are slowly getting sucked in ... Lisa has enquired about a certain white coat..
Choosing coats for Lisa