Big change since last time!
About me
April 29, 2011
April 24, 2011
Chairs and floors
One of the chairs i'm fixing up a bit :)
On
The floor is nearly finished! :)
Tt
Krista
(More on the trip in a couple of days!)
Krista
(More on the trip in a couple of days!)
April 20, 2011
New Windows!!
The new windows are in, and I have bought a car! Bargain, only £150! Dad's friend from work sold it to me/dad :)
Tt
Krista
Krista
April 17, 2011
Out with the old, in with the new!
At this moment Dad and another man (don't know his name) are putting in the new windows, yay! So when I get home tomorrow I'll be able to post some pictures! :D I can nearly see the end of this whole project now. It's easter this week, so we'll be trying to get as much as we can done when Mum and Dad are off work.
Victor and Dad took the old windows out yesterday, Mum's saved the windows. She wants to make a greenhouse with all the old windows when we've changed them.
Today I've got work experience/intership whatever you want to call it at the local gym. Then I'm off to Borås for a "Laughter Workout" I'm writing a paper on laughter and how it affects our health, so this is a school thing. I'll let you know how it goes!
Tt
Krista
Krista
April 16, 2011
Thailand
Hello!
The kitchen work is starting again tomorrow, so i'll be able to upload some pics on monday!
The next country after Russia and China is Thailand.
We don't have any itinerary for Thailand so I'll just write down the dates :)
We depart from Bejing - Shanghai - Bangkok on the 6th nov 21:40 at night, so we land in Thailand pretty late. We arrive 00:55, but fotunatly our travel agent has booked us into a guest house, so we'll get picked up from the airport on arrival, have a place to sleep, get breakfast in the morning and an information meeting. Oh yeah and 15 min internet!
I probably won't be using this blog while we're out and about. There are a couple of other sites that specialise on traveling. But more on that when I get one!
Tt
Krista
Krista
April 10, 2011
Russia
I was just trying to figure out how to obtain a Russian visa when I realised I haven't updated my blog for a while :) 
I'm reading one of the travel books I got for mybirthday, trying to understand the rules and regulations of visas etc. Tiring work, but I think I might have figured it out!
Anyway, I thought I might update about the TRIP! once a week and tell you what we're doing in each country :)
So we start in Russia! We fly from Stockholm on the 21st October!
This is what it says on Gapadventures, the company we're traveling with.
It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist.
RUSSIA: all nationalities require a visa to visit Russia.
Single entry tourist visa provides maximum 29 days (30 nights) stay in Russia. Please, remember that it is impossible to extend tourist visa within the country. If you are planning to travel in Russia before the trip starts and total time in the country is more than 29 days, you will have to arrange business visa (there are no double entry Russian visas). In this case, please, contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate for details.
To obtain Russian visa everyone required Letter Of Invitation (LOI) from one of the companies in Russia, who has a tourist license.
Gap Adventures passengers can obtain this letter through our visa support agent in Russia by completing our on-line visa application. LOI support link will be sent to you or your travel agent at the time you make a booking and will be sent to the email address that you give our sales department. LOI will be sent to the same address later, after you filled in online application form.
We recommend to contact nearest Russian embassy or consulate before filling the form, as document requirements might vary from country to country. Please, be aware that many Russian embassies throughout the world issue visas only to citizens or official residents of the country where embassy located.
Submitting online form, you must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details. Group spends days 9 - 21 of the trip on the territory of Russia. We recommend to add at least one extra day at the start and one extra day at the end. If you departure later, put departure day in the application one day after your actual departure from Russia.
First Name: should include your First and Middle and Third names - as per your passport. Russian embassies have a right to deny visa, if the information in passport is different from information you provided for the LOI.
Arrival date: we recommend to put arrival date 1-2 days before your actual arrival to Russia.
Departure date: group departs Russia on day 10 of the trip. We also recommend to put departure date 1-2 days later than your actual departure
Your russian visa LOI will be emailed to you or your travel agent directly within 5 working days upon submission of your online application. If trip is not guaranteed at the moment of submitting online application, your visa support letter will be emailed to you or your travel agent soon after the trip is guaranteed, but not earlier than 3 months before trip departure.
If you haven't received email with your Russian LOI within 5 working days after the submission - check your SPAM folder. Emails sent from .ru server are sometimes automatically directed into SPAM.
Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your Russian visa by going to your closest Russian embassy or by using a visa service recommended by your travel agent. Do not obtain your visa until 6 weeks prior to your trip departing in the unlikely event that the trip does not meet the minimum number of 4 participants.
Take LOI to the embassy along with your passport, three passport photos, the filled in visa application form, a copy of your trip voucher and proof of onward travel from Russia and they will issue the visa. Please, contact the embassy you are going to apply in and check - what documents you are required to bring. It can take up to 15 working days for the embassy to issue your visa.
