Today is
another border crossing day. We earlier planned to reach Oulu which is about
650 kms. from Saint Petersburg, but now we have planned to reach Kuopio, which
is 450 kms. away.
We left from
Saint Petersburg at 9 am. The border was around 160 kms. The drive was very
good as there was very good scenery throughout. It was very green on both sides
of the road. There were many rivers and canals on the way. Russia has many
rivers, main rivers being Volga, Moskva, Nevva, Ob, Ural, Samara. There are
many rivers which flow from Russia into the neighbouring countries.
We reached
the border at Russia side. There was first border post where our passports were
checked. At the next border crossing, which was the immigration and customs
check point. It took time. They took all required details from us. The problem
was that the Customs at the entry point in Russia did not give us the document
certifying the entry of the car into the country. The officials here took time
but contacted on their own, the entry point in the country at the border
between Kazakhstan and Russia, and confirmed the entry of the vehicle there and
then allowed us to exit their country. The behaviour of the officials was very
good.
AT the
border at the Finland side also there were two border posts. At the first
border post there was checking of the passport done. Then we reached second
point, which was the actual Immigration and customs point. They took time.
After stamping our passports, the official told us to wait in our vehicle, and
that he will give the passport after about 20 minutes after verifying the
passport. The passports were given back to us after about 20 minutes. While
checking the stamping on the passport, we found that my passport cover was
separated from the booklet. This was brought to the notice of the concerned official
and his boss. They agreed that it was mistake on their part. There was no
solution with them it appears.
The customs
for the car was also done and third-party insurance was also taken. We left the
border after about 3 hours.
We left the
border and reached Kuopio after about 4 hours journey. The scenery changed
immediately after we crossed border. It was lush green in Finland. The climate
was much better.
We reached
Kuopio by 9 pm, but it was still day light as we were approaching the arctic
circle.
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