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TravelTranscript
00:06You
00:18Look at this
00:20What a stunning view
00:22It takes my breath away
00:24Yeah, wow
00:26That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock
00:32The way they're going on the lines
00:33The rock formation, look to see it's going down
00:36Older men talking about rocks
00:37Look at me
00:41Peeking at 4,000 metres above sea level
00:45Zaman National Park
00:50Uzbekistan's oldest nature reserve
00:53Home to more than 800 species of plants and herbs
00:57Some with medicinal qualities
01:00The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties
01:05But in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium
01:08A health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air
01:18The sound of the water
01:20Exactly
01:21It's so smoothing
01:22Yeah
01:23Taking their own therapeutic break before the next leg
01:27Mark
01:28Margo
01:29And Andrew
01:30I think what's going to make a difference going ahead
01:32Is budget
01:33Yes
01:34And our budget is cooked
01:36Look me in the eye
01:37Are you telling me the truth or no?
01:40With just three legs remaining
01:42Funds are dwindling
01:44While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget
01:47While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget
02:14In the second let her go and make those calls
02:16And live and die by those consequences
02:23Do you think youngsters will be doing that?
02:25Oh, I hope not
02:29That's good
02:30Oh, that looks so good
02:32Oh, that looks so good
02:32Oh, that looks so good
02:33Oh, that looks so good
02:33Oh, that looks so good
02:33Oh, that looks so good
02:33Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No
02:35Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:37If anyone can it's here
02:38Yeah, come on
02:39Go on boys
02:40It's quite nice
02:42That the young'uns are together
02:44It's really fun
02:45I have to admit
02:45It's a bit different
02:46Travelling with your dad
02:48We get on really well
02:49And I'm very lucky for that
02:51But I can find that
02:52It is different
02:53And it can be difficult at times
02:54Like there's always that kind of
02:56He's final say
02:57Because he's the dad
02:58In this life
02:59There's only a few people you can rely on
03:00Best friends
03:01And family
03:02Yeah, yeah, yeah
03:03Look at his plate
03:04That's a quote of a sheep
03:08I mean all I can know
03:09Save the budget
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way
03:11Coming after that?
03:14That's the only leg you're gonna win
03:16Oh God
03:17Oh, bro
03:325.30am
03:34Super early
03:35Shouldn't be asked to leave a hotel before breakfast
03:37First to leave with only a 40 minute lead
03:40Katie and Harrison
03:41This is for you
03:43Thank you so much
03:44Here we go
03:46Your zip chat print is
03:49Almaty
03:49I know exactly where it is
03:51Back to Kazakhstan
03:51Exciting
03:53Let's go
03:53We've only got a 40 minute lead
03:55So I hope
03:56This isn't really close the station for us
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometres into the east of Kazakhstan
04:03Almaty
04:07A stark contrast to the vast steppe of the west
04:10The city sits in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains
04:15Founded as a Russian frontier fort
04:17An influence that remains visible in the Orthodox churches
04:21And Soviet-era sculptures dotted throughout the city
04:24Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991
04:29It's evolved into the country's cultural and financial hub
04:33With over 2 million residents
04:35It's the largest city in Kazakhstan
04:39Right
04:40Now we get into Almaty
04:41Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan
04:45Or
04:45We just go around the top
04:48Of Kazakhstan straight to Almaty
04:51To get there
04:52Teams face a choice of going through one of two countries
04:56They could head north into eastern Kazakhstan
05:00Travelling through the country's major cities
05:02Linked by a reliable but potentially costly rail network
05:07Alternatively, they could cut through Kyrgyzstan
05:11A country rarely visited by western tourists
05:14With mountains dominating over 90% of its landscape
05:18And communities spread thinly across the rugged terrain
05:22Transport is affordable but limited
05:26It's an absolute no-brainer for me
05:28I'd love to go to Kyrgyzstan
05:30I want to really feel like I'm
05:33I'm not in the touristy part of that country
05:35And I feel like this is going to give it to us
05:37And in the bigger cities they'll have the student hostels as well
05:41I think it's going to be more budget friendly
05:42So I stick to bus routes which I think are going to be a lot cheaper
05:46I'm so glad that we're taking off another country
05:48Like I'm genuinely buzzing
05:49Let's go to Kyrgyzstan
05:51Let's go to Kyrgyzstan
05:53Kyrgyzstan we are coming for you
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan
05:57They're looking for a true traveller experience on a budget to match
06:01But with two borders to cross
06:03Getting into the country quickly is of the essence
06:06Bus today
06:08Toshkent
06:08Toshkent
06:09Toshkent?
06:10Yeah
06:11I don't know
06:12No?
06:13No
06:13So Tashkent taxi?
06:16Taxi
06:16Okay
06:18I know very little about Kyrgyzstan
06:19But I am very excited for it
06:21Oh
06:22I'm hoping less expensive taxis and more direct bus travel
06:27What is your name?
06:29Ferdas
06:29Ferdas?
