‘Oh for God’s sake,’ she says, jumping up off the bunk and dropping the book into her backpack. ‘You can stay with me. I’ve got everything booked for two, haven’t I?’ She hoists her backpack onto her shoulders. ‘Come on, let’s go down to the door. We’ll be stopping in a minute.’

The train has slowed right down, and it’s clear from the chatter outside in the corridor that the tour group are excited that we’re approaching a major stop. I pick up my own backpack and follow Carrie out of the cabin. Our little home for the last twenty-four hours where we’ve started a new friendship, and a new adventure. I’d been scared to ask if she was happy for me to continue on the journey with her, wondering if maybe up to the first stop was all she was happy to share. I don’t want to seem too needy.

I’ve made that mistake before.

‘Have a wonderful time in Ulaanbaatar, girls,’ says a spritely looking lady in beige-pocketed jungle shorts. I can’t remember her name.

‘See you in Moscow, Marion. We’ll get fired into the proper voddie there.’ Carrie pats her back pocket. ‘I’ve got your email.’

‘She’s staying off the firewater from now on,’ the man next to her says. ‘Can’t control her.’

Carrie laughs. ‘Well, Steve, what kind of fun would it be if you could control her, eh?’ She steps forwards and hugs them both. Then we climb down the steep metal stairs and onto the dusty platform.

‘Right,’ she says, ‘let’s go and find out what this place is all about.’

I follow her down the platform, envying her warm, easy personality. She’d got to know the people in that tour group, while I’d been far more reserved – spending most of my time watching her engage. She is fascinating.

I had planned to get off elsewhere, but Carrie’s ticket had destinations pre-booked, and with her helping me out, I could hardly make a fuss. She hasn’t said anything about paying her since she handed me the ticket, and she’s paid for everything else too. I’m wondering if I don’t bring it up, will she? It’s not like I can’t pay her. I assume I can withdraw what I need in Ulaanbaatar, and I have a roll of emergency dollars in a hidden pocket of my bag, but why pay for things if you don’t need to?