We now have a very long drive across some desert plateau with only one “bush” stop which I have to say seem more hygienic that actually trying to use the toilets around these parts.
Mike is trying to find our exact location but not sure how accurate the map is or how knowledgeable the local guide is.
We have a one night stay in an interesting hotel the “Jeyhun” which whilst looking impressive actually leaves a lot to be desired. Who puts 14 steps up to a hotel reception and no ramp and a bell boy who watches you haul your cases but does nothing to help.
The only interesting thing is the food is actually quite good. Home made Manit (no not the currency) which are steamed dumplings with minced something in and quite tasty and as usual lots of bread.
There is a supermarket across the road which we think might be useful for some nibbles although the 3 lanes of dual carriageway either side don’t look too inviting however as ever we are up for the challenge.
It is just a small shop with the usual, crisps (chips) nuts, coke, chocolate and lots and lots of water and vodka. In the end not sure that is was worth it but we do buy some bits to keep us amused during the long coach trip we are constantly taking so mission accomplished.
Up early for breakfast and whilst looking for the right place to eat I stumble across a bar a a snooker room we were not told of that would have made the evening a little more entertaining but too late now.
Breakfast is not our usual buffet but a proper cooked one, well I say proper it was pseudo full English with some local replacements and I say cooked but there were some pink sausages which were actually chilled so not just not cooked but actually just out of the fridge. These I declined to eat as my life is dangerous enough without adding to it.
Back on the road and across another border this time back into Uzbekistan what joy, (I never told you about us arriving in Tashkent and taking around 2 – 2.5 hours to clear the customs and immigration queue.
Needless to say this crossing is as good as the last and we hang around for a couple of hours while lots of important people do lots of important things none of which are designed to help us on our way.
It might be this border (I lost count) where the no-mans-land was actually 2km and although there was a little shuttle but (and I mean little) it only ran half way so we had to wait right in the middle of nowhere for everyone to arrive and then walk the last 1km dragging our cases although to be fair we are getting used to it now. Its not like in the movies where you see people leaving one and getting a warm welcome at the next no we get the same treatment from both sides.
All this said we do make it across and we are now on our way to Buchara which is quite exciting Jonathan has been telling us that this is his favorite place on the trip.
We stop for lunch at which was “ok”
and I meet a friend although not sure he is happy about it.
I note the toilets were disgusting and we had to pay as well Doh!!!! maybe they are saving up to build some half decent ones.
Luckily they are far away from the food.