06:31Ferdas
06:32Ah, Harrison
06:32Nice to meet you
06:34Nice to meet you
06:35With no buses in sight
06:37The siblings are heading to Toshkent
06:39In a local shared taxi
06:42I am in the parchment business
06:44You smell good
06:45You are very friendly
06:48I like your accent
06:49Ha, ha, ha, ha
06:50Manchester
06:52Manchester
06:52Manchester United
06:53Manchester United
06:54Manchester City
06:54No, no city
06:55No, no, no, no
06:58He's getting the scores up
07:00Oh, my God
07:00What a guy
07:01Oh
07:04Joe
07:06Joe, are you getting in?
07:08Don't call another passenger
07:09Just 40 minutes behind
07:11Ferdas
07:11Ferdas
07:13Ferdas
07:15Joe and Kush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi
07:18As they race to gain ground
07:21It's about two hours to get to the capital Toshkent
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be going more direct
07:27If we go through Kyrgyzstan
07:29Kyrgyzstan's a new country
07:29That's sick
07:31So we're looking at Kyrgyzstan
07:32I know of it
07:33But I know very, very, very little
07:34So hopefully it's got quite a low tourist population
07:36And so we're hoping it'll be a lot cheaper
07:38We need to get to Kyrgyzstan tonight
07:42Following the same route as Katie and Harrison
07:44The best friends are looking to speed straight out of Uzbekistan
07:48And cross the border by tonight
07:53I'm really hoping
07:54I think we can actually get across the border today
07:56About 45 minutes behind first
07:58I'm very, very close
07:59And so it's not much to catch up
08:00This driver's just charging through everyone
08:06First to arrive in Tashkent
08:09Thank you very much, thank you
08:11OK
08:12On the edge of the Eurasian steppe
08:15This ancient Silk Road trading post
08:17Retains a blend of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences
08:23Railway ticket office
08:25Look at that
08:27Hello, Andijan
08:29Today, two tickets
08:32Pressing on
08:33The siblings have secured tickets to Andijan
08:36And are a step closer to their intended destination
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get
08:44But
08:44Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind
08:46So it's very possible that they get here
08:48So we have to move
08:50Thank you for that
08:53Close behind
08:54We're trying to get to Andijan
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581am
08:591am
08:59Yes
09:01400,000
09:02Both of us
09:03That's so much
09:04Thank you
09:05We will ask for a taxi
09:06Because that is very expensive
09:08So we're looking at a taxi
09:09Because 400,000 son for a train
09:11That takes seven hours
09:12But hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 son for four hours
09:15If we can haggle our way down
09:18So we need to know
09:19If someone will drive
09:22Here to Ardijan
09:24Please
09:24The first you should go to the car station
09:27And then you should get the next taxi drive
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:33If these guys can drive Ardijan
09:35No, no, no
09:36You can't go to Ardijan from here?
09:38No, no
09:39Oh no
09:40Having skipped the seven hour train in favour of a car straight to the border
09:44The boys now need to head to the other side of town where long distance taxis depart
09:50I feel sick
09:51I feel sick, I can't believe that
09:52I mean we have to commit
09:54We're not even at the border yet
09:57Kush's reaction to stress was quite instant
09:59Oh
10:01I know Kush has that heightened anxiety
10:05I don't think we have much trace
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes and best decisions to make
10:13Oh God
10:14We could have got straight to Ardijan in the train
10:17It's going to be a long day
10:18Man, we're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
10:20Nah, I don't think we should assume
10:23But it is hard for him to look at the bigger picture
10:26And chill out
10:28Can't believe this first day we've had
10:31F*** up big time
10:37Back in Zaman City
10:40Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities
10:43Okay
10:44Screams out to me
10:44The third team to set off
10:46Andrew and Molly
10:48I would love to finish the Silk Road in Tashkent
10:51Head on to Shoe
10:52And then head to Almaty
10:54Yeah
10:54Maybe I am taking over this now
10:56Maybe you are
10:58Molly's plan
10:59Follow a busier route and city hop by rail through Kazakhstan
11:03But first
11:04They must reach the Uzbek capital Tashkent
11:08Taxi
11:09There
11:10Thank you very much
11:11Excited for Tashkent
11:13I love cities, I love people
11:14And after the last leg where I couldn't even make a bloody decision
11:17This is something new
11:19Onwards and upwards
11:20To Tashkent
11:21Let's go
11:22Yes, let's go
11:23Yes, let's go
11:26Back in the road
11:31Leaving in last place
11:34Margot and her brother-in-law Mark
11:37We'll get into Tashkent
11:38Finds them a cheaper to stay tonight
11:40Kyrgyz has been fourth place
11:42We used to claw some time back
11:44Do you think it was your route through Kyrgyzstan?
