Day 59. Samarkand - Samarkand

Yes you read it right. Another momentous rookie mistake. Up and away to the Tajikistan border. We got the bike all processed out of Uzbekistan and also into Tajikistan. Then it was our turn to go to passport control. Got out of Uzbekistan ok but no way would they let us into Tajikistan. Our visa time of 45 days doesn’t begin until the 17th. Doh.

A very nice guy called Alexander from Russia, he was big and so was his bike, rocked up on his bike and tried to help us out but unfortunately it all came to nothing.
Robyn tried to look very tearful but still to no avail.
(Actually she was tearful because Alexander left)

Everyone was very nice about it and they said we could go to the first town and stay there but we must leave our passports at the border and come back on the 17th.
We hummed and haahed about that but in the end decided to return to Samarkand.

So we had to say goodbye to our Finnish friends and we wish them a safe journey on the Pamir Highway.

They assured us that this is Tajikistan’s year of the tourist but no one informed the computer of this and the computer is inflexible.

So back through immigration and customs for re-entry into Uzbekistan. Everyone was friendly and helpful so no drama.

So we have found a nice hotel in Samarkand and have decided to make the best of things. Our plan is to go early tomorrow 300km north to Tashkent the capital and check it out. Then on the 17th head towards Dushanbe by a different route and a different border crossing.

Chilled afternoon with a couple of beers by the pool and catching up with bit of overdue correspondence.

Couldn't resist a few more photos.




I just want to say that this trip is everything I had hoped for and more. I couldn’t hope for a better travelling companion, as some people have commented, it is the trip of a lifetime. This type of trip is not without its challenges but so far we have muddled through and we are still smiling (most of the time).

A lovely meal at a restaurant recommended by our hotel rounded off an interesting day. 

Comments

  1. Audrey Larsen16 July 2019 at 17:24

    If nothing it’s certainly an adventure....think of all the possibilities and people you will meet on another road you’re travelling. Wonderful attitude you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rick17 July 2019 at 04:18

    Don't worry Robyn. Hopefully you'll catch up with big Alexander and his big bike😁. Watch it Mark you may loose that wonderful travelling companion 🤣🤣

    ReplyDelete

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