Uralsk, Kazakhstan
car went like a dream; roads almost pot hole free and them Emily negotiated a brilliant deal at The Pushkin Hotel. Early start tomorrow as we aim for Kostanay.
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
we're out of here: eternal thanks to G, S and Z
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
our suspension arm has arrived and we are now hunting the city for gear box oil, then the most expensive mechanic in Kazakhstan will carry on exploiting his meal ticket!
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
it's not that there is so much to do and see that has kept us here, it's that our car is very poorly and we're waiting on a part to arrive from home. Indeed, doing one's laundry is an event to look forward to! Will be posting more later.
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
to be honest, we're about 2 hours out of Atyrau but will be towed back there soon, we hope. A pothole (perhaps crater would describe it more accurately...) got the better of Krusty the Dormouse (a.k.a Charles) and we're currently stuck in the middle of the Kazakh desert. Morale is high, a passing nice man has apparently called us a tow truck so we're waiting here. No choice, really... Oil flowing freely, axel has seen better days and we're parked haphazardly on the wrong side of the road. More updates to follow!!
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
our very own Kazakh 'Del Boy', complete with man-bag (a fetching leather clutch bag with minamilist bling buckles, since you ask) turned up to set his grease monkeys to work - 1 hour and £30 later (and a cup of hot liquid disguised as coffee from 'Kazakh Del's' cafe, naturally) we were released and very grateful (Charles nearly kissed his new best friend but refrained in case this might cause offence.) However, 24hrs of driving has led us to the decision to stay a night here.
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
Nick drove through the night on the worst road imaginable with our exhaust pipe strapped in place. Now waiting for the mechanic to rock up and see if we can get him to mend it. Ho hum!!
Astrakhan, Russia
have limped through the Kazakhstan border as our exhaust is falling off! Easy crossing otherwise. Nearest large town is 280kms away.
Maykop, Russia
We finally got insurance and have ended up nowhere near where we wanted to be. We're on the right track, but it'll be a very early start tomorrow to ensure we get over the Kazakh border. Then the desert parties can begin! Sweet dreams!!
Sochi, Russia
After a long ferry ride and a sleep on deck while crossing the Black Sea, we've bid goodbye to Turkey and hello to hot, busy, difficult to get in to but ultimately friendly Russia. After 5 hours getting through customs, the insurance office was closed so we're stuck here until tomorrow. We're coping the only way Team Lansdown know how: beers and pumping dance music.@