11:46I think
11:48Kyrgyzstan seems the most direct route to go
11:50So hopefully we can get back to third place if we can
11:54Like two other teams
11:56Like two other teams
11:56They are heading to Tashkent tonight
11:58Before aiming for Kyrgyzstan tomorrow
12:01He's driving very fast
12:02Go on
12:04Woo
12:06Jeez Louise
12:09As evening sets in
12:12We've got to get to the border tonight, bro
12:14Joe and Kush are still trying to find a cheap taxi to the border
12:19Kyrgyzstan border
12:20Kyrgyzstan border
12:20For one person
12:21250,000
12:22That's a lot
12:23We need to do for this price
12:25We have little money
12:27No way
12:28Really, I tell you
12:29Oh, I feel sick
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent
12:33With their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border
12:35They are still 300 kilometres away
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
12:40There's no buses
12:41And we'd be spending like £40 on taxis
12:44I can't believe we didn't get the train
12:46It's getting dark, bro
12:47It might just be worth staying tonight
12:51But then we're going to have to pay for accommodation
12:52We can stay on the floor
12:53Oh, no
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap
12:58This one is a cheaper one
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah
13:02Oh, that's so expensive
13:04Is there any cheaper we can even do?
13:06Like, if we sleep on the floor of anywhere
13:08We are so sorry
13:10I literally sleep standing up
13:12Oh, I'm so stressed
13:14We have second floor, the sofa
13:16You can stay there for free
13:19You're welcome
13:20Oh, Rachmet
13:22Free calm
13:23We couldn't get any cheaper
13:24As good as this is
13:25I just think we chose the wrong route in general
13:29And now we're here
13:30Now we're near the border
13:31Yeah
13:33I like to plan
13:35Because I like to be in control
13:37But times like this now
13:38As we've gotten more into the unknown countries
13:41We face a lot of difficulty
13:44It's just not up to us anymore
13:45It really depends on transport connections
13:47Also, you guys can use TV
13:49Oh, thank you
13:51I am 100% an over-thinker
13:54I do experience quite a fair amount of anxiety
13:58Losing my dad was in the space of like a day
14:01It was 0 to 100
14:04So, a lot of anxiety I feel is about the unknown
14:08It is a everyday struggle still
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain
14:15It's exhausting
14:17Can't lie, bro
14:18I'm going to be thinking the entire night
14:20I'm going to be sleeping, I can't lie
14:22I'm going to be stressing
14:23I'm going to be snorting
14:26It's been such a rough day
14:43Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool
14:46With a history spanning two millennia
14:52Chorso Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market
14:56Wow
14:56Holy moly
14:59Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era Blue Dome
15:06How fast can you do then?
15:08More faster than you
15:09Give me a day
15:13Working for Sanjar on one of the market's popular food stalls
15:16Andrew and Molly are helping to prepare the national dish
15:20Plov
15:22Said to have aphrodisiac qualities
15:24It's widely consumed on Thursdays
15:26A popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan
15:30You're welcome
15:30Thank you
15:34It's so cool
15:35Do you work here every day?
15:37Except five friends
15:38My father is working 45 years here
15:40Your father?
15:41He has a big reputation, that's why
15:43Yeah
15:43Gotcha, gotcha
15:44I'm third generation
15:45You're third generation
15:46Which you have to keep going, yes
15:50Mohamed
15:51Mohamed, Mali
15:53Uzbekistan
15:54Ireland
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment
16:02I'm buzzing with it actually
16:05That's good, eh?
16:06Yeah?
16:06Yeah, yeah, ginger
16:07Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
16:08Irish
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this day
16:13I would like daddy to see me a little bit more grown up and as an adult
16:17To do that I need to be confident and stand on my decisions
16:23Say kebab
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs
16:27I wanted you to this place
16:29I did that
16:30I cut all the onions
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place
16:37You're doing a great job
16:38I enjoyed it
16:39Everyone tell me
16:41You're doing great
16:43Nice to earn a bit of money
16:45It'll take us across the border
16:46We'll have enough to get across the border
16:48All good?
16:49It's valid, eh?
16:52Molly, I got paid
16:54How much do you make in taxes?
16:55I made five thousand, how much do you make?
16:57Ten
17:01Ten
17:01Where are we going to taxi outside?
17:02From this side
17:03Thank you, see you later
17:04Thank you
17:06Thank you
17:06Bye bye
17:06Bye bye
17:09Our plan is
17:10Yeah
17:11Get to the border
17:12And then connect
17:13And shine with Kent
17:14As quick as possible
17:15As quick as possible
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action
17:18Border, Kazakhstan
17:20The team are splitting from the pack
17:22Heading to the Kazakh border crossing
17:24And then traversing north
17:26And then traversing north
17:26To the city of Shimkhet
17:28Take Kazakhstan
17:31Great job Molly
17:32Well done
17:32That's great
17:34Shimkhet
17:34Woo woo
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker
17:42And cheaper
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night
17:50Joe and Kush are still six hours away from the crossing
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah
17:58The Uber
18:00And there you can find somebody for cheaper
18:04Maybe we can help
18:06Kush hasn't slept
18:07He's very anxious
18:08He's stressed
18:10Ready? Let's go
18:11He's in such a negative headspace
18:13It feels like he's lost hope
18:16So Anderson is here
18:18But we need to go to this border
18:20So like maybe
18:21A little bit further
18:23I believe staying positive
18:24Is the best chances of winning
18:26Our plan is to
18:28Help Kush out of this spiral
18:29He's in right now
18:30We need to
18:31Get
18:32Cheapest
18:33Cheapest price
18:34I'm gonna pay them
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah
18:37Are you serious?
