Train
The narrator describes the train as a world in itself. The world outside is flying at an alarming rate making him think of the inevitability of death and the short time we have with our loved ones. He takes a walk on the entire length of train and realizes that all kinds of people with different purposes are traveling with him. He looks at them, and tries to imagine what their journey is like and how it is different from his journey.
Tension in the carriage
The tension after the first day on the train is visible with everyone’s faces which are tired with lack of sleep as they are still not used to the constant motion of the train. There is a feeling of being trapped as no one can get out and they have to bear with each others’ company whether they like it or not. They hardly talk and everyone is visibly irritated by imposition of Hilal.
Aleph
The Aleph is a is described as a state when the energy of two people combines to create an energy field so powerful that it can make it possible for a person to be omnipresent and travel in time and space. The narrator describes that he could see beaches with people lounging, wildlife in jungles and other people in all places of the world. He could also see beyond the boundaries of time. He describes the Aleph as a state in which he is unable to control the sights he sees.
Impending commercialization of Lake Baikal
The narrator draws a pen picture of the unspoiled beauty of Lake Baikal and the impending commercialization that would destroy it. He describes how realtors would get land around the lake and convert them into apartments, hotels and cafes, that there would be paid experiences of going in the lake. That professional hunters will come and pay for hunting in the lake even if it is more than the worth of fish.
