Day 56. Mary - Buchara
We have a BIG day today 400km including a border crossing in this heat!
We got away at 5:30 on the dot. A quick stop for gas and we hit the road. The road was not great, lots of broken asphalt littered with wheel buckling potholes. Very soon the heat began, hotter and hotter. This is desert country. By the time we reached the border at 10:30 it was 44 in the shade. The border was straightforward but just long winded. Go here go there, passport, stamp, visa, bike passport all the usual stuff. A nice lady in the customs house allowed us to wait in the customs house which was air conditioned and fetched a chair for Robyn, then the boss man man arrived pushing his weight around and turned the a/c unit off. What a prick.
A nice couple from Finland pulled in behind us, so we introduced ourselves. They have a similar route planned at least as far as Khyrgistan so we may have some company for a while. They are also young like us!
Even my clutch and brake levers are hot. Impossible to lift the helmet visor. I counted down the the 100km we had to go and kept talking to myself, just hang in there, you can do this, not far now. With only 5 km left I felt physically sick. I pulled to the side under some trees and just collapsed.
The girls went across the road for cold water and coke and 15 minutes later I was somewhat revived.
Our tiny little hotel is a true oasis. Family run, they sat us down for tea and fruit. Our bikes are also parked in the lobby, which isn’t very big.
I have just emptied our aluminium drink bottles, no way could I even shower under that water. Could have made a cup of tea!
We got away at 5:30 on the dot. A quick stop for gas and we hit the road. The road was not great, lots of broken asphalt littered with wheel buckling potholes. Very soon the heat began, hotter and hotter. This is desert country. By the time we reached the border at 10:30 it was 44 in the shade. The border was straightforward but just long winded. Go here go there, passport, stamp, visa, bike passport all the usual stuff. A nice lady in the customs house allowed us to wait in the customs house which was air conditioned and fetched a chair for Robyn, then the boss man man arrived pushing his weight around and turned the a/c unit off. What a prick.
A nice couple from Finland pulled in behind us, so we introduced ourselves. They have a similar route planned at least as far as Khyrgistan so we may have some company for a while. They are also young like us!
Us on the road
We set off in convoy at around 1pm this heat is next level, it is hard to describe. My temp gauge is located in the shade behind the screen with a breeze on it. It hit 45 and we are in full sun so goodness what the temperature is on our bodies.Even my clutch and brake levers are hot. Impossible to lift the helmet visor. I counted down the the 100km we had to go and kept talking to myself, just hang in there, you can do this, not far now. With only 5 km left I felt physically sick. I pulled to the side under some trees and just collapsed.
The girls went across the road for cold water and coke and 15 minutes later I was somewhat revived.
Our tiny little hotel is a true oasis. Family run, they sat us down for tea and fruit. Our bikes are also parked in the lobby, which isn’t very big.
I have just emptied our aluminium drink bottles, no way could I even shower under that water. Could have made a cup of tea!
Dinner was al fresco, probably a mistake as it was still 38 and we were dripping.
Uzbekistan is really trying to win the tourists, many new hotels here, lovely atmosphere, friendly people, cars actually stop for you on a pedestrian crossing! As well they have opened their borders as visa free for many countries.
Uzbekistan is really trying to win the tourists, many new hotels here, lovely atmosphere, friendly people, cars actually stop for you on a pedestrian crossing! As well they have opened their borders as visa free for many countries.
Beautiful bride- when we asked if we could take a photo she bowed to us.
Phew, take care! 11’ where I am in Melbourne, hard to translate the heat there!
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey, Robyn here not Mark, thanks for all your lovely comments, glad you are enjoying the Blog and photos. I love taking the photos and find it hard to choose which ones to publish, I have so many!
DeleteThe heat sounds out of this world. Will be nice to have some company for a while. Love the photos, especially the bride!
ReplyDeleteHi Angela - mum here not dad, glad you like the photos, I love taking them but fibd it hard choosing the few to post. I have so many favourites.
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