Back in the saddle

[msmobyone]

the view after 4 cable car rides to the top

[msmobyone]

From 2380m up

The sun is reflecting on the Black Sea

[pokerintherear]

Thanks for the great pictures.

As they say pictures are worth a thousand words. Please wear your seat belt on your journey.

[msmobyone]

Yesterday, we went to the market in the centre of Sochi, again. We bought fresh meat for Pelmeni and went to a honey stand. There, Sveta's friend Elena allowed usto sample many varieties of honey- I had never tried black honey and we bought this and 'Queens Milk'




We tried to go to the Olympic Park. As we arrived the heavens opened up.





I had this bright idea to go to the border with 'Abkhazia' - the nation that the west doesn't recognise.We consider it part of Georgia.

It reminded me of the UN monitored crossing points in Cyprus - to the 'Turkish Rep of Northern Cyprus'  a little surreal.

Of course, I tried to take a picture and was 'told off' by a Russian border policeman - at the pedestrian crossing point.

We explained that we were interested to cross, and my visa status and he said ' no problem' .Wewe asked if we could take the care, he said that there was a dedicated traffic point - so we went there - as I was worried about our car.We bought two Kg of Oranges from the 'other side' and headed to check out the traffic crossing

The queue was long - 75m and two lines- we found the car insurance office and headed off to find a Russian Official - as I was still concerned that my single-entry tourist visa would preclude my return - if I 'left Russia' .This Official confirmed my 'fear' - so Abkhazia must wait until next time 

I did manage to get a number /licence plate of a car from there...

[Chicagoguy]

Completely different place than when I was there a little over 10 years in the Summer. But I do remember the honey.

Thanks for photos.

[Larry1]

... went to a honey stand. There, Sveta's friend Elena allowed us to sample many varieties of honey- I had never tried black honey and we bought this and 'Queens Milk'

I love Russian honeys

[msmobyone]

Got stopped by the Police at lunchtime...second time in 4 days... this time he smelt alcohol on my breath and I was happy to take a roadside test

I came out as 1.33 which is over the limit and I saw a visit to the Police station and a big fine coming.

We talked about football and Sveta's connection to me while she was begging the other Police not to arrest me.

Unfortunately, for some here, Sveta received a warning on my behalf about the time needed to be clear of the night before.

I expected that she had to pay money, but she insisted not!

She was more scared than me.

A salutory lesson.

All our other docs were in order. I am included on the insurance.

I am glad I know something about Manchester City and Gareth Bale. The Police know to research George Best and N.Ireland)) I wanted to have my photo taken with the Police, but they declined. They were polite and friendly.

Off to watch Russia v Portugal play Rugby after a shop in important places.

[ML]

Drinking while driving; wanting to go into a contested zone!!

Just when we think we have heard it all.

[cc3]

Living dangerously in the tsardom...

[Subnuclear]

I find it interesting that so many people register where they are going. I usually only register if I am staying in a hotel. I've never registered to stay with friends in the city. but then again i've always provided their addresses on the Visa application. Also i've never had to purchase insurance or anything like that.

I had to go to the hospital once while in Siberia and everything was completely free (x-rays and doctor consultation).

Maybe i'm doing it wrong and will get in trouble if the police stop me.

[2tallbill]

Drinking while driving; wanting to go into a contested zone!!

Just when we think we have heard it all.

He could have purchased some road flares, taped them into a bundle
with some duct tape with a windup alarm clock, you know as a joke 

[2tallbill]

I find it interesting that so many people register where they are going. I usually only register if I am staying in a hotel. I've never registered to stay with friends in the city. but then again i've always provided their addresses on the Visa application. Also i've never had to purchase insurance or anything like that.

I had to go to the hospital once while in Siberia and everything was completely free (x-rays and doctor consultation).

Maybe i'm doing it wrong and will get in trouble if the police stop me.

I've always registered. The last several times at the post office

[Anotherkiwi]

I find it interesting that so many people register where they are going. I usually only register if I am staying in a hotel. I've never registered to stay with friends in the city. but then again i've always provided their addresses on the Visa application.

"Interesting" analysis, if somewhat flawed.  Registration of your visit is compulsory under the law - much as I'm happy to take small risks when travelling, the idea (no matter how unlikely) of being chucked into a Russian jail at the whim of some underpaid policeman doesn't really thrill me.  However, I haven't used a personal invitation visa, so maybe it has different rules?

Also I've never had to purchase insurance or anything like that.

The insurance argument is one that's been bandied around here for years.  Although travel insurance isn't compulsory, it isn't expensive and I would always take it for peace of mind.  As I have successfully claimed on my policies after various trips, I'm happy with the cover it provides.  I think all the Australian and New Zealand posters have agreed on this.

The situation for Americans is different, because so many seem to have healthcare plans that cover a lot of what a normal travel insurance policy does.  Also, of course, you were living and working in Russia, presumably with the standard benefits from your US (?) employer.

I had to go to the hospital once while in Siberia and everything was completely free (x-rays and doctor consultation).

Was this while you were working in Russia, or just on a visit?

Maybe i'm doing it wrong and will get in trouble if the police stop me.

Of course you are, and of course you will! 

[Subnuclear]

Yes i was working in Russia when i had to go to hospital. Weirdly manufactured Russian door had a tendency to crush your hand if you actually used the handle. So i had to get my hand xrayed for broken bones.

Also had to go to a Russian dentist while there. One of my amalgam crowns (not really a true crown but a military piece of crap) broke and i went to get it checked out.

Dentist was 8 dollars and the hospital visit free.

Maybe from now on when not staying at a hotel i will register at the local post office to ensure i don't get in trouble. Better safe than sorry.

[Faux Pas]

As far as I can tell, of course this is prior to the Ukrainian crisis, failing to register has implications if you get stopped and/or questioned by the police. It gives them an opportunity to extract fines from you. Of course if they want to, they'll do it whether you've registered or not. On one of my trips I didn't register at all. I wasn't even questioned about it when leaving and it was never an issue for future trips.

[yaricksl]

Wow That looks great Charlie Glad to hear youre back in the saddle.

Whats the Artfire site?