Uzbekistan

Sorry for the poor blogging. The internet has either not been available or so slow you can do anything without hitting the computer. Anyways, a very quick update. Iran - amazingly friendly people, a simple ask for directions will get you driven to the restaurant and a guide for the next day at least. They wanted us to stay longer. Biggest downside to Iran is dirt, in the towns anyway. They just throw all rubbish on the ground, a bit nasty at times, and don't even bother going to the beach. Had tyre issues too. Mainly that there was a locking nut on all the wheels!! Yes dad, I should have checked before I left. Anyways, made for a long afternoon, 5 garages and god knows how many Iranians later we got the things off. Welded another bolt to the locking one and off it came. Also over heated a few times, well it has been upto 43 degree!!! Again had a croud of Iranians around the car helping out. Bruce back to full health now, and we now have a rule of checking the water everytime. Turkmenistan - think we have the quickest Iran-Turk border crossing (we recon) as we turned up just as it was about to close, in fact the gates where closd just after we went through. about an hour in total (believe me tha is quick). Well what a contrast to Iran. Imagine a policed Vagas. Every corner has a policeman on it, every piece of grass, bush etc. is perfect. The roads are swept by about a thousand cleaners. Very bizare. Well thats Ashgbat anyway. Get out and go to Mary and north to Turkmanabat andthings change. The roads get lots of pot holes and everything looks a lot poorer. What a strange country. Uzbekistan (so far) the border took about 3 hours. mainly getting out of Turk. The city of Burkhura looks nice, well so far. Food is still bland. Thats a not so quick update. Phones are working again now, so will blog a few more times. Stephen