Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your question.

(I didn't quite manage to reply this morning but I got there in the end )

It's normally possible to launder your clothes in the hotels that we use on our tours but as you will be visiting some pretty remote areas I'm going to double-check this for you with our regional office and get back to you. I think the answer will be a combination of bringing more clothes and being able to launder clothes in some locations.

With regards to the trekking on this tour; there are no major treks so it shouldn't be necessary for you to purchase some hiking boots just for the tour. We recommend that you bring either some sturdy and comfortable trainers or you can bring a pair of walking boots if you already have some (i.e. I wouldn't deem it necessary to purchase some specifically for the tour). Go for whatever you feel more comfortable walking over a distance in.

I hope this helps. I will post some more information about the laundry facilities available shortly.

Regards,
Brendan

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark,

I have some more information about this for you now:

On the first couple of days untill we board the Saratov train you can do it (laundry) in the Moscow hotel but during the remaining 3 days untill the tour gets to Khiva there are no facilities because you are on the train. All of the hotels that we use in Uzbekistan offer a laundry service.

During the rest of the trip in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan there will be a chance to do it in the hotel, except the nights we stay in yurts and with local families.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Brendan

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Brendan, thanks for the info.
A question now about immunisations. I'm getting a tetanus, diphteria & polio booster, typhoid, rabies and Hepatitis A (phew).
Do I need to go for Hep B, Meningococcal Meningitis Tick-Borne and Japanese Encephalitis?? They're mentioned as possibly needed depending on how much trekking we might, and how much 'exposure' to local population. I told them I won't be going near any farms. Am I correct?
Thanx, Mark
PS The reason I ask is that they're expensive jabs & we've no NHS here.

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your message and sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

You will be spending two nights in a yurt and two nights with local families whilst on tour but that's the extent of your 'exposure' with locals. I'm just checking for you whether or not this will be in farms at all but I believe it not to be.

It sounds like you have already thoroughly gone through your vaccination requirements with your local health centre, which is great, and the best source of travel vaccination advice possible. As a rule of thumb I find that medical experts lean on the side of caution and will prescribe any immunisations against diseases that carry even a remote chance of causing a problem so anything that is not advised is in most cases optional and not essential.

I will find out about the homestay for you.

If you have any further questions let me know.

Regards,
Brendan

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark,

You won't be going to farms during this tour although you will occasionally be near to animals whilst on tour so there is a small element of exposure. It is only a small exposure though so run this by your doctor and see what they suggest.

I hope this helps?

Regards,
Brendan

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi there

Got my shots (ouch!). Have nearly all my visas sorted (just China to go). I've even done a bit of reading-up on my destinations. Am going to get some clothes / kit over the next 5 weeks. Any recommendions welcome.

My question regards money. I've heard that if you don't (or forget to) declare ALL currency on entering Russia, it can be taken off you as you leave. Is this true??

I'm arriving late at Moscow's Sheremtyevo airport (22.35, April 30th). I'm a little concerned at a possible delay finding a customs official and doing this, and then getting in to the city before the metro closes. Can't a afford a taxi - and hear they're a rip-off anyway.

Any advice on this?

Regards, Mark

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark

About transport from the airport ... our meeting point is the Izmaylovo Hotel which has an excellent website (www.hotelizmailovo.ru). The site includes details on how to get there from each of the airports - and the approximate travel times.

I don't know what time the metro closes but ... if you are arriving late at night, the trains won't be departing all that frequently so you're in for a long night. (It's a bus and three trains to the hotel.) How about springing yourself the cab fare and enjoying your few daylight hours in Moscow? That or try for an earlier flight.

Ciao
Kaye :-)

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Mark,

I agree with Kaye, getting to the Hotel using Public transport at this time could be problematic and the last thing you need after your flight.

Taxi's are expensive i am afraid but well worth it. If you prefer we can book this for you in advance to avoid any nasty suprises. It is

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hi Guys

Thanks for the advice. Since I'm arriving at 10.30 at night (can't change flight) I may prebook the taxi after all. It'd be better to share though. Anyone arriving at the same time??

The currency thing is something I'm quite concerned with, if I'm to bring US dollars (can't get my hands on Uzbeki Som). I read that you must get both entry AND exit pages on the Currency Declaration form (or somesuch) stamped on arrival, or the customs officers can take your currency off you when leaving the country. Read about it in Bryn Thomas's Trans-Sib guide (my original plan morphed into this trip!).

Ta for the tips - Wet Ones etc. going into luggage.

Regards
Markovich

Re: Rhubarb Road; Moscow to Beijing

Hello Mark,

I am glad you are thinking of getting a Taxi in the end, i think it would be very wise. Let us know

I realise the money issue might seem quite daunting but i dont think it is too much to worry about, however i would bear this in mind when you are concidering what currency to take and get it periodically enroute instead.

I have that book too, very informative isnt it, i love it when one idea morphs into another bigger one, its great!