Russia Clown Trip Informational Packet
Russia Clowning Tour November 6-20, 2010
Registration Packet Part I
Enclosed in this registration packet you will find:
- an introduction to the tour and clowning
- cost of tour package and what is included
- preliminary flight information
- passport and visa information
- introduction to Maria’s Children
Dear Clowns!!!
Congratulations and Welcome to the 26th annual Russia Clown Tour!
This is going to be an amazing trip filled with clowns from all walks of life from across the world. In Russia, our arrival is eagerly awaited by a host of Russian friends who love and care for us as their family and ensure an incredible cultural experience with Russia and its people, culture, and passions.
We will be spending the 1st week in Moscow and the 2nd week in St. Petersburg. Our clown family will assemble from many corners of the globe last years trip included Italy, Quebec, Australia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA.Together we will transform into a troupe deeply bonded by shared experience and love!
Additionally, I wanted to give you a bit of information about myself. I’m Morrighan Clinco (my clown name is also Clinco) and I am honored to be serving you. This is my second year coordinating the Russia Tour. If you are new to the world of clowning I am here for you, to help you in anyway to prepare for this trip! I have also spent a lot of time in Russia and can answer specific questions you have about the nature of this tour. If I don’t know the answer, I will find out who does.
I will be doing a bit of traveling between now and mid September, so I may not always be able to return your calls or emails immediately, however, will make an effort to get back to you in a timely manner.
My email is: theclinco@yahoo.com
My phone number is: 1-520-906-8177
My permanent address is:
Morrighan Clinco
5495 E. Fort Lowell Road
Tucson, Arizona 85712
USA
We are thrilled about your participation and feel confident that you will cherish your experience! Hundreds of people from all walks of life who have gone on these trips almost universally vouch for them as deep, fulfilling, beautiful once-in-a-lifetime experiences—a feeling echoed by the thousands of people touched by this outreach. We’re looking forward to working and playing with you!!!
Peace and Love,
Morrighan Clinco
Introduction to the tour and clowning!!!
The day-to-day itinerary of the trip will not be available from our Russian team until closer to November, but this is what a typical day looks like
Breakfast at the Hotel
Travel by bus to clown at a hospital or orphanage
Lunch
travel by bus to another clowning gig
Dinner
Some of the institutions we clown for are very small and on those days we will split into groups but come back together for meals. We will also have many clowning opportunities on the streets, in restaurants and everywhere we go in Russia. There will be some site seeing and cultural opportunities, some free time, and special dinner parties and gatherings with our Russian friends.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to be a clown, but I can offer some tips and tools that may help you to feel successful if this is your first time.
➡Take some time putting together your costume.
We encouraged you take the total clown experience, and dress in costume as much as possible and remember we all travel in costume!!!. Make sure your clown costume is comfortable to wear, even if you feel silly. Whatever clown shoes are right for you I suggest that they are also comfortable. Thrift stores and yard sales abound with inexpensive clown wear. Laundry at the hotels is expensive; don’t overpack, but bring enough costumes and clothes for the trip. Though it is often cold outside in November, the places where we clown are well heated, so think in terms of layers. You will also find endless use for many pockets. I highly recommend a red nose, but this is of course, up to you, remember a clown can be anything you imagine it to be!!!
➡Take some time getting some toys together.
Lots of experienced clowns like to carry a bag full of goodies. There are certain clown tools that never run out of uses, here is a quick list of props or toys you might want to stock up on.
Balloons, who doesn’t love them? you cant have enough!!!
puppets
stickers
bubbles
face paints
musical instruments
sound makers
whoopie cushion
a personal photo album about your life at home, and where you are from
pen and paper
magic tricks
anything else that is funny or interesting to you
*gifts
*Gift giving is a wonderful and beautiful thing, but can also be challenging as a clown. Often, if you begin giving out gifts in a group of kids you will be transformed in their eyes from a “funny loving clown” to “vending machine.” If you want to give presents away it is a good idea to do it with individual kids you are having a personal and intimate clowning connection with! If you have lots of presents and toys, you can always donate extra materials to Maria’s Children who will get toys to children in need and uses donated clown costumes and materials full time.
➡You don’t have to be funny (seriously)
Clowning is a way to connect to people and share love, don’t worry about getting laughs, they will come naturally!
