My last day of work today. A fairly quiet and uneventful day as I’ve worked to get most things handed off already. Hopefully not too many loose ends come up later. Still hard to realize that the work assignments that … Continue reading →
It was three years ago today that Vladimir Putin formally inaugurated the new road across Siberia. He was visiting the city of Khabarovsk about two and a half weeks before his re-election when he announced the new road was open … Continue reading →
 Today a last ride with the PEDAL cycling club. During the year, I normally do many weekend rides with PEDAL. Since I was going to be gone for the regular cycling season (May to October), I suggested one last … Continue reading →
I’ve heard my Chinese visa was approved and passport mailed back to my parents. That was nice and fast as I was concerned about having things held up during closures with the Chinese New Year. In addition to the visa … Continue reading →
Hooray, today my Russian visa arrived! Now I’ll turn around and submit my passport for a Chinese visa. The Chinese visa looks easier to apply for than the Russian one, particularly via the visa expediter. The consulate is closed for … Continue reading →
A short video of an intersection in St Petersburg. Make sure to be careful.
Continue reading →My Russian visa application was sent by mail this morning. The last pieces came together as I got the invitation last Thursday and the HIV certificate from Larimer County this morning. In my cover letter, I wrote of my intent … Continue reading →
If all goes according to plan, after cycling across Russia, I will have three months of additional leave for other cycling. One possibility I’ve seriously considered was flying to Urumqi in western China and joining the Tour D’Afrique Silk Road … Continue reading →
My visa invitation arrived today. Now time to get other paperwork together and submit the visa application. One area of potential confusion is that Russia adopted a new set of new Visa Registration Rules that took effect on January 15th. … Continue reading →
It is exciting for the date to keep getting closer, though also a bunch more arrangements to be done on three fronts (a) wrapping up work (b) being able to leave my household for 10 months and (c) trip preparations. … Continue reading →