Party-time on the Trans-Siberian Express

Upon our return from the dining car, we were amazed, and a little emotional, after we realized that all of these 'strangers' have been worried and searching for us.  As soon as Sasha and his friend rescued us and brought us back, we found everyone anxious and then so happy to find us safe and on the train.
To explain briefly, Jihye and I had gone exploring down to the dining car at just the moment we were pulling into Ulan-Ude, a large station and long stop.  We decided to stay in the dining car and have a couple of cold beers instead of come running back to our car, and after the train pulled away from the station, the group that had been sitting around, with whom we had spoken with no one except for Sasha, had begun to worry and sent Sasha to come looking for us.  There he found us listening to 'Paul McCartney' but at the same time being eyed curiously by two increasingly drunk Russians from 2nd class.  Once Sasha arrived, we apologized and bought him and his friends cold beers.  Unfortunately the two drunk men took this as their cue to approach us and inquire about us.  This led to a UN-level diplomatic session with Sasha ever-so-gently assuring them we were OK, while at the same time getting us out of there.  He assured me that everything could go sour at anytime, and I could see the employees sitting back watching the situation with wonderment.  Finally we agreed to have a ceremonial vodka shot with the two men, spent another 15 minutes carefully answering their questions, all via Sasha of course, and after conveniently forgetting which car we were staying on (blame it on the vodka shot...) we escaped and fell directly into the arms of our waiting car mates and sudden best friends.  From there the night quickly went from danger to debauchery...and these videos show what ensued.  I apologize for any cussing and stupidity on my part...but certainly glad for that night.  Will never forget.

http://youtu.be/5tXVw3zDUME

http://youtu.be/rtsr6S9iq0k

http://youtu.be/D1YqOVAMnXE

http://youtu.be/DrrSmqX5n7c