18:39Oh my god
18:40Oh my god
18:42Thank you so much
18:43You've been so much help
18:44Can we take a quick picture?
18:45Oh my god
18:47Oh my god
18:51When we get to Mongolia
18:52We'll send you a picture
18:53Oh okay
18:54We'll send you
18:54Alright
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima
18:57The boys have a free ride straight to the border
19:01Thank you
19:05Naima is a miracle though
19:07I think this morning this gave me some inspiration
19:12And obviously Naima taking such good care of us
19:15Yeah
19:15I think we really enjoyed the homestay
19:17Doing a job that's outdoors
19:19Which we've been wanting
19:20Local
19:21And authentic to the area
19:23Yeah
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it
19:27We're gonna save money
19:29Which means
19:30We can sprint to checkpoints
19:33Inspired by local generosity
19:35They plan to stop for a homestay in Arslan Bob
19:38Once they enter into Kyrgyzstan
19:40We can still do this
19:42God
19:43We just can't give up
19:48Mmmmm
19:50Mmmmm
19:53Mmmmm
19:53Following behind after departing the checkpoint in last place
19:58Mmmmm
19:59In-laws Mark and Margo
20:01Taking a picturesque route towards Kyrgyzstan
20:04With a train through the Fergana Valley
20:08It's been a lot in the last hour or so
20:10Very rookies
20:12They just look like giant sand dunes
20:17A highly fertile basin between mountain ranges
20:21Stretching from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan
20:24This agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and silk production
20:28And local life is deeply rooted in centuries old artisanal handicraft techniques
20:36Cockhand
20:37The handicraftest city of the world
20:39Oh, Cockhand
20:40Cockhand
20:41That wasn't on your map, was it?
20:43No
20:44It'd be lovely to explore some of these places
20:46But
20:47You can't
20:48If you want to keep in the race
20:50No, we can't afford to fall any further behind
20:52We've just got to push on
20:55And look at some lovely beauties from the window
20:56See, exactly, yeah
21:00Mark and I are fourth and we have got to race
21:03But the travelling through is going to be the experience
21:07And we're going to make the most of it
21:10Hello, hi
21:12Hello, hello
21:14Mark and I are a little bit older
21:16People might notice we're a little bit older
21:18I'm 60 next year and I really think the best is still to come
21:22Anybody speak English?
21:24No English?
21:26I'm from Liverpool
21:28I've got a lot of energy
21:30And I do spend a lot of energy looking after my family
21:34But now the kids are older
21:36And especially at such a crossroads of turning 60
21:39It gives me the chance to really reassess things
21:42Really look for what I want
21:44Love this, this is beautiful
21:47Let's get the party started
21:49Anyone fancy a sing-song?
21:51Ba-ba-ba
21:52La-da-da
21:54Ya-ta-dee-dee-dee
21:57Where are you all from? Are you all friends?
22:00In Cavallo
22:27I like this as the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border.
22:33Which way is the border?
22:34This way.
22:35The border this way?
22:37OK.
22:38Already there after their late-night train, Katie and Harrison.
22:43I've never done a footboard before.
22:45I've only crossed on boat, train and bus so far.
22:48I think you've walked through.
22:49We just walked through and then we're in Kyrgyzstan.
22:51Seventh country, here we come.
22:55One of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries,
22:59Kyrgyzstan was settled by nomadic tribes from southern Siberia.
23:03Their legacy of moving in groups across mountainous terrain continues today,
23:08with local ride shares, known as Marshrutkas, linking towns and villages.
23:16We want to go to Bishkek.
23:26It's nothing at this.
