Oranges and Mutton Stew
High Point: Today’s chat in the cab was hilarious. Plus we the lucky recipients of more amazing generosity from our Mongolian brethren. See below.
Low Point: When James played Michael Jackson’s Earth Song and four-fifths of the cab’s occupants burst into chorus. First time thus far I’ve wished I was at work. Hats off to you Jarvis Cocker, that song sucks. Read more →
High point: An amazing sunset, followed by a great dinner with equal thanks to Dave and Vestey Foods for their invaluable inputs.
Low point: today was my personal nadir. It started with a sore head as I’d imbibed perhaps a touch too much of the local potion the previous evening. This was followed up by a 185 k drive on tracks that made sitting in Martha feel like being in a washing machine. Also it was a filthy hot day. Finally, every stop we made was warmly greeted by a swarm of ravenous mosquitos. Wow, I hope I’m not sounding as fed up as the stage one crew. It’s really not that bad! Read more →
High point: Where to begin? Seriously, come visit Siberia. It’s simply stunning.
Low Point: I was hungry for about 7 minutes, but fortunately we were moments from the best supermarket we’ve stumbled across. It sold everything, and we just about emptied it.
High Point – The city of Novobinsk. Surprisingly impressive with tree-lined streets, pleasant parks and a far more western feel to it than some of the cities we have experienced many miles earlier. Top restaurant, great bars and a plentiful supply of vodka.
High point: Upon arrival at our first hotel in Kazakhstan, all seemed pretty standard. Yeah, the fluorescent green paint in the rooms was pretty bright, and reminiscent of an episode of Only Fools and Horses. But, late on, after our hotel transformed into the local banging nightclub playing all types of Kazakhi-Ruski hardcore, and Dave was apprehended by the gang of local hoodlums (average age 11) we knew we’d stumbled across a real gem. Very funny. He’s still not recovered.
High point: Proper singalong to some real gems. Cab was bouncing today.
Low Point: We woz robbed. iPhone theft. Naughty naughty.
No point: The funny little waiter who suddenly lost his ability to speak English. Or deliver food. He had no point. Read more →
