Hi! - to those still following along in the madness, and to those who have just joined in for the fun! My last show is now over, and while I have to put away costumes and return the rented ones to Buffalo on Tuesday, my time should hopefully open up more - only to be filled with the actual packing, cleaning out, and moving home elements. Oh boy! Things are finally starting to sink in, which is both exciting yet part terrifying at the same time.
I'm just touching on a few things with this post. First, I apparently was slightly off on the timeline of exiting Russia on a single-entry visa. Instead of the 20 business days, I have up to 30 days (if I'm still understanding things correctly!) This means that as long as I leave before July 8, then I will be fine on the single-entry visa. (I had noted July 5 as that final date previously - not a huge difference.) As either of these dates are just before Mongolia's Naadam Festival, it does not change the plans significantly. I do think though, that I can save some money and apply just for the single-entry Russian visa. In my overall arch of plans, I do not foresee returning to Russia again during this trip nor during the year I'm probably spending in New Zealand - thus, the extra cost wouldn't be worth it.
I have also reached out to two Tibetan companies to try and hop on with a group tour into Tibet. The trek I'm eyeing is as previously noted, hitting the highlights in Lhasa, making my way into western Tibet to do a 3-day trek around Mount Kailash, and seeing the Everest Base Camp on the way back. All in all, that leg would be 15-18 days depending which company I settle with. I'm leaning towards one as they have been much quicker to respond, with both options being similar priced. The one downside is that the treks are either the beginning of August or in mid to late September. Early August would mean cutting time in Mongolia to 1-2 weeks, in order to explore the beginnings of China before the trek. However, the treks in September mean that I would have all of July AND August to explore Mongolia and the beginning parts of the China leg - which is almost too much! Or is it...?
As luck would have it, I stumbled upon two options to volunteer in Mongolia! The one program is primarily for teaching English and based out of Ulaanbatar, lasting at least 1 month with additional weekly/monthly increments and becoming quite affordable the more weeks I stay! ($699 for 1 month, $799 for 2 months!) I'd be staying with a local family, but still in the capital region and my duties would be more spread out through the day.
The other option, and the one I truly am leaning towards, would be to volunteer with a small family horse trek business. Now, the last time I was near or rode a horse was when I was a kid - however, in talking with them via email, there are many things I could do to help out around their camp, assisting even on some of their shorter treks. At $200/week for food and housing, with a real Mongolian ger experience - it's hard to pass this opportunity up. Mongolians are known for their horses and treks! Except, that's not even the best part - if I can stay at least a month or more, then I could potentially volunteer as an assistant manager where my room and board would be free! (Instead of payment, the two break even.) I would have more duties including helping to plan and prepare treks and assist on some business aspects, but otherwise I'd still be working with the horses and going on smaller treks. I think this option not only would be amazing, but the price is hard to beat for 1-2 months! Even better, depending on which treks I assist on, I might be able to see many of the sights I want to without having to arrange on my own, or pay for a pricier tour!
As I am looking into volunteering, I also discovered a site that helps to fundraise for trips abroad. While I'm not a fan of asking for financial support for this overall trip, I'm feel that having a strong purpose such as volunteering would be a worthy cause people might consider donating. I'm still toying with the idea, but you might see something more on that note coming up.
I also realized that parts of my travels might actually appeal to others to join. So, if anyone is interested in any leg of my planned trip, let me know quickly and we can discuss things!
Till then, adieu!
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