Rhino Cam #11 – Uzbekistan (The Silk Road)
Uzbekistan has been tough for us. Extreme heat, rough roads and terrible Uzbek food that has seen both of us struggling with our health. There have been moments when we have both wanted to pack it in, but we knew this leg of the journey was never going to be easy.
We’ve been ravaged by swarms of mosquitos, melted in 40C+ heat, rattled off our bikes by broken roads, found ourselves laid up in bed for days on end struggling with fever, and clinging to cliff edges to relieve ourselves of the never-ending scours. It’s not been pretty. Uzbekistan is a tough place to live and our approach has largely been based around survival.
Having said that he last few weeks have taken us through the stunning towns of the silk road. The history surrounding the towns of Bukhara and Samarkand has been awe inspiring and the people have been delightful if sometimes a little over inquisitive.
Despite all that we are both mightily relieved that this chapter of our journey has now drawn to a close.
60 days to Shanghai. Now to the mountains…
P.S. The beards are still going strong. So strong in fact that a hotelier in Tashkent asked when we were checking in, whether we were muslims! Result.
Inspiring video – loved the water melon and the beards (!) – roads look like they could do with resurfacing but keep it up. Following your journey – and the farming commentary – with interest! Stick with it – it will be a memory that will stay with you forever :-)
Will: Just think you could be doing Farmers Apprentice this week – how can that possibly compare to shitting over precipices?! Seriously, if you didn’t have the low moments, the highs wouldn’t be so wonderful – keep going – it is worth it! Love the videos and pictures.
I once met a young man called Will
Whose calling was conquering hills
So he lined up a lot of them
Got to the top of them –
They say that he’s pedalling still.
Keep going, both of you. You can do it. It was never going to be easy. Sending lots of love and good thoughts your way.
Jo
Amazing video (and beards), guys. Whilst the fat-based meals don’t look too great, your journey and effort’s incredible – keep peddling!
Amazing video (and beards), guys. Whilst the fat-based meals don’t look too great, your journey and effort is incredible – keep peddling!
Great work guys! Considering you haven’t had the best time riding through the desert, we think your running commentaries have been very amusing!! We love the fact Johan is ALWAYS eating in every scene.. That watermelon looked deeeeelicious!!
Can’t wait for the next instalment, lots of love Kerry and Annie (Whelpdale and Bates xxx