2017/08/30

Day 32: nearby Zharma (Camping) - Taldyqorghan

I have to sleep with earplugs, because of the trains. I'm awake again early. I take the time to sort out photos and caring about my documentation, until Jane and Pete wake up too. Coffee, honey bread, a nice chat (I love the wonderful British English), getting tips, packing, leaving.

The road is rather bad, the route is boring. The truck drivers suffer from the bad road condition, very often I see some of them along the street doing some repairs. Again I'm getting aware of my not optimally adjusted shock absorber.

To the east I can see mighty mountains, covered with snow - they arebalready in China. Yesterday it was funny. My satnav wanted me to China all the time. But because of the visa issue, it's not so simple nowadays.

Another BMW biker and I overtake each other again and again - Ilja has only a topcase on the bike and speaks quite good English. And so we can talk a little bit. He bought the motorcycle in Russia and now is going back to Almaty.

I'm trying to make as much kms as possible. In this landscape you have the feeling, you don't really make a progress - it's too wide and vast. If the road wouldn't be so bumpy, you would probably fall asleep - endlessly straight ahead and nothing happens all around. Hardly a village, rarely a gas station. And I'm happy to cross Kazakhstan from north to south at a narrow point - how will it be from east to west?

Funny, sometimes cars stop when I take pictures and at the gas station people like to make a selfie with me. The people are very friendly and communicative - I like them.

I decide for a hotel today, I need a shower. Comfy bed, everything clean and the receptionist is smart, calling someone who can speak English better than her.

And suddenly Ilja comes into the lobby, funny. I'm going out to eat something, he's coming to the restaurant later, and we have a nice conversation. He is 40 years old, has a 20-year-old daughter, comes from Almaty, has been unemployed since last year, but already traveled a lot. We both make the best of our life and work situation - we travel!

I sleep well this night.