Fees vary with nationalities but the cost for a 30-day single entry tourist visa is approximately 40 USD. Most countries have a Russian embassy or consulate. Some websites that have information are: www.russialink.org.uk/embassy/, www.russianembassy.org/ and www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com
Helpful Hints for completing your application:
*Please wait until you receive your Russian visa LOI before completing your application as information must match in order for you to receive your visa from the embassy.
* Please ensure that entry and exit dates on the LOI match the dates that you will be in Russia as these will be the dates that your visa is issued for.
* Please, note that Letter Of Invitation may state hotels or cities that are different from your tour. These hotels may not be the exact hotels that you will be staying at during your trip. It is critical however, that when you complete your Russian visa application that you copy the hotels that are on your visa support letter rather than those that are on your Gap Adventures voucher or dossier.
*Answers to questions on Visa Application:
1. The type/purpose of visa: Tourism
2. Company or organization in Russia to be visited: Karelia Plus
3. Name of Russian Travel Agency: Karelia Plus
4. Reference number of Russian tour agency: This is in the top right hand corner of your visa support letter
5. Route of Journey: Copy the dates and cities that appear below your name on the left hand side of your visa support letter (Moscow & St Petersburg)
6. Confirmation voucher/Invitation number: This usually starts with SPC
MONGOLIA: most nationalities require visa to Mongolia. Exceptions: holders of US, Filipino and Thai passports. For more exceptions, please, contact nearest Mongolian embassy. Some nationalities might require Letter of Invitation. In this case Gap Adventures will be able to provide one through our local supplier.
When filling out embassy visa application form please list "Monkhutuch Trade & Travel, Bayanzurkh Duureg, 13-r Horoolol 12-179, Ulaan Baatar, tel: 976 1199199291" as the hosting company or individual in Mongolia.
Groups enter Mongolia on Day 10 of the trip and depart on day 14, travelling by rail.
CHINA: all nationalities require a visa.
When filling out the visa application form list the trip's finishing Point Hotel (Harmony Hotel, Beijing) as the "company or person to visit in China". We enter China on the day 14 of the trip, travelling by rail. Exit date will vary depending on how long you are planning to spend in China after trip is finished. We recommend to put departure date 1-2 days later your actual departure from China
RUSSIA: all nationalities require a visa to visit Russia.
Single entry tourist visa provides maximum 29 days (30 nights) stay in Russia. Please, remember that it is impossible to extend tourist visa within the country. If you are planning to travel in Russia before the trip starts and total time in the country is more than 29 days, you will have to arrange business visa (there are no double entry Russian visas). In this case, please, contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate for details.
To obtain Russian visa everyone required Letter Of Invitation (LOI) from one of the companies in Russia, who has a tourist license.
Gap Adventures passengers can obtain this letter through our visa support agent in Russia by completing our on-line visa application. LOI support link will be sent to you or your travel agent at the time you make a booking and will be sent to the email address that you give our sales department. LOI will be sent to the same address later, after you filled in online application form.
We recommend to contact nearest Russian embassy or consulate before filling the form, as document requirements might vary from country to country. Please, be aware that many Russian embassies throughout the world issue visas only to citizens or official residents of the country where embassy located.
Submitting online form, you must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details. Group spends days 9 - 21 of the trip on the territory of Russia. We recommend to add at least one extra day at the start and one extra day at the end. If you departure later, put departure day in the application one day after your actual departure from Russia.
First Name: should include your First and Middle and Third names - as per your passport. Russian embassies have a right to deny visa, if the information in passport is different from information you provided for the LOI.
Arrival date: we recommend to put arrival date 1-2 days before your actual arrival to Russia.
Departure date: group departs Russia on day 10 of the trip. We also recommend to put departure date 1-2 days later than your actual departure
Your russian visa LOI will be emailed to you or your travel agent directly within 5 working days upon submission of your online application. If trip is not guaranteed at the moment of submitting online application, your visa support letter will be emailed to you or your travel agent soon after the trip is guaranteed, but not earlier than 3 months before trip departure.
If you haven't received email with your Russian LOI within 5 working days after the submission - check your SPAM folder. Emails sent from .ru server are sometimes automatically directed into SPAM.
Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your Russian visa by going to your closest Russian embassy or by using a visa service recommended by your travel agent. Do not obtain your visa until 6 weeks prior to your trip departing in the unlikely event that the trip does not meet the minimum number of 4 participants.
Take LOI to the embassy along with your passport, three passport photos, the filled in visa application form, a copy of your trip voucher and proof of onward travel from Russia and they will issue the visa. Please, contact the embassy you are going to apply in and check - what documents you are required to bring. It can take up to 15 working days for the embassy to issue your visa.
