Trans-Mongolian Railway - Part 3: Crossing borders

We have crossed many borders. In most of Europe, you won't even notice that you cross a border, but in Africa or America, we are used to wait up to several hours. However, crossing the border between Russia and Mongolia was a totally new experience! First of all, it took ages. When we arrived at the border, the train slowly came to a standstill. At that point, it didn't really differ from any other stop we made. However, this time, we are not allowed to get off the train. Numerous Russian soldiers and dogs came aboard. We don't know what was more frightening: the soldier or the dog. At least the dog was muzzled, but the soldier was so wide that he didn't fit in de doorway. When he entered our compartment, he stepped onto our berth and checked all our luggage to see if we were not smuggling anything. Of course we were not. Therefore, the whole appearance felt a bit like a show. We didn't really see the point why he was so aggressive, but perhaps it is just because he is Russian? Meanwhile, another soldier took our passports after we filled-in the necessary paper work. This was also rather strange as he just walked away with our passports, without explaining what he was going to do. While they were checking our passports in their office, we were allowed to get off the train. Finally, the passport was returned and after another few more hours, the train started to move again. But when you think you have had it all, the train stops again. This time a similar process with slightly more friendly soldiers on the Mongolian side of the border repeats itself. After hours of waiting at the two borders, the train is finally allowed to continue towards Ulaanbaatar.