It's sweat time for my Visa and Passport. I'm waiting for the Courier to arrive from The Sports Network (TSN) in Toronto with my precious travel documents. The first two applications were rejected--this Visa business has a higher degree of difficulty than normal because my request to the Russian Consulate was made by a Canadian outfit (TSN) and I am American. Here's what I've learned: You must go to the Russian Consulate in the country that is sponsoring you, and 2) don't print out your Visa application. There is a link to type out and send your file electronically to the designated Consulate, you assign a date as to when the hard copy will arrive with your picture and your signature. I was told by the incredibly efficient Larisa in Toronto that my third attempt was indeed the charm, but must now wait for the documents to return from Canada via FEDEX. Larisa is managing the travel documents of several dozens personnel making this trip, and she still makes everyone feel that they are being serviced personally.
The destination is Ufa, Russia, technically the capital of Bashkortistan, one of the satellite republics Russia, formerly of the Soviet Union. It's a two hour flight due East of Moscow, an 11 hour time difference from NYC; Noon here is 11 pm there. It's a heavily wooded area located in the southern Ural mountains near a couple of rivers and most importantly, it's C-O-L-D.
I have purchased another set of long underwear, a water bottle that contains it's own filter, and two A.C. adapters. Once the travel docs arrive I should be good to go. Oh, I need to get my skates sharpened because there will be ice. Departure day is on Mayan Doomsday, so I'm curious what will be the state of planet earth when I arrive in Moscow. This has all the makings of an excellent adventure.
The destination is Ufa, Russia, technically the capital of Bashkortistan, one of the satellite republics Russia, formerly of the Soviet Union. It's a two hour flight due East of Moscow, an 11 hour time difference from NYC; Noon here is 11 pm there. It's a heavily wooded area located in the southern Ural mountains near a couple of rivers and most importantly, it's C-O-L-D.
I have purchased another set of long underwear, a water bottle that contains it's own filter, and two A.C. adapters. Once the travel docs arrive I should be good to go. Oh, I need to get my skates sharpened because there will be ice. Departure day is on Mayan Doomsday, so I'm curious what will be the state of planet earth when I arrive in Moscow. This has all the makings of an excellent adventure.
You should take along the "The Tiger." Terrific book, specifically about the hunt for a mankilling tiger in Siberia--and that is fascinating, but it's also an amazing portrait of Russia--it's natural environment and the effects of Perestroika on the land, people and animals. Highly recommend.
ReplyDelete