Fees vary with nationalities but the cost for a 30-day single entry tourist visa is approximately 40 USD. Most countries have a Russian embassy or consulate. Some websites that have information are: www.russialink.org.uk/embassy/, www.russianembassy.org/ and www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com
Helpful Hints for completing your application:
*Please wait until you receive your Russian visa LOI before completing your application as information must match in order for you to receive your visa from the embassy.
* Please ensure that entry and exit dates on the LOI match the dates that you will be in Russia as these will be the dates that your visa is issued for.
* Please, note that Letter Of Invitation may state hotels or cities that are different from your tour. These hotels may not be the exact hotels that you will be staying at during your trip. It is critical however, that when you complete your Russian visa application that you copy the hotels that are on your visa support letter rather than those that are on your Gap Adventures voucher or dossier.
*Answers to questions on Visa Application:
1. The type/purpose of visa: Tourism
2. Company or organization in Russia to be visited: Karelia Plus
3. Name of Russian Travel Agency: Karelia Plus
4. Reference number of Russian tour agency: This is in the top right hand corner of your visa support letter
5. Route of Journey: Copy the dates and cities that appear below your name on the left hand side of your visa support letter (Moscow & St Petersburg)
6. Confirmation voucher/Invitation number: This usually starts with SPC
MONGOLIA: most nationalities require visa to Mongolia. Exceptions: holders of US, Filipino and Thai passports. For more exceptions, please, contact nearest Mongolian embassy. Some nationalities might require Letter of Invitation. In this case Gap Adventures will be able to provide one through our local supplier.
When filling out embassy visa application form please list "Monkhutuch Trade & Travel, Bayanzurkh Duureg, 13-r Horoolol 12-179, Ulaan Baatar, tel: 976 1199199291" as the hosting company or individual in Mongolia.
Groups enter Mongolia on Day 10 of the trip and depart on day 14, travelling by rail.
CHINA: all nationalities require a visa.
When filling out the visa application form list the trip's finishing Point Hotel (Harmony Hotel, Beijing) as the "company or person to visit in China". We enter China on the day 14 of the trip, travelling by rail. Exit date will vary depending on how long you are planning to spend in China after trip is finished. We recommend to put departure date 1-2 days later your actual departure from China
Lots of information!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 St Petersburg
Travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the day. Though there are no arranged activities on Day 1 please arrive by 6pm as we have a group meeting. Please check hotel's noticeboard for details. You will be met by your Chief Experience Officer, who will run through the trip itinerary and answer your questions. After the meeting you can join your CEO for group dinner.
There is so much to see and do in St Petersburg that it's well worth staying a couple of extra nights if you have time. St Petersburg is a beautiful city, rightly known as the Venice of North Europe. One of the most delightful of Russian cities, St Petersburg is built of baroque European architecture, combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite for many travellers.
Explore the immense treasures of the luxuriant Hermitage museum - Winter Palace. If you have arrived earlier, consider visiting famous royal residences - Pushkin and Peterhof.
On Day 2 in the evening we board the overnight train for the ride to Moscow (approximately 7 hours). Our first ride in what will be an epic journey.
There is so much to see and do in St Petersburg that it's well worth staying a couple of extra nights if you have time. St Petersburg is a beautiful city, rightly known as the Venice of North Europe. One of the most delightful of Russian cities, St Petersburg is built of baroque European architecture, combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite for many travellers.
Explore the immense treasures of the luxuriant Hermitage museum - Winter Palace. If you have arrived earlier, consider visiting famous royal residences - Pushkin and Peterhof.
On Day 2 in the evening we board the overnight train for the ride to Moscow (approximately 7 hours). Our first ride in what will be an epic journey.
Days 3-4 Moscow
We arrive to Russian capital in the early morning on day 3.
The great red city of Moscow has seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, surviving the trauma and tribulations of revolution, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Despite the glamour and show of modern capitalism, exploring Moscow is like taking a step back in time and being lost in history.
Names of places such as the 'Kremlin' and the infamous 'Red Square', bring forth unforgettable images of espionage, secrecy and the Cold War era. Explore the streets of this evocative city to truly gain a sense of Muscovite life. We also recommend visiting the fantastic Kremlin with its Armoury, Red Square and Ivan the Terrible's extraordinary St Basil's Cathedral, absolutely not to be missed.
In the afternoon or evening of Day 4 (train departure time depends on the train schedule) we board the train for 3 days and 4 nights long trip to Irkutsk.
The great red city of Moscow has seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, surviving the trauma and tribulations of revolution, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Despite the glamour and show of modern capitalism, exploring Moscow is like taking a step back in time and being lost in history.
