So I have been thinking of submitting a talk to Atypi for the 2008 meeting in St. Petersburg Russia. Any thoughts on what it will cost to be there? Have you been there before? What did you do? How much Russian (language) do you need to learn? What about visa/entry issues?
I’ve never been to Russia, but you will certainly need a visa in order to enter. You will probably have to apply for this long in advance. I have even been told (although I cannot verify this yet) that you have to book your accommodation before you can apply for a visa. Your hotel will send you a letter that states that you really will be staying there at the certain dates, etc.
I’ve been to the past four ATypI conferences, and am really looking forward to this year’s. I’m sure that even a little bit of Russian would go a long way in St. Petersburg, but I’ll be so busy writing my dissertation in the weeks (and days…) leading up to the conference that I doubt I will be able to learn any myself.
I have a client who works with travel agencies in St. Petersburg. She is originally from Russia herself. She primarily deals with cruises but I know she would help you. Her site is here:
She is a very nice lady. Please tell her I sent you. :-)
Sharon
BTW here are some links
http://typophile.com/node/43109 ( Call for papers )
http://atypi.org/05_Petersburg
Thanks Dan! Thanks Sharon!
Welcome to St.Petersburg!
Since program is published now and registration is open, I am here to answer any questions related to ATypI 2008 conference. From visa requirements to metro navigation: feel free to ask.
Do you think it is any better to get a Visa by starting with the Hotel or by using a Visa Service? Or does it not matter?
If anybody has picked a hotel to stay in and is willing to tell me privately what hotel that is I would be glad for the info.
Technically you cannot get tourist visa (which is strongly recommended) until you have your hotel booking. So any “visa service” includes hotel booking.
For hotels there are 2 options: small hotels (also called “mini hotels”) and regular hotels. Small hotels may be unusual: sometimes they occupy only a part of the building. So you may share building entrance with either regular (and usually quite old) condo. It somtimes is interesting and lets you better feel how it is here. But there will be no lobby bar :). Most mini hotels are in walking distance from conference venue in the area which is filled with restaurants and caffees.
There are few regular hotels. “Moscow” is the one where we have booked many rooms (http://www.hotel-moscow.ru/english/home.htm). It is OK, w
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