Keep the questions coming!!
Later on as we receive the information from our Russian team and hear back from you, we will be sending out more detailed itineraries and information and a group roster.
What's included in the Tour and Cost:
Package for participants flying from North America
-roundtrip ticket from the states (airport TBD)
-visa and visa voucher (also called a letter of invitation)
-hotels
-meals
-transportation by tour bus
-roundtrip overnight train ticket from Moscow to St. Petersburg
$3,900*
Package for
-visa voucher (also called a letter of invitation)
-hotels
-meals
-transportation by tour bus
-train from Moscow to St. Petersburg
$2900*
*We are doing our very best to keep the cost of this trip to an absolute minimum, however, Moscow and St. Petersburg are some of the most expensive cities in the world. There is a small possibility that the cost of the trip will go down by several hundred dollars. We are still working out the final cost of the trip, the final cost of the trip will be known by the end of August.
Deposit
We register participants on a 1st come 1st serve basis and this trip is known to fill quickly, please make your $500 non-refundable deposit as soon as you know you are joining us to secure a place.
Final Payment (trip paid in full) Due September 15th (There will be a late fee for late payment)
Please do not make your final payment until the final cost of the trip is announced.
This year all payments will be made through Pay Pal, a secure online payment service, accessible to both USA and international participants.
If you are having a difficult time with the Pay Pal process, please let me know!
The payment page is available through the Russia Tour webpage on www.patchadams.org
Flight information
The clown tour beings from your own front door, remember, all participants travel in costume.
North American Participants
We will fly as a group roundtrip from the states departing on November 6th and returning on November 20th. (Flight Itinerary T.B.D.) You will be responsible for arranging travel to the airport of departure.
International Participants
Clowns not flying from the USA must book their own travel to and from Russia.
It is very important that you arrive on the correct day.
Schedule your arrival in Moscow on November 7, 2010, in the afternoon if possible.
Please book your departure for from St. Petersburg on November 20, 2010
Passport and Visa Information
To travel to Russia you need a current passport and Russian visa.
If your passport is due to expire or you do not have a passport, you need to get a new document ASAP!
The visa application process will begin in August when you will receive more information
Closing Thoughts
More information will arrive throughout the summer including airline updates, visa information, Hotel details, and a group roster.
Make sure you complete the Registration process
1. Make your $500 non-refundable down deposit through PayPal
2. Fill out and submit your online registration form
3. Print, fill out and mail your release form to
Morrighan Clinco
5495 E. Ft. Lowell Rd
Tucson, AZ 85712
Coming on this trip is not a small decision, and you are all amazing for making the bold leap! Can’t wait to meet and play with you in November! Never hesitate to contact me with questions!
Much Love,
Morrighan
An introduction to Maria’s Children
In addition to the marvelous clowning experience, you will be meeting a great host of Russian friends including Maria Yeliseyeva, founder of Maria’s Children, a Moscow based art program for Russian orphans and other children with special needs.
Though formally Maria’s Children teaches art, in a broader sense it is saving lives. The Russian orphanage system is extremely negligent, violent, and corrupt. Children who grow up in this system lack basic personal and social skills and have very little opportunity for success when they leave the orphanage at the age of 16 or 17. Through the vehicle of art Maria’s Children is giving orphans a loving caring structure and helping them to develop life skills necessary to enter the adult world.
From its humble beginning in 1993 with twelve orphans, the project has flourished. With more than 300 students, a two week summer camp, and an annual exhibition in the Moscow Central House of Artist, Maria has dreams for the project to grow.
In Moscow you will fall in love with Maria, the children, and this inspiring and romantic project which is deeply connected to the clown tour. You will have an opportunity to buy some of the beautiful art at the annual exhibition, and for the more ambitious buyer, at the annual November auction. The artwork will be some of your finest memories of the clown tour so bring an open heart and generous wallet. Some of you may consider asking your business to sponsor the purchase of a piece of art or do some additional fundraising in anticipation of the auction.
For more information on Maria’s Children, and pictures of some of the art check out www.mariaschildren.ru
Russia Clowning Tour November 6-20, 2010 Registration Packet Part II
August 16, 2010
Dear Clowns! Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, I simply cannot believe how
rapidly the trip is approaching. Here is the next big installment of information, please PRINT AND READ ALL THE INFORMATION!
