Thanks for the advice guys in regards to my visa questions a week or so ago. I ended up using visa link. They charge a premium i guess but no dramas in the end and all done with a week to spare :P . This time next week will be off to Vladivostok/ussuriysk via China. Should be fun and can't wait. Never thought i'd say this as an Aussie but can't wait to get to Siberia for some warmer weather. Damn i hate winter in Aus . Thanks again for your advice :)
one thing i missed out on seeing on that side was the old sub, a ex-WW2 museum piece in Vladivostok.
it would be worth a look if you have an interest in that stuff, theres plenty of cool fortifications in the area to.
you better cross your fingers that volcano doesn't disrupt your plans