23:33too much sorry i want to find out if there is a bus to bishkek because a taxi is just
23:41so expensive
23:41fingers crossed determined to stick to public transport they plan to use bishkek on the
23:48northern edge as a stepping stone to the checkpoint after bus bishkek no
23:58taxi but no buses depart after 6 p.m we are on a tighter budget we want to save for
24:05the next two
24:06legs it might slow us down in the race a little bit it needs to be more of a risk
24:12splashing out
24:13there's no more today
24:16oh
24:23stuck in osh very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of
24:28greece and turkey buses ran all day and all night you can get anywhere you wanted in the country
24:34kyrgyzstan's not turning out to be as we thought
24:37this is man's room men's room perfect having made little progress and stranded for the night
24:44a chance for katie's hostile dream to become a reality did you say you were from toronto oh wow
24:52we're from england this type of traveling where it can get a bit difficult or you're
25:00you're completely out of your comfort zone is exactly what i wanted to do how long have you
25:04been doing this for two and a half years really not not been home in two and a half years
25:10like the mindset just blows me like like how you can just travel like not kind of know where
25:15you're going to end up next yeah i mean it's just my life now so yeah happy yes very happy
25:22i've
25:23been looking for one for five weeks yay the guys in our room they're so cool yeah he's got like
25:32all the countries like on his back they're like proper backpackers yeah this is like feels like
25:38the place to be for travelers yeah a lot of people and i'm here because i'm the traveler yeah i
25:44think
25:44katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive um and making the most of it there's so
25:50many things that could go wrong but she just seems to just just go with it it is a good
25:54thing that
25:55we're seeing tonight yeah explore more options tomorrow what do you do do you just
26:05as the team settle in for the night
26:11assalamu alaikum what is your name
26:14kush it's one best thing about scouse accents is you can pronounce names a lot better
26:18200 kilometers to the north a direct taxi has pushed joe and kush into the lead
26:24as they arrive in the rural village of arslan bob
26:28are we working tomorrow in the morning yeah yeah where they're staying with walnut farmer abdur azok
26:38and this is like fresh bread oh that is fresh that's very fresh
26:45that's a doughy
26:47oh so nice feeling a lot better
26:52it's our first time in kyrgyzstan today i guess not so many tourists come in kyrgyzstan
26:57compared to like maybe thailand and spain 25 000 population everybody know each other yeah so
27:05you know maybe 25 000 friends sounds like liverpool everyone knows everyone you know it's the same
27:11okay everyone knows everyone and everyone's happy to help each other and so it is his boss we love
27:16it i mean what boss mean boss boss is like really good yeah like very good like like this food
27:25is boss
27:26we have some words about like like this buzzer joe buzzer joe yeah like very cool it's green tea
27:32buzzer joe
27:36and it's boss because of your hair
27:39that's what i'm talking about two two skillset abdura was boss i mean we've had such a lucky run in
27:46with um with people that we meet there's just a sort of really really generous energy about them
27:52but i'm feeling a little anxious still is proper off the beating track i already think that we're
27:57gonna be behind everyone else to get to checkpoints in 9 30 we can start to the forest yeah that'd
28:03be so
28:04good oh that's fast nice is it that's boss boss yeah this is fab i love a dramatic flag
28:23after crossing the border last night andrew and molly have reached kazakhstan's third largest city
28:29shim kent hello but they're already looking for a way out we need the earliest train to choose
28:37with plans to move swiftly onto shoe a city 450 kilometers closer to the checkpoint
28:43no earlier trains no taxi just to see what it is price was uh taxi three zero zero okay okay
28:55thank you
28:56what is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train jesus yeah it's 15 times 15
29:04times the value 225 yeah i didn't get the train train yes there's no there's no questions
29:13while andrew and molly wait five hours for the train on the news there's like 10 seats on here
29:21but there's like 30 people on there it's great in kyrgyzstan i just feel like you're local like
29:27there's so many it's just local people like going to work or whatever it's brilliant yeah great and it's
29:33cheap as chips finally on the move using public transport katie and harrison are setting a course to the
29:40capital bishkek oh now
29:47baby quite hectic on the roads but getting this closer yeah we're making progress yeah
29:56oh my god traffic jump
30:07no idea what's going on oh great
30:16one simple road that won't be a simple road
30:20well there's worse places to be stopped by road i suppose if anyone's traveling up through kyrgyzstan
30:26today they would have done it quicker than us ow ow ow ow
30:36this silly beast stuck to my feet
30:40having now caught up with the siblings margot we can't come in
30:47mark and margot get across the road now because it's going to get busy
30:53it's been clear we're moving now
30:56let's get back on the bus we're moving i don't want the bus to leave without us
31:04thistle prongs that was really really stupid one of the stupidest things i've done on this race
31:10so far who does that you do that
31:15i think today is going to be a very long day
31:19bishkek tonight we're doing it
31:24this is a very impressive landscape
31:28very dramatic i will remember it dramatic and extreme isn't it yes
31:35connecting the south of the country with the capital in the north
31:38a single precipitous 700 kilometer long highway weaving through steep canyons tunnels and high
