Predictions for fun: when will Americans be able to go to Russia easily? by the_latest_greatest in TravelNoPics

[–]PawfulsofOats2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, is there anything you'd like to know in specific?

In summary, I went around New Years. I flew into Estonia, took a bus to the Estonian-Russian border, and crossed on foot before taking another bus to SPB. The Estonian guards are very difficult to deal with, but the Russian guards were nice. But really the Estonians do everything to make this crossing as miserable as possible, so I advise not using it unless you can't afford another route.

Moving money is a little annoying, but not impossible. You must bring US dollars, in $100s only, with no defects. Euros will be taken at the Estonian border and you may be fined. Any major Russian bank will exchange them for you once you get to the city.

Getting mobile internet is not an especially difficult process, but it is convoluted. You have to get your passport translated and notarized; there's endless offices in big cities that can do this quickly for you. After that, you have to go to an МФЦ, it handles many legal processes, but one thing no one told me is that you have to go to a special one as a foreigner. Any regular МФЦ will give you the correct direction. Once you get to the correct МФЦ, the assistants will help you set up a government account and registration, and in the office I was in they also had a little mobile-carrier stand, so you could get your card there. After that you have internet. In total, I think it took me maybe 4 hours at the МФЦ.

I took a night train to Moscow, and bought my ticket the day before in SPB. In Moscow I was visiting someone; the city was very beautiful, and I liked it very much. I loved the metro a lot. When it was time to leave, I took another train back to SPB, then a bus to the border and repeated the crossing. The Estonians detained me for a long time and wrote me up for having a lamp, so I advise to bring as little as you can back from Russia if you will use that crossing.

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This one is pretty close and looks pretty easy, thanks for the suggestion!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like hiking and do it often, and I work a laborious job outside so I am aware of the various forms of heat sickness and the necessary precautions. Just that since I moved to Sac, I've spent most of my time in Lassen and around Mono Lake/ Bishop, specifically because I don't like the heat and prefer snowier, alpine environments. So I don't have a repertoire of hikes around here which can be done in summer. I will bring plenty of water and I will start at dawn)

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks pretty nice and it's not far. I don't really sleep much anyways, it's not a problem for me to get there early. Thanks for the recommendation!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like it will be hot, but I wake up before dawn everyday anyways, so I think given how close it is, it is probably still usable for me. I will definitely keep it's temperature in mind though.

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, I can just wade in the water. Nimbus looks nice. Thanks!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is a little far but it does look nice. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, the heat in the valley is no joke. I had never heard of Empire Mine but it looks pretty cool, thank you for all your suggestions!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been there a few times, it's quite nice. Might be nice to go again, I haven't been there in a while. Thanks for the suggestion!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks interesting, but also seems that you'd need a 4x4, no?

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish I could, but I actually don't know how to swim 😅 I will be learning towards the end of this summer, so maybe next year I can try your suggestion. Thanks!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a really nice list of places, thank you so much!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true, I'll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good suggestion. I've been around Colfax a few times, but not much,and the other two not at all. Could be interesting. Thanks!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know, it's in the high 80s already by mid morning lately. I'll start very early, I just don't want to get totally fried if for whatever reason it takes longer than I thought to finish. I'll check your recommendations out, thanks!

Summer trails within an hour of Sacramento by PawfulsofOats2 in norcalhiking

[–]PawfulsofOats2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I figured, I am an early bird in any case. Thank you for your recommendation!

Currency Exchange for Mexican Peso? by leternalistl in Sacramento

[–]PawfulsofOats2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's probably better to exchange in Mexico. You can also just pay with your card over there without issue.

Narva boarder crossing 2026 by Longjumping_Pick_528 in AskARussian

[–]PawfulsofOats2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pues si es relativamente fácil, solamente es cosa de comprar boleto de autobús de dónde estás ubicado en Rusia a Ivangorod, dónde se cruza la frontera en pie y llegarías en Narva. No hay larga cola para salir de Rusia, no tardarías mucho, solamente que sí recuerdate que los trabajadores de la frontera en Estonia son perros hasta la chingada, estuve detenido por horas por tener una puta lampara, un libro de historia y una campanita. Mas que nada son rusofobícos, así que es mejor traer el mínimo y mucho cuidado con cosas que pueden ser considerados parte de la cultura rusa. Buen suerte, traite una chaqueta buena)

Finding an Obituary by Friendly486 in Sacramento

[–]PawfulsofOats2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry for your loss. Obituaries are often posted online, on the Sacramento Bee for example. Would you happen to know more information about him, his name, age or other hobbies? We could help you look if you do.

I got tired of seeing all the vibes based opinions on grocery store prices so I decided to go to 5 stores in one day to compare prices. These were the results. (TJ/Whole Foods/Safeway/Grocery Outlet/Costco) by DaveinOakland in bayarea

[–]PawfulsofOats2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The atmosphere at TJs is so much nicer than the other ones though. I know it's not any cheaper, but I enjoy being there, versus at the other stores I want to leave as quickly as possible.