Biysk, Russia
Our 8 days in Kazakhstan are over... "I like"! Crossed the Russian border this morning without too much hassle, but continue to be pulled over by the boys in blue on a reasonably regular basis. Still evaded any "fines" though! Today, just as our usual routine of smiles, handshakes and generally looking stupid were about to fail, a local girl who'd met another rally team yesterday sweet-talked them round and Sam even got to flash his police badge to seal the deal! Also we successfully sourced some gas for our stove so we can now cook in the Mongolian wilderness... I'm not sure even Delia herself would have been able to conjure up a meal out of strange Russian sweets and a bag of dried pasta!
Aqtobe, Kazakhstan
Having punished the car enough over the last week, we've amended our route slightly and are heading further north than planned to try and avoid any more roads which look like ploughed fields! We spent last night in Aktobe where our new Kazakh best friends, Sas and Alek, introduced us to the Kazakh club scene! A slightly later start this morning due partly to the aforementioned evening out, but also undertaking some running repairs to the car... shock absorbers reattached to springs and spare tyre deployed!
Zhanaozen, Kazakhstan
Crossed border from Turkmenistan today... weirdest country I've ever been to by a long way, but great fun! Terrible roads this morning, about 60 miles barely out of first gear leaving the car (and us!) covered in dust! Managed a quick swim in the caspian to recover though and friendly Kazakh locals have sorted out our punctured tyre, found us fresh water and generally been legends. People of Zhangaozen, take a bow!
Visa time
Waiting in Trabzon at the moment to see if Tim can get a visa from the anian consulate... apparently it will all be sorted by 2pm now that he has paid €210 - let's hope so!! Big push for the border this evening, hopefully with Tim in tow... otherwise he'll have to fly to Turkmenistan!
Istanbul, Turkey
Tear up your highway code... driving in Istanbul was fun today! After spending a short time trying to maintain some British stiff upper lip and driving etiquette, we soon fell in with the locals and ensured the Perodua horn saw plenty of action - when in Rome and all that! Saw the sights including the grand bazaar and blue mosque. Drank some tea, ate a kebab and now off to find somewhere to stay...
Korçë, Albania
Only 24 hours in Albania - some spectacular scenery and a rush hour drive through Tirana that Sam won't forget... bit of a free for all! However I think it's time to head for Greece... literally been chased out of our camping spot by two hungry looking stray dogs!
Pilsen, Czech Republic
Back on the road and headed for Croatia today. 'Czech-out' party in an old castle last night with all the ralliers from the rest of Europe was good fun. Car is holding up well but has to cross the Alps later today!
