Day 52. Quchin - Ashgabat
We were up and away before 7 and made our up to and through the barren hills which is the border to Turkmenistan. The bike was sitting forlornly on a loading dock. We got permission to move it and took it to where we could load it. Mirrors and handgrips twisted and a few rope burns but otherwise intact.
Border procedures on both sides were reasonably straightforward, just shelling out money left right and centre but everyone was helpful and professional. Robyn and I were separated for over an hour while I handled the bike stuff.
Yay for the first time no bike passport games to play. Thank you to Dick and Diana for the laminating tip. It worked a treat.
So I emerged from customs and caught up with Robyn but no guide. The local officials seemed keen for us to leave so we did. The road was deserted and the country hot and barren, temperature well into the 30’s. About 15km down the road we came to a massive checkpoint which is the place where everyone must have their documents checked, in and out. So we got through that ok and rode up and down thinking our guide would wave us down, but no one did and I only managed to get shouted at for going the wrong way in a carpark.
So nervously we set off for the hotel in Ashgabat, we are supposed to be guided in this country and the police have a fearsome reputation.
Ashgabat compared to where we’ve been is like landing on a different planet. Think Dubai on steroids. Just amazing. Anyway is close to 40 the 6 lane roads are virtually deserted and I’m trying to navigate but Maps.Me hasn’t quite caught up to the change of country but I have basic instructions.
Headlights appear in the distance and I’m thinking great, other bikers to chat with, only it was the cops! They waved out and then in my mirrors I saw them U turn. We are bricking it. Anyway they just rode beside us for a while, checked out the bike and were gone. Whew.
Found the hotel, which is probably the flashest hotel we have ever stayed in. What an oasis and what a contrast. Last night we stayed in the only hotel in the town, we had to ask for a fan, slept with all the windows open and the toilet, well..........
Robyn thinks she might call it quits and stay here until the money runs out.
I will sign off now and am heading for the pool.
This place may be the most tightly controlled places we visit but we will see. It is spotlessly clean and I mean there isn’t a leaf out of place
It has been built in a modern soviet style of building and mostly the exteriors are white marble, quite striking.
We have just noticed 3 sweeper trucks cleaning an already pristine roadway, next minute the phone rings " hello this is reception, would you mind please closing your windows and curtains for the next 30 minutes as our president will be driving past"
After about 45 minutes Robyn opened the door and was urgently waved back inside by the man watching the front of the hotel. She is such a rebel!
This photo is taken Day 53 - yes same again only 4 sweeper trucks. Making sure the door is shut today!
Border procedures on both sides were reasonably straightforward, just shelling out money left right and centre but everyone was helpful and professional. Robyn and I were separated for over an hour while I handled the bike stuff.
Yay for the first time no bike passport games to play. Thank you to Dick and Diana for the laminating tip. It worked a treat.
So I emerged from customs and caught up with Robyn but no guide. The local officials seemed keen for us to leave so we did. The road was deserted and the country hot and barren, temperature well into the 30’s. About 15km down the road we came to a massive checkpoint which is the place where everyone must have their documents checked, in and out. So we got through that ok and rode up and down thinking our guide would wave us down, but no one did and I only managed to get shouted at for going the wrong way in a carpark.
So nervously we set off for the hotel in Ashgabat, we are supposed to be guided in this country and the police have a fearsome reputation.
Ashgabat compared to where we’ve been is like landing on a different planet. Think Dubai on steroids. Just amazing. Anyway is close to 40 the 6 lane roads are virtually deserted and I’m trying to navigate but Maps.Me hasn’t quite caught up to the change of country but I have basic instructions.
Headlights appear in the distance and I’m thinking great, other bikers to chat with, only it was the cops! They waved out and then in my mirrors I saw them U turn. We are bricking it. Anyway they just rode beside us for a while, checked out the bike and were gone. Whew.
Found the hotel, which is probably the flashest hotel we have ever stayed in. What an oasis and what a contrast. Last night we stayed in the only hotel in the town, we had to ask for a fan, slept with all the windows open and the toilet, well..........
Robyn thinks she might call it quits and stay here until the money runs out.
Robyn, complete with travel skirt and jandals!
Front of the hotel.
We have now met our guide and driver. Extremely nice young men. I think we will enjoy it here.Front of the hotel.
I will sign off now and am heading for the pool.
This place may be the most tightly controlled places we visit but we will see. It is spotlessly clean and I mean there isn’t a leaf out of place
It has been built in a modern soviet style of building and mostly the exteriors are white marble, quite striking.
We have just noticed 3 sweeper trucks cleaning an already pristine roadway, next minute the phone rings " hello this is reception, would you mind please closing your windows and curtains for the next 30 minutes as our president will be driving past"
After about 45 minutes Robyn opened the door and was urgently waved back inside by the man watching the front of the hotel. She is such a rebel!
Take care to do as you’re told Robyn! Great reading the updates, pleased to hear you’re safely there.
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