Tashkent IV

On Monday morning (January 6, 2020), the alarm clock in the Dream Hostel in Shymkent kicks me out of bed around six o'clock. The backpack is packed and so we are on our way to the bus station around half past six. We can buy tickets and shortly afterwards convince the bus driver to let Rango ride with us for a small fee. On the way to the Uzbek border, we have breakfast and shortly afterwards we are back in Uzbekistan, on our way to Tashkent. The border crossing went smoothly. Near Ibsa, we can get off, drop off our backpacks and Rango at the hostel, and head straight to the Turkmen embassy. After about an hour at the establishment, both Marcus and I have our transit visas in our hands. Then we immediately go to the train station. Unlike in Urgench, the ride with the Fat Man is a bit more complicated. We would have to take a whole cabin, which would be quite expensive. The resourceful railway employee recommends a bus ride after a phone call, and shortly afterwards we are on our way to the bus station. The weather has become quite cold by now. Light sleet accompanies us and we are glad to be able to take a ride with the metro. At the ticket counter we finally buy two tickets to Nukus. We have to arrange with the bus driver if Rango can come with us. In the worst case, the Fat Man has to go in the luggage compartment. He already knows that. Then we drive back to Ibsa, Rango gets assigned a spot in the garage and we enjoy a cup of coffee. In the evening, I take a spin with the Fat Man, treat myself to a little training, and afterwards, fresh and showered, a good portion of spaghetti bolognese with sour cream. Despite Marcus also eating well, there's plenty left for Rango. My four-legged friend obviously enjoys the cooked meal. So we devoured about 1 kg of pasta and an estimated liter of sauce. One treats oneself every now and then."

After staying up until midnight on Monday, I didn't have breakfast until half past nine on Tuesday. The day goes by with several trips accompanied by Rango and some repair work. In the evening, while taking a walk with the Fat Man, I discover a photo studio and have a passport photo made for his pet passport. I have been asked for a photo at the border more frequently lately. The guys can't read Rango's chip and thus have no good way of identifying the passport to the Fat Man. Rango makes a pretty good model and both the photographer and I are very pleased with the result. Back at the hostel, after dinner (pea soup with radish salad), it's time for a little dawdling before heading back to the nest towards midnight.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, after breakfast, maintenance work on the equipment is once again on the agenda. Another walk with Rango takes me to an outdoor shop and I inquire about some additions to my equipment. It will probably take a while before we reach warmer regions again, but we still plan to spend a night or two in the tent. Back at the hostel, we have a cup of coffee and shortly afterwards we set off for a sauna. In the end, we have to walk a little further than expected. It was warm, but by no means as cozy as in Bishkek. On the way back, we treat ourselves to a Yandex taxi and return to Ibsa. After dinner, I had planned to do some laundry, but unfortunately I wasn't the only one with that idea. I use the waiting time late at night to give Rango a shower, after consulting with the hostel manager. After my laundry has also found its way onto the drying rack, it is already three in the morning when I can finally go to bed.