Welcome to Uzbekistan

And what a welcome! We arrived at the border crossing on the outskirts of Osh at 7am and were ushered through the Kyrgyzstani side in double quick time, very polite and efficient. We then entered the Uzbekistan controlled area where there were only a few people in the queue ahead of us. They stamped our passports and issued a customs certificate for the bike which was stamped by 5 different people, a cursory inspection of our luggage, all done with smiles and interest in our journey. All in all we were done in 40 minutes- both sides! I had prepared myself for several hours so we were very pleased.

In the very short time we have been here the people have been so kind: we stopped for a drink and to buy some food but a truck driver insisted he buy our coffees and the shop owner gave us a local Patir bread! The cars on the road wave as they pass and toot their horns, one very “happy” driver was very insistent we stop, so we did - he wanted to practice his English (he was an English teacher). So far the hospitality has been amazing. The city of Samarkand tomorrow.

Richard and Jude.
#blackdogride #mentalhealthmotorbike