… to almost Russia

Harbin is the closest major city to Russia. So naturally, we decided that we should try to go to Russia. I listened to Laura go back and forth with the hotel receptionist for ten minutes about how far and the different routes to get to Russia. At one point both were drawing chicken-shaped maps of China before Laura insisted he get on the internet to look up the route (he had placed Beijing about 500 miles south of where it should be). Ultimately the trip was vetoed for the following reasons:

1. The 2-3 hour train ride that we had anticipated ended up being 6-8.
2. We proposed renting a car but there was lack of clarity over whether two Americans could take a rented Chinese vehicle into Russia.
3. We were told that though I would be safe, the Russians would attack Laura on account of her looking Asian. “Not safe for Asians.”
4. Harbin was once under Russian rule and is known in China as the "Oriental St. Petersburg. The street next to our hotel is home to numerous Russian coffee shops, bars, and stores, thus no need to adventure to the actual country this time around.