Everyone receiving this email should have
1. sent in their down deposit
2. filled out their electronic registration form
3. print and read ALL the information on the Russia tour web page including Registration Packet Part I
4. a passport or be getting a new one
5. a sense of humor and excitement!
We still have a few spaces left on the trip and we encourage you to enroll your friends in joining you. You will appreciate having folks with the shared experience in your community when you return from the tour, so why not bring a buddy?!
Enclosed in this registration packet you will find:
• Financial and Payment Update •
The Visa Process
• Flight Details
• Additional Information: packing, arrival in Russia, hotels, additional tips about travel in Russia
Looking forward to your questions!
Much Love Morrighan
Financial Update:
I have some terrific news for all the participants, which is.... the final budget is in and we are thrilled to inform you all that the cost of the trip has gone down from last year. The 2010 Russia tour participation fee is
$3900 for those traveling on the group ticket from the USA or $2900 for those arranging their own airfare
Final payment for the trip will be due September 15th. (there will be a fee for late payment)
Payment (your balance or in full) is possible HERE
The Visa Process
This is a time sensitive matter, and it is very important that all clowns follow the directions. If you do not submit your forms on time it may result in a late fee, and make it impossible for you to get a visa.
USA Participants The visa company PassPortVisasExpress.com will be providing our letters of invitation and visa.
By September 14th: You need to mail in a packet that contains:
-1 passport photo 2”x2”
-your current valid passport
-Visa application (2 pages)
Please print your visa application HERE
Mail the packet to Passport Visa Express.com, Inc. C.O. Daria / Gesundheit! 1911 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite # 104 Arlington, VA 2220
In October, you will receive your passport with the visa inside.
International Participants
International clowns a responsible for getting their own visas (please contact me ASAP if you have no idea how to do this!) To assist you with your Visa process we can provide you with the letter of invitation.
If you have filled out the electronic registration form, you will receive a letter of invitation in early September, you may then use the letter for you visa application.
Flight Information
The clown tour beings from your own front door, remember...
All participants travel in costume!!!
North American Participants
We will fly as a group roundtrip from JFK International, New York, NY. You will receive your ticket in the mail in September or early October.
FLIGHT DETAILS:
Going to Russia
- Depart from JFK on Saturday, November 6, 2010, 6:45pm, Finn Air, Flight:6 - transfer through Helsinki - Arrive in Moscow, Sheremetovo,Terminal D, Sunday November 7, 2010 12:00 noon
Returning from Russia
- Depart St. Petersburg Pulkovo 2, November 20, 2010, 12:35pm Finn Air , Flight 166 - Transfer through Helsinki - Arrive in JFK, Terminal 2, Saturday, November 20, 2010, 3:55 pm
Please book your domestic flight to correspond with our international arrival and departure, and send me the details when they are known. Remember the cost of your domestic is not included in the trip. In booking your flight to JFK, please allow a minimum 2.5 hours connection time. Clowns will check in individually at their home airports and meet the group at the Finn departure gate in JFK.
International Participants
Clowns not flying with the group from the USA must book their own travel to and from Russia. It is very important that you arrive on the correct day.
Schedule your arrival in Moscow on November 7, 2010. (in the afternoon if possible) Schedule your departure from St. Petersburg on November 20, 2009
Email me the details of your arrival and departure when you book your ticket
Japanese Clowns
If you are traveling from Japan please contact Japanese Clown Captain Mariko Kanemoto at ureshiina3@hotmail.com
Arrival in Russia
On your flight to Russia you will receive a customs declaration form. You should have nothing to declare unless you are bringing more than $10,000 in cash and goods.) When we arrive you will have to go through Passport control, be prepared, as the lines can be long and slow, when you get to the front of the line you will approach the booth one at a time.
You then collect your bags at baggage claim and proceed through customs. Do not any documents you receive entering Russia, keep them with you passport.
When you come through customs you will be greeted at the airport with a sign that says “2010 Clowns” This is your transfer to the hotel
Delayed Flights
Hopefully there will be none of this, but if your flight is delayed first call me, leave a message if i do not answer. +1 520 906 8177 Then check in with the airline desk about your travel to Russia
Find out as much information as possible about your new arrival time and airport. We are still working out the best emergency numbers in Russia to call in this situation.
