- Russian and Mongolian visas applied for and gotten
- Arranged the sale of my bike to a friend - necessary but sad
- Funds sorted - barring a crash of the Australian dollar I should have enough money to make it OS.
- Issue regarding the importation of motorbikes back to Australia at the conclusion of the trip considered. Namely bikes must have been owned for 12 months before eligible for personal-import to Australia. This does not cover pre-1989 bikes. Conversation needs to be had to account for either eventuality: 1. the consequences of driving 23+ year old bikes 10,000 km over bad roads or 2. trying to sell unregistered imported, bikes in Istanbul.
- Means of accessing funds sorted - 28 degrees credit card. No currency conversion fees, no international transfer fees - you just pay the ATM fee ($2-4) when accessing Australian dollars in Armenia. Only issue that Iran has no Mastercard network.
- Galaxy S2 bought - with Russian Maps app installed. Russian Maps have both topographical map and open street map views, which can be precached. I added a 32Gb microSD card meaning that I can save a great deal of navigation data without having to access the 3G network. Voice activation needs to be tested.
- StarCom 1: Advanced bought. This should enable me to listen to phone calls, iPod, make voice notes, communicate over CB radio all through the one headset. Needs to be tested.
- Immunization Shots taken (one more round required).
- Method of powering all devices and keeping them in sight researched. Best method have all chords and devices encased in a tank bag, with transparent panel to view screens. This keeps everything simple - bag can be detached for security and is waterproof. Saves having to turn your handlebars into a work station from the stock exchange.
Still to do:
- Chinese visa to be applied for and flights home to be bought this week.
- Buy international simcard
- Work out exact conditions of CDP in Germany.
