 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 →
This past week, my invitation was officially submitted. I’ve gotten a notice to expect processing to be complete on February 8th. After that I can submit the official visa request. One thing required for the visa is an “HIV certificate”. … Continue reading →
Hard to imagine that only six weeks until I start my leave. I’ve been learning some Russian this past year and a half and am even signed up to audit a class at Front Range this spring. While I am … Continue reading →