Additional Information Packing: How to Pack your Bags
Make sure to bring your airline tickets and passport in your carry on bag!!
Take what you need but don’t overpack!
When packing don’t forget to include -Costumes and clown goodies (remember we travel in costume!) -warm coat, hat, and scarf -one pair of sensible cold weather shoes -one set of “normal” clothes (just in case) -a photo album to share your life at home with new Russian friends -camera (suggested to bring extra batteries and film) -alarm clock -Any medications you take (pack in your carry on) -a journal -Snacks -spare glasses -woolite packages to do some simple washing in your room -hand sanitizer (for before and after clowning gigs) -a photocopy of your passport and visa (keep this somewhere different than your
passport) -reading material for down time or airports -a sense of humor
Tie a small bright colored scarf to each of your bags so they are easy to identify.
Be advised you are responsible for your own belongings, consider weather you want to bring valuables.
In your carry on it is a good idea to include a change of clothes and your essentials just in case your bags get lost.
It is best to pack 1 or 2 moderately sized bags and one carry on. (do don’t bring extra larges bags!)
Please check with your airlines about baggage limits, many airlines now charge for checked bags on domestic flights, plan accordingly. (USA participants flying on FinnAir are allowed two pieces of baggage with a maximum
weight of 23 kg or 50 lbs. per piece and one carry on.)
Hotel Check In
At the hotel you will need to turn in your passport and visa for registration, which will be returned to you after the hotel has registered them. While your passport and visa are in possession, they are your responsibility, DO NOT LOOSE THEM! If you need assistance please ask us. (Many international travelers like to wear a passport belt tucked safely against their bellies.)
Hotels
In Moscow we will be staying at
Hotel Katerina Shluzovaya Naberezhnaya 6 115 114 Moscow, Russia +7 495 795 24 44 http://www.katerinahotels.com/moscow/ru/en/
The family who owns the hotel are great friends of the Maria’s Children and the clown tour and Hotel Katerina is host the annual Maria’s Children Art Auction.
In St. Petersburg we will stay at the
Hotel Moscow Alexander Nevsky sq. 2 +7 (812) 333-2-444 http://www.hotel-moscow.ru/en/
Between Cities we will spend one night on a train in sleeper cars with four bunks. The train promises to be a night of gathering and community!
Water in Russia
DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER. Bottled water is easy to buy everywhere, and will be provided on the bus. Use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well. Any water we are served at a restaurant is safe for drinking.
Money
Bring some cash with you, useful for souvenir shopping and other small purchases. (cabs, extra water, snacks or sweets from markets and kiosks, etc.) Make sure the bills are new in appearance and have no tears or ink marks. You will have an opportunity to change your currency to rubles in Russia.
ATM machines are becoming more common, and in recent years clowns have found it easy to make withdrawals of cash in Russia. It is important to use an official Bank ATM Machine.
Travelers checks are not advised. Credit cards are accepted at many grocery stores and central cafes.
Like most major cities, please do not forget to tip for services (cafes or restaurants 15%- 20%, bag porters $4 a bag) when you are out on your own!
Communication Home
When I go on a clown tour, I give my family and friends a big kiss and tell them, goodbye, see you when I get home. I usually try to make the emphasis of my trip about connecting with locals and the other clowns in the troupe. Consider this as a time away from you normal business and social life, and take a total emersion in the trip (example: not spending all your free time looking for internet!) It will be possible to check email on occasion, or to buy a phone card to call home. DO NOT place an international call directly through the hotel because it is very expensive.
If you give your family your room number after you check in, they should be able to call you at the hotel.
Closing Thoughts
Have I forgotten anything?.... This trip is going to be an amazing adventure! Here we go!
A more detailed itinerary and group roster to come soon will arrive in September! Make sure you book your flights and get the details to me!
Please be aware that I will be away from my phone and computer from August 27th to September 9th.
I can’t wait to meet you all. We are bound to have an incredible journey. Don’t forget to come with a spirit of optimism and flexibility. See you soon and an extra big hug, Morrighan
