It not only feels different getting out of your comfort zone but its liberating to know that you tried and got out to live & explore the unknown. It could be walking to a street less known, to eat at a place unfamiliar, or to be step onto a land completely strange.
I have always been fascinated by those Christmas carols, that over the top decorated church’s and beautiful christmasy feeling. Santa Claus, the gifts, the stories or the myths, reindeer or the ELF :) It all, always felt special. Well, am sure by this time you might categorize me into one of those kids who aren’t facing the reality of being a mature elder and informed human, but to all that matters, these stated joyous or curiosity is what led me to Russia.
December : The perfect vacation time for a much worked IT Professional, if I may say so. When I decided in the mid of the year 2016, that I wanted to travel on budget, wake up to a snow filled view each morning and step into Europe, I landed up deciding Russia as my destination.
Russia, with all its history has known to be an uncommon place for tourism until recently. A place where English is not only sparsely spoken but also negligibly used on sign boards. I had a hard time convincing or even sharing with people who am travelling to Russia SOLO. I was struck with awe almost every time and with a advise to make a change in plan. But I think that’s what drew me to Russia more. I wanted to feel that strangeness which people talk about, the black and white Russian Winters and the little less known Russian Culture.
The first thing I did was to book a to and fro tickets before I change my mind. A non-refundable travel ticket always makes it hard to cancel a plan for a hard earning women. And hence, I grounded myself. Next was to find all about the visa details and how to get the passport stamped. So I read, all the requirements, paper work, letters, everything that is needed for me to obtain the visa grant. Here is the crisp list:
- To and fro confirmed flight tickets (I chose Aeroflot, usually the cheapest from New Delhi, try skyscanner, rome2rio or kayak to check the prices)
- Valid Passport with at least 6 months to expire
- Picture as per Russian Embassy Specification
- Invite letter with voucher code from a registered travel agency in Russia (Easily available from any hostel, hotel based in Russia for about 1500 Rouble, you may get it free or complimentary if you have booked an expensive hotel)
- Itinerary for your trip (where you will stay and for how long)
There is only two places where you can submit your documents to attain Russian visa and here are their links.
I had opted for IFS as it was easier to get to in New Delhi. It was easier than it even seemed, I got my visa stamped in 4 working days. You can get visa on urgent basis too with a little more fees if that’s reasoned well during form submission.
To be continued…