Names of places such as the 'Kremlin' and the infamous 'Red Square', bring forth unforgettable images of espionage, secrecy and the Cold War era. Explore the streets of this evocative city to truly gain a sense of Muscovite life. We also recommend visiting the fantastic Kremlin with its Armoury, Red Square and Ivan the Terrible's extraordinary St Basil's Cathedral, absolutely not to be missed.
In the afternoon or evening of Day 4 (train departure time depends on the train schedule) we board the train for 3 days and 4 nights long trip to Irkutsk.
Days 5-7 Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world's most famous train line. Extending from Moscow across Siberia to the far flung town of Vladivostok, it is also the longest. We experience part of this celebrated train odyssey, boarding in the bustling hub of Moscow for the long journey to Irkutsk (approx. 78 hours).
Travelling through time zones in style, we pass mountain ranges and wind our way through taiga, big Russian cities and small Siberian villages.The train is a simple affair, but with enough modern luxuries to make it a comfortable journey. The carriage bathrooms are well equipped and have hot water, though if you wish to have a shower you will need to bring your own shower attachments. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after your needs and each compartment has four convertible beds, with luggage storage space provided.
Restaurant car tends to have a jovial atmosphere and can offer an interesting insight into local cuisine- it's also a great place to make friends on this long journey!
Trains run on Moscow time even though there may be several hours time difference, making for interesting meal times. Station platforms nearly always have an array of food for sale at stalls run by the Babushkas.There are lists of stations that the train will stop at and the time they stay there, ranging from two to twenty minutes. Always double check with the carriage attendant - it's a long wait for the next train to come through if you make a mistake!
Travelling through time zones in style, we pass mountain ranges and wind our way through taiga, big Russian cities and small Siberian villages.The train is a simple affair, but with enough modern luxuries to make it a comfortable journey. The carriage bathrooms are well equipped and have hot water, though if you wish to have a shower you will need to bring your own shower attachments. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after your needs and each compartment has four convertible beds, with luggage storage space provided.
Restaurant car tends to have a jovial atmosphere and can offer an interesting insight into local cuisine- it's also a great place to make friends on this long journey!
Trains run on Moscow time even though there may be several hours time difference, making for interesting meal times. Station platforms nearly always have an array of food for sale at stalls run by the Babushkas.There are lists of stations that the train will stop at and the time they stay there, ranging from two to twenty minutes. Always double check with the carriage attendant - it's a long wait for the next train to come through if you make a mistake!
Day 8 Listvyanka - Lake Baikal
The long journey brings us to the charming Siberian city of Irkutsk where we transfer to a bus for the short trip to Listvyanka (approx. 2 hours), a small and picturesque village on the shores of Lake Baikal. We spend the rest of the day exploring the area and an invigorating swim in this Siberian lake is highly recommended.
Days 9-10 Trans-Mongolian Railway
After a free day in Listvyanka we re-board the train for a two-night journey that crosses the Russia/Mongolia border and takes us into the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar. This train is the most local of all the trains we take on this journey and, as such, the amenities are limited. A restaurant car is normally not provided so we take time to stock up in one of Irkutsk's markets.
Days 11-13 Ulaan Baatar & Traditional Ger camp
There is plenty of time to explore all the fantastic museums and temples the Mongolian capital has to offer. The sleepy capital is an evolving city, showing many signs of its Soviet past contrasted with an increasing Chinese influence and a re-emergence of traditional Mongolia.
We also spend overnight (day 12) in the Ger camp - enjoying nomadic life in traditional Mongolian "house" - ger.
We also spend overnight (day 12) in the Ger camp - enjoying nomadic life in traditional Mongolian "house" - ger.
Day 14 - Trans Mongolian Railway
We board our last train on the morning of Day 14 from Ulaan Baatar which brings us into the capital of China in the afternoon the next day, traversing dramatic desert-scapes that give way to the rugged mountainous terrain that is home to China's ancient defense system, The Great Wall- keep an eye out for glimpses of it as we get closer to the journey's end.
Days 15-17 Beijing
Beijing, China's capital city, is one of the world's largest and most fascinating cities.
There is enough time to explore the most famous attractions - legendary Tiananmen Square and enigmatic Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the Lama Temple Monastery or get lost in Beijing's hutongs - traditional alleys hiding a labyrinth of courtyard dwellings.
Our epic journey concludes in Beijing and you may depart at any time on day 17. Check-out time is 12:00 pm. The hotel has luggage storage facilities, and taxis to the airport can be arranged.
There is enough time to explore the most famous attractions - legendary Tiananmen Square and enigmatic Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the Lama Temple Monastery or get lost in Beijing's hutongs - traditional alleys hiding a labyrinth of courtyard dwellings.
Our epic journey concludes in Beijing and you may depart at any time on day 17. Check-out time is 12:00 pm. The hotel has luggage storage facilities, and taxis to the airport can be arranged.
I'm sooooooo excited!!!!!
Tt
Krista
Krista
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