31:47mountain passes at its peak reaching altitudes over 3000 meters oh margot oh snow
31:57yeah this is what we came for
32:03i reckon having done this i reckon we could be with a good chance of keeping him with the pack
32:08we're very short of money we've had three days of real hard travel tomorrow let's see if there's any
32:14work in bishkek yes we deserve some time off
32:20it looks like the magic kingdom from disney i've never seen it come like this no this is very cool
32:29we go over yeah
32:39how many do you want how many more is better five thousand
32:48the kurgis forest of arslan bob the largest natural walnut grove on earth
32:55so hard to find nice look to be like proper easy
33:01leaving their homes en masse every autumn local families head onto the mountain slopes to camp
33:07harvesting up to 1500 tons of walnuts every year the precious crop is not only stored year round for
33:15food but used as currency in the town with nuts of different values being traded for goods in shops
33:23this cheap one again cheap one yeah i'll find some but also good
33:30joining abdurazak's family to pay off their bed and board joe and kush in the market
33:37the white one is expensive this little cheaper how is it different like sweet
33:43nice nice different one you know joe there's loads here come get your walnuts so nice to actually
33:51see the mountains i think that one of the best views we've seen bad joe
33:58bizarre joe nice one for staying up with me last night so good made a big difference you know i
34:03actually couldn't i wouldn't have been able to go to sleep yeah i know you just chatting to me i'm
34:07like
34:07bro just shut up and go yeah i just need to head to shut up for a minute you know
34:15how i get
34:16i wouldn't say it surprised me no it's like part of your personality
34:23i do think kosh can be glass half empty which is understandable since he has gone through a lot
34:32so i understand where that negative state comes from
34:40you can't expect to go on a journey and expect it to be all fine but i know you're benefiting
34:45from
34:47venting just talking yeah
34:51so i kind of do let him run get him off his chest and i'll be like okay let's look
34:57at this from a
34:58different point of view when kush is not feeling good we link up we go on walks we go on
35:06bike rides
35:06park play footy honestly any activity as long as we're doing something i can tell improves his mood
35:15job your boss bro got a leaf blower yeah just had walnut left behind
35:20kush means a lot to me definitely and i want to show him there's always light at the end of
35:27a tunnel
35:27you know i hate to see you in such a negative space i actually do care for you you know
35:34yeah i really
35:36appreciate that
35:38in the race every day is a difficult day every day is a struggle you have bad days you have
35:44good days
35:44soft days but every day is hard i'm trying to learn how to function under high stress
35:53but i think it's only in the past sort of couple days that i've realized how much i
35:57value having joe here i just really appreciate the fact that joe's always up for
36:02for sort of looking after me in a way i don't think joe will understand like the difference it makes
36:15yeah i mean he is he's my best mate
36:27boy you ready keep going in this entire journey i've got nothing just absolutely nothing
36:34that's all but joe
36:43that is home
36:52how much money is that
36:53300 400 nice so good boss yeah
36:59do you know anyone who can drive us tonight for a bit maybe i can drive you to the jalalabad
37:06and we will look there okay thank you
37:10we think maybe we should go to kazakhstan border tomorrow we go the whole way from
37:14jalalabad does that sound like a good idea also possible it's possible from jalalabad many cars go there
37:22it's going to be a long long day it's going to be expensive day bro let's just pray that we
37:27can still pull out of the bag
37:40look at that look at that amazing hands your hat is fantastic
37:47having traveled the breadth of kirkistan yesterday mark and margot are in the capital bishkek
37:53tasty savoury breakfast breakfast brett and breggs
37:57they're like statues don't they
38:03at the northern tip of the chewy valley this one small settlement grew into a lush garden city
38:10with residents encouraged to plant trees near their homes
38:15and they're going to be able to plant trees near their homes
38:15today its nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living
38:20fermented mare's milk as well as flat whites are sold side by side
38:26they're very busy aren't they
38:29adding to the funds before pushing on to the checkpoint
38:32oh my little friend you must stay here
38:36yes the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomers
38:40look at that oh i'd like that myself traditionally seen as working animals pets in the capital are
38:47increasingly kept for companionship
38:50whoa with pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol
38:53what are you telling me i don't speak kirkistan most experiences we've had
39:00have been tailored for me margot's in fact very happy to go along with that
39:04there we go there's a lot of time for people
39:06here we go so this is an experience for margot
39:09you're doing so well i'm here don't worry
39:13it has been a very exhausting journey so today is a chance for margot to relax and just forget
39:22about the race just for one day don't you like a dog like this mark
39:27nope so cute hello this thing i would never want to do i don't like animals that smell it
39:33dogs rabbits guinea pigs i'm doing it for margot and she loves this
39:39oh don't tell my dog bailey what i'm doing you have a dog i have a dog oh when my
39:48dog sees this
39:49she'll be very jealous my bailey will not forgive me
39:55you're not happy with this are you
40:01she can't wait to go home goodbye
40:11today has just been my day in the happiest place i could be on earth i've just loved it
40:18she's very upset now i know particularly with you i know
