Well, we are on the final leg to get our Russian visas, cutting it fine as always, though we like to live on the edge! The only visa that fits our journey is the 1-year multi-entry business visa, costing us £1000, so we are praying we get it, as that's a big financial hit to our trip budget. We do have a backup plan in case things don't work out, but we feel confident with OBT, the agency we've chosen, as they come highly recommended. The process has been a rollercoaster of paperwork, waiting, and uncertainty, but it’s all part of the adventure. Securing visas for such an ambitious route requires patience and persistence, and we’re learning a lot along the way. Each step brings us closer to the reality of our journey and adds to the sense of anticipation.

We have just one final visa to get, and that is for Kazakhstan. Because we require a double-entry visa, an official invitation is necessary. The company handling this for us has informed us that we can only apply two months before our intended entry date. This has meant adjusting our travel plans and spending a few extra days in Istanbul, which we don’t mind at all. Istanbul promises to be a fascinating city, rich with history and culture, so we’re looking forward to exploring its vibrant streets, sampling the local cuisine, and discovering hidden gems as we wait. These small changes to the itinerary remind us that travel is as much about adapting as it is about planning, and sometimes the unexpected stops turn into the most memorable experiences.