Tashkent

We left Shumkent this morming for a 300km drive to Tashkent including another longdrawn out border crossing.

The drive went perfectly, even to the extent that we aren't using so much oil. About 3pm this morning I woke up thinking about the sump bolts (how my life has changed!) and perhaps the bottom half of the engine being the source of the oil leaks rather than the top half.

James and I sat next to Dom at breakfast who ate a plate of cold lentils, cold carrot and a congealed fried egg on top. We didn't have much breakfast after that.

The border crossing was the usual example of demented bureaucracy. Hours of waiting followed by hours of shuffling forms about and then we were in Uzbekistan!

Our navigation skills are getting better and better and we arrived at the front door of the Intercontinental. Another time change moves us an hour closer to home and comfortingly an hour closer to everyone.

James booked us in whilst I got under the car for an hour or so. The web team interviews us to camera so look out everyone.

I have just washed and brushed up and I have lost a half a stone!
absolutely marvellous! James claimed to have lot nearer a stone but after independent evaluation it has been agreed that he has lost the same as I.

19 days of sunshine so far which has made the journey so much easier to cope with.

RHC
Sent from my iPhone