40:24i am very very pleased marcus doing this job for me oh look and i'm absolutely amazed at how we've
40:32got on so far on the race oh you gentle soul we're just really accepting of each other you're like
40:42our place oh we love it i'd love to bring my dog here but somehow the two of us have
40:47become so
40:48supportive of each other i'm still getting fur out of my eyes and nose tomorrow checkpoint here we come
41:05we really are in the linear it might slow us down in the race a little bit but that's absolutely
41:11incredible 25 kilometers outside of fishkek after three days of relentless travel katie and harrison
41:19have reached the remote village of kashkasu
41:25the siblings will work for husband and wife duo ilias and maureen welcome to
41:41this is just such a nice break to come to somewhere like this so serene and peaceful yeah i couldn't
41:48have done another day the chaotic stress it's a nice temperature as well really nice and warm but windy
41:55it's like ideal ginger temperature i really just wanted like a real rustic raw experience you know
42:03this is where i'm like really taking the bucket list off
42:08aj where are we going where are we going you can't eat that oh god i've lost my horse my
42:15horse my horse
42:17i've said you're getting walked by your horse my horse doesn't like me the horses look nice and shiny
42:25thank you thank you it's time to reward some light yeah let's get out there and ride
42:31nice and easy boy good boy oh my god i'm on a horse in kyrgyzstan what
42:45it's it's incredible
42:50that is just ridiculous this is stunning
43:02what wow
43:08formed over 50 million years ago as the indian and eurasian continental plates
43:13collided that is insane the alatu mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks creating a natural
43:24border between kyrgyzstan and kazakhstan not that this isn't real i feel like i'm in a painting
43:34absolutely beautiful
43:38but it is the middle of nowhere it's a long way to get to almati
43:53we got the vads in the car with a 570 kilometer taxi through the mountain roads secured for just
44:00over 50 pounds joe and cush have their sights set on reaching almati tonight
44:07my god
44:10look at that it's insane
44:13oh
44:13oh
44:15where are the snowboards at
44:17out of all the stands we've been to this is definitely the previous
44:22it's definitely the most beautiful drive i've ever been on my entire life
44:30oh it's cold
44:40i've never drove through somewhere like this it's just stunner
44:44we've still got a long long way to go but we're trying to stay positive
44:53so unless you can really come to terms with the constant stress of the race
44:57only then can you actually relax and start to enjoy it
45:15that's mental let's go
45:17what's our draw if dads are on our side there's a chance to get to almati tonight
45:21we might have a chance at maybe second or third or
45:25it's kazakhstan
45:38have you ever rounded up sheep this way before
45:40yeah it's lovely though it's just like walking the fins at home
45:42you couldn't beat it
45:44it's just so interesting
45:45you couldn't beat it
45:46oh genie mac
45:48after a seven hour journey from shim kent
45:51andrew and molly have arrived in tasutkel
45:55horse coming through
45:56my dad my father oh hello nice to meet you nice to meet you hello hello hello
46:02hello nice to meet you nice to meet you
46:04they're joining host zalgas
46:08and his father in the day-to-day running of the farm
46:22it's very rare we're in the middle of nowhere we're on a farm and uh i'm loving it actually
46:29did i do good
46:33this leg molly's kind of making the decisions and by me stepping back she's able to take over
46:39you're very good at onions
46:44it's lovely to see and lovely to to see her flourish but in another way i find that quite
46:50difficult at times because when i was molly's age i grew up in belfast during the the beginning of
46:57the troubles ways go catholics and protestants just not seeing eye to eye and it turned to violence
47:09you had to care for some of the areas you went to what pubs you went to what streets you
47:13went to
47:14and everybody was in edge
47:19there was bombs going off soldiers walking around with guns
47:27people would have been killed for their religion
47:31and it affects you
47:37particularly as i become father you kind of manifest that onto your children
47:44a lot of my generation has that kind of fear and lack of safety
47:50you can be a bit over bordering and you're probably a wee bit more hypervigilant
47:57oh my jesus it's just so like nanny's house isn't it uh-huh
48:04seeing molly grow up you're losing her in a way and she's growing up into this independent person
48:11and you're not having that kind of level of control and that's the bit that i'm learning to deal
48:16with at the moment
48:19go on move it they just make school kids they just walk off in their own direction
48:28it's been 24 long years of of looking after somebody enjoyed every second of it
48:40and you don't want to let her go
48:46but that's life
48:49you have to
48:53dinner okay spoiling us
49:05it's
49:06very good
49:11excellent
49:12were you a party guard
49:13i like the party yeah
49:21oh this looks lovely wow wow it's your turn to see no no sorry no no
49:28what are you saying i'll sing badly if you want me to no it doesn't matter
49:33this is a song about uh a girl in belfast
49:39enjoy i tell me ma when i go home the girls don't leave the guys alone
49:44they love my hair they call my comb but that's all right till i go home
49:48she is handsome she is pretty she's the girl of belfast city
49:52she's a courting one two three please will you tell me who is she
49:56albert mooney says he loves her all the boys are right before
50:00they're out at the door and they ring the bell saying oh my love are you well
50:04that's why there's no rings on her fingers bells on her toes she's the girl of belfast city
50:11she's a courting one two three please will you tell me who is she
50:22no one time only
