We broke the journey so it was fine. Much through what they call desert but looked more like semi to me. Scrubby zerophytic bushes, the odd patch of little yellow flowers and moving from very pale ground to more ochre sand. Some scenes along the way. Huge natural gas mine built by Chinese. A lonely place to live. But if you have a caravan the world beckons. A lonely place to work. Stabilising the sand. Huge solar farm. Electricity going everywhere. We saw these old abandoned carriages frequently. Pipes for the gas. Bridge over the Oxus. The train to Kviva starts on 1st May hence our road trip. Once thrte is water there are abundant crops, particularly ffuit trees, grapes, rice, cotton and vegetables. There are enormpus green houses t...
Another birthday I have missed. Getting hotter here and we did four sites but I skipped two. Too many buildings and at some too many people. As we travel westward into the desert it will get hotter and it is only April. Some complaints from other guests but anything I dont enjoy or am bored at is not Steppes fault. The only thing I'd mention is that the preponderance of steep steps with no rails or ramps does mean guests should be made aware. Thank goodness I have a stick with me. Two nights at Bibi Khanym. A mauseleum. Our guide and the wheelchair two people needed not me. Nor did I go on the zipwire. Tower built 1916 but difficult to tell what is old and what new as all this greyish mud colour. Another mosque which was closed. I like the shadow. You can buy any knofe you like. Or scissors. A nice drain cover. Out to dinner.