Another day and another lie in. We change up some more Soms and head north to the next city of Samarqand. Probably our last big city of silk road importance before we enter Tajikistan and the remote highlands. More roadblocks. No hassle. More bad roads. No problems. It's almost too easy. Good mosque. Mosque fatigue sets in. Finally speak to Susana. See golden arches so succumb to some western food to settle the tummy however as we draw closer it appears t...

Arrival in Uzbekistan. Really hitting the silk road now. Easy border, first one with nonreuests for bribes. Short drive into bukhara Another ancient city with amazing mosques and our first city based sunsets. Decide to stay at a top hotel in the centre with great views over the mosque and Islams old school the medrassa. Hotel lad decides to take us out for dinner whilst we mull over the decision to take the long route over the Pamir highway. The original silk r...