50:26i'm so sorry i'm such a bad singer
50:56i don't think we might surprise ourselves i'm ready to open that book and see a better number
51:03there and four oh matty here we come
51:09i can't thank you enough thank you for you
51:15close behind them andrew and molly
51:19we know we have to pay to get there fast using their healthy budget to carry them quickly to the
51:24checkpoint we need to go fast fast fast fast
51:31the former soviet capital of kazakhstan al matty meaning place of apples the wild orchard covered
51:40slopes that surround the city are believed to be the ancient ancestral home of the popular fruit
51:45i think we're here here we come today it's also home to the sixth checkpoint
51:57make your way to go gold street find the memorial of glory behind the eternal flame past the ascension cathedral
52:09and locate the emblem of kazakhstan on the front of kbtu so we need to go to godless street
52:16so we need to go to godless street a lovely day for a walk in the park
52:19it is absolutely yes remember though it's a race oh lord oh dear
52:26thank you thank you thank you we're doing four minute kilometers
52:30i just think that skates can i have your skates this way oh
52:37memorial of glory that has to be it that's one big monument it's there you see it ascension cathedral
52:50it's gorgeous isn't it beautiful isn't it no keep it to you that way that way wow thank you
52:59oh is that the emblem what an amazing building you think it's that one
53:05follow the apples and sign in on the terence of al matty hotel
53:12keep your eyes peeled there's apples down here and there's apples up there excuse me
53:20he's lost himself molly there's apples down here there's apples up there i know there's bloody apples
53:25everywhere no daddy there's more apples this way this makes more sense follow the clues
53:32like it mark
53:46i want a big glass of bros day wine
54:02steps i love a step
54:05i'm here hey hello i'm glad to see you
54:09thank you okay please sign here wonderful congratulations you have successfully reached
54:21your sixth checkpoint yes please sign everybody for a kid with a great leg now all right
54:28yeah
54:29go on
54:30go on go on go on third
54:32second
54:36Oh, that's rough!
54:37Joe and Cuff!
54:4014 hours in front of us.
54:42Oh, gosh, they've made a good lead.
54:43Oh, gosh, they've made a good lead.
54:51Hit this right? Yeah.
54:55Shit, you good?
54:56I just hit the curb.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine. Sure?
54:59Yeah, honest. Nice one, bro.
55:01Dream Team. Come, bro. Final sprint.
55:05There it is. Here it is, Joe.
55:08Joe, I need to open the box to be last.
55:12I'm gonna be last.
55:14Assalamu alaikum.
55:15Hello, please. Sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro, allow me.
55:19I think it's been so hard, but
55:21whatever place, I'm fine with forth.
55:24It just stays what it is.
55:25Congratulations, you've successfully reached
55:27your sixth checkpoint. Please sign in at Overleaf.
55:35What? Wait!
55:39That's not right.
55:40That's not right.
55:41That's not right.
55:41That's the wrong page. That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44You sure this is the right book?
55:47Lad.
55:48How did we do that, bro?
55:54You did it, bro.
55:55Best place.
55:56We finally got a taste of it.
55:58I truly think it's thanks to locals along the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe it.
56:06Me either.
56:07I just want to say thank you for everything.
56:09I know I've been a pain in your arse, but...
56:11Don't worry, bro. It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:15Oh, bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
56:19I've realised that I can actually rely on Joe a lot more than I originally assumed.
56:25You've helped me so much in general.
56:26Bro, same here. It goes both ways.
56:28I would probably still be in Palermo somewhere without you right now.
56:32I'm not joking.
56:34Second, fifth.
56:35Third.
56:36Third.
56:37Second.
56:37Second.
56:38Second, second, fifth.
56:40That's a tune that, you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:50We're coming for you.
56:51What do you reckon?
56:52We're coming for you.
56:54We did what we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:01Let's go!
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:07You boys did very well.
57:08Well done.
57:08Fair play to him.
57:09Fair play to him.
57:11I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:13I think we communicated well.
57:15And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18We only have to win one.
57:24Come on.
57:29Let's sprint, just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
57:35Come on.
57:36Sprint's not in my vocabulary.
57:40Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
57:42Thank you very much.
57:45We knew it.
57:47What time is it?
57:49There's a day behind again.
57:51I am actually a bit devastated from fourth.
57:53I really would have loved second or third.
57:55We tried to save a bit of money, which cost us maybe a few hours.
57:59I do have that regret that we didn't spend a little bit more money.
58:02But it is the eighth leg that matters for first place.
58:06We've got the extra money to spend now, I think, so just spend it wisely.
58:11We really need some, like, infinitely moisturiser.
58:14So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:22Mongolia is your problem now.
58:24Mongolia is a pretty big problem to have.
58:27We need speed.
58:29And we've got the money to be able to spend.
58:31There's no point in being rich losers.
58:32This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:36Oh, my God, no.
58:38This is time.
58:39This is the best memories we've had so far.
58:42It's just all going wrong.
58:44Tomorrow's another day, but today...
58:49Holy moly.
58:51This is absurd.
58:53This has been a miscommunication.
58:55Fasten your seat belts, you're in for a bumpy ride.
59:03Thus, the alleviate this fact is...
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