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Krasnodar: brief trip report

I tried to post it in another section - but it appears no new topics are accepted there, so I will have one last go at a quick trip report instead:

I've just returned from a 20-day trip to Russia, visiting Moscow, Kazan, and about half a dozen wineries/eco resorts in Krasnodar region.

My intent was to visit family friends in Kazan, Tatarstan, which I did, and then join them for a week-long tour of wineries in Krasnodar region. I also spent several days in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, and a side trip to magnificent Samarkand on the way there (e-visa was a bit of a pain, but everything worked out in the end). I'm somewhat familiar with the region and the risks involved: it was my second trip to Russia (the first one was well before the war) - and, coincidentally, a second visit to Uzbekistan.

The winery tour was very interesting - most of these have been established in early 2000s, and are just now entering full-scale production. Not much of a wine connoisseur, but by the end of the tour I feel I started gaining some appreciation for subtle differences in taste, aroma, etc. Nice, but I still prefer other drinks.

Two specific logistical things that are worth mentioning:

1) Random additional scrutiny at the Russian border. I had a 40-minute random check on the way out. My phone was not checked or taken from me, but the conversation was fairly thorough, covering my itinerary, connection to armed forces, local contacts, and history of previous travel.

2) Highly recommend to open a local bank account in Russia. It takes minutes and makes traveling inside the country a lot easier. I used Tinkoff bank, the process takes about 15 minutes online, a courier brought the card and a SIM card to the hotel. Please note these Russian cards will only work in Russia and a couple other countries - so only put there whatever you budgeted to spend in Russia in the first place.

Will be happy to take questions (or hear out any comments you might have).

Cheers!

R.

Posted by
2738 posts

You had a local address to list on the bank account application though, true?

My family in Pennsylvania lives in a neighborhood that has a lot of Uzbeks -- I enjoy going to the local market and trying stuff at the deli counter.

What kind of lodging did you have in Tashkent?

Posted by
24 posts

Hi avirosemail,

No, they only needed my passport and migration card (for US passport holders, it would be passport plus visa). That's all there was on the application - plus the address to deliver the card to. The "courier" guy also helped me set everything up, it was more of a "house call from your bank" than a delivery.

They also gave me a gps sim card with unlimited Internet for about 5 dollars, which came in very handy. And their online banking is above and beyond anything I'd seen.

In Tashkent, I stayed at a decent hotel located pretty far from the old town (maybe 15-20 minutes, or a $1 Yandex ride, from the main bazaar), but I enjoyed walking around that neighborhood as well. Some interesting contrasts there - and it also looked like the hotel was the base for multiple Gate One travel groups, so it was somewhat lively and quite international.

All food was great, even at the hotel, but Uzbek fruits and veggies are really something out of this world. Unforgettable! I will definitely come back, this time with family in tow.

Peace,

R.

Posted by
874 posts

Thanks for reporting back on your trip. It sounds like quite an adventure! I’ve been studying Russian (off and on, more off than on recently) for 4 years or so. My trip to Russia is on hold but Uzbekistan is on my wishlist. Love to read about going there, even if I have no plans at present.

Posted by
24 posts

Hi eef,

I'm sure four years of Russian would be very helpful both in Russia and Uzbekistan. Mine is very basic (there's only so far you can get with Duolingo), but I was almost always with someone who could translate for me, which made my trip so much easier.

Also, 2gis maps proved very helpful for independent outings, especially in Uzbekistan. Overall, both countries seem very tech-savvy and connected and there are many, many apps that make the usual logistical things a breeze (more or less). One notable exception is Uzbek visa application - before you apply, make sure you have a lot of time and be ready for tech issues.
Peace,
r.

Posted by
462 posts

----- My family in Pennsylvania lives in a neighborhood that has a lot of Uzbeks -- avirosemail

Is that in Pittsburgh, by chance? They have a pretty authentic Uzbek restaurant (named Chaikhona or something similar, of course) - it's fairly small, but great!