Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Salam Aleikum all, Marc here

Just a quick message to let all of you know that Toon is continuing with Bal to Kyrgistan and not with me to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is mainly due to the speed differences between Toon and me as Toon had to wait for me multiple times a day and wanted to cycle more and we thus both cycled alone most of the time.  I see cycling as a way to get in touch with the locals, Toon sees it more a a sportive achievement, I believe. Furthermore I like to take my time to take pictures and our personal interests are quite different so this is probably the best way for both of us. Anyway, we will most likely meet again in Kashgar, China and perhaps we will cycle together throught Tibet, who knows. I wish both Toon and Bal lots of tailwind, smooth asphalt and no flat tires

I will continue posting messages and pictures here on the site. If Toon is going to do the same I do not know.

OK, back to business,

The open air museum called Bukhara was a great place to recover and after a sad goodbye to beautiful Bukhara I cycled in three days to Samarkand, the heart of Central asia. The bumpy asphalt  and the Uzbek heat, headwinds and humity of the river valleys made it more difficult than expected but it was nice to cycle through the cottonfeelds and orchards alone agian. Samarkant is great place to hang out, espcially on the Registan and shopping in the bazar is great fun (altough expensive, ‘tourist prices’). I have my own apartment next to the Registan for only 10$ a night with has a fridge, bath and a kitchen, total VIP-luxury after 3 days of camping. Just ask for Aschur at the Registan and he will arrange it for you. He can host upto four travellers.

The day after tomorrow I’m off to Tashkent (by bus) to arrange the visum for China so fingers crossed. If time permits I will update the website before my departure to Dushanbe, if not, see you in Tajikistan

Marc