food on train

'Andrei' and 'Katya' moved into my cabin on the train yesterday evening (3rd set of occupants since Moscow), and after locking themselves in to change into their train clothes (everyone except me seems to do that -- tracksuit/shorts and sandals) they insisted I come in and join them for home made food (made by Andrei's mother). Some chicken, some beef wrapped in something like pita bread, also fresh raw tomatoes with salt added right before eating. Yum. Then some cognac from (?)Ukraine.

Katya is a ballerina; Andrei used to dance (after learning it in the army?!) but now works for a company that makes costumes for ballet - both human size and doll size. He gave me a pair of tiny pink ballet shoes (perhaps a promotional item) as a present. They are cool, but rather delicate -- hopefully they will survive. Andrei speaks english and was happy to talk of travels and russia and politics a little; Katya no english, though she appeared to understand a little.