Langar, Tajikistan

Lisa and I spent the night of 14-15 at the Akim Guest House in Yamchun. It was one of those places where there wan't much to do once the sun went down, so early nights for both of us. I think I watched a Poirot as I have them all downloaded onto my laptop. However, I should say that the family were all incredibly friendly and hospitable, especially Akim the patriarch who apparently studied at Moscow University during soviet times - I think he said he was a historian.

In the morning we were picked up by our mad taxi driver who took us up to the nearby fort. Spent maybe half an hour exploring there. Absolutely no health & safety here.

Met a couple of dutch brothers who were also travelling - one of whom was managing to do so despite being partially paralysed down his left hand side. We would meet them again when we were dropped off for the hitchhiking phase of our trip.

Then up to the hot springs with the taxi driver and his son. The baths were separate for boys and girls. Taxi driver, his son and me and then some others turned up. The waters were so hot. And so relaxing. Especially so since the shower had been skipped this morning at the guest house due to the water being cold.

After this back down the hill and picked up the dutch guys to carry on to Langar. This is not Langar the famous UK skydiving centre... but Langar the village in the Wakhan Valley of Tajikistan.( I know, I know ... easy mistake to make. Much debate about the next stage of the journey.

On arriving at the guest house I spotted a bike I recognised. It was James's. We found him lying in a room looking a little sorry for himself. He had come down with the famous Pamir illness - apparently everyone who travels the Pamir comes down with food poisoning or some other illness at some point. Not entirely true as I escaped but clearly a high proportion do.

He was therefore falling behind Becky and Ed and decided to come with us in the car the next day to catch up or even get ahead.

The next stage was to Murghab but we were quoted an astronomical price. Fortunately there was a Spaniard across the road at the nearby hostel looking for a share we agreed to liaise tomorrow morning.

Had dinner and bed. I need to get more flexible to east crossed legged at these tables they have.もっと詳しく