I threw my gear in the back seat - fired up Yandex Navigator on one device and Waze on another and programmed in my destitution... a small town in Finland
From the sound of things, destitution could have been quite a strong possibility if you weren't able to get across the border!
The journey to Piter took 8 hours - it can be done in 4 hours on the SAPSAN - I'll spelt it Salsan in an earlier post - but noticed to late to correct ...
I needed the rest ( long drive ahead ) and as we approached Piter took a photo...It was GREY ..
I had agreed to meet a British guy who lives in Piter and he recommended the Galleria Shopping Centre which was 4 minutes brisk walk from the station.
Our breakfast over, it was time to find the car as it was ready - early. I could have called a Taxi- but I thought a walk in the brisk wind would do me good.
The car depot - according to the Russian Railways map - was opposite the Mall - involving a 10 minute U- walk around the end of the terminus... HAH !
Twenty-five minutes later, having completed the U - and having to walk to the far end of the platforms and beyond I heard a multi-cylinder engine fire up in a carriage and v.slowly a Ferrari emerged.
I then observed my trusty steed has already been embarked and I was near frozen - despite many layers of clothes.
I threw my gear in the back seat - fired up Yandex Navigator on one device and Waze on another and programmed in my destiNATion... a small town in Finland
By now the car was warm and I set up on the icy road back to the security barrier and 'escape' from Piter... it was now 1400 local and it would be dark WAY before 1600 (
The Neva was to my right - I stopped to stake a short vid - as opening the window was ill-advised and I filled up - noting that this was the first place in Russia that filled me up and THEN I paid !!!! I brimmed it knowing that I'd be back in the EU and had forgotten to ask "How much is Diesel in Finland"
The sat navs disagreed on the best route out of town - so I took the route that stuck to the Gulf of Finland
Then it started to rain .... it being cold - it froze and even with Winter tyres - I was PETRIFIED.... Trucks with trailers 'flew' past on the dual carriage way to Vyborg .. I was now in Karelia ... part of Finland until the Winter War of 1941 and I didn't see it's beauty as night fell and the rain became snow
I thought it was normal in Russia to pump gas before paying!!! At least in Cheboksary and Yoshkar-Ola it was!!
Some thoughts...
Actually your train took 9 hours, I am sure it 'seemed' less( I have taken this exact train). I knew it also one of few that carried cars.
Whenever it is a clouded day...it does look grey!!! ))
Brisk walk to Galeria took 4 brisk minutes??? Man you are slow!!!! I did in under 2!!! When it is cold, i get around quicker!!!
Strange to think about calling taxi to gvet back to train station. Did you get lost running around train station to find where your vehicle was??
It isn't so much about layers as having proper outer jacket, muffler, gloves and warm beenie!!
I thought it was normal in Russia to pump gas before paying!!! At least in Cheboksary and Yoshkar-Ola it was!!
So the rain froze???? Like hail???
Glad you made it out of SPb easily and on to Finnish your road trip!!! ))
No.. Have you never encountered Freezing rain, in LA ?! ))
In Ukraine -- procedure is to either pay the cash to the attendant or cashier --- or lodge card with cashier -- who will then remotely unlock the pump.
Very often -there is an attendant at the pump itself who does the work .These guys ( & occassionally girls) will also often wash screen etc
Next time you are there please DO try google maps - walking mode - from the station to Baklazhan Restaurant on the 4th floor.. :rolleyes:
Er, I wore ALL those things and thermal undies..
No.. Have you never encountered Freezing rain, in LA ?! ))
Not my recent experience...
Paying by card.. You say how much you want - pay and THEN the pump is activated .. If you cannot fill up the amount you require ( because you've over-estimated the amount you need) the amount is given back in cash
Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia
Google maps do not always take you shortest route!!! Believe me I know!!!
MMM -- I was referencing FILLING the tank--which is my usual practice .
I stand by my comments 100%.
I was talking specifically about Ukraine.
Jay, I'm not sure what you believe other people do, but sometimes we fill our tanks when they aren't empty - long journey or a thank you to someone - or hire cars in places such as Ukraine - where we aren't sure what it will take to brim the tank.
Moby -I try to not respond to so many of your dumb comments -
What are you driving that would take 80 liters of fuel?
GRRR ... and I was travelling through it in the dark - in a blizzard ((
Och! Nae lakes, LOCHS 8)!
C'mon, Sandro! It's not like you to get your geography muddled up!
If you want to go down that stream, Irish lakes are loughs, not lochs. I was thinking especially of the Upper and Lower Loughs Macnean.
and *I'd*d be thinking of Lower and Upper Loughs Erne ;)
(http://tinyurl.com/NORTHERN-Ireland-lakes)
Wow! that was quite a long journey and a very detailed description. Interesting to know so much stuff on travelling by car :) I didn't know there was a carriage for cars to take with you on a train. And seems that it requires some knowledge on documents which you have to carry with you. :)
I wonder what you job is about. And what is has to do with spending a lot of time in Sochi.
I was there for the first time in December and it mostly rained so I can't say I got much impression.
As far as I understand your sim card provides you free roaming across EU without any extra service to be set up by your mobile operator?
Sad to know that the russian staff at Finland's customs gave you cold greetings. Hopefully it didn't spoil the impression of the whole trip. How long did it take in total for the whole trip? What about russian visa? What is the shortest period it is issued the first time you get it?
P.S you are a good writer :) accept my admiration :clapping: