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00:06The End
00:18Look at this.
00:20What a stunning view.
00:22It is, please.
00:23Takes my breath away.
00:24Yeah, wow.
00:26That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock, the way they're going on the lines.
00:33Oh, they're off.
00:34The rock formation, look to see, it's going down.
00:36Older men talking about rocks.
00:38Look at me!
00:41Peaking at 4,000 metres above sea level...
00:46Zaman 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,
01:05that in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium,
01:09a health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air.
01:19It's the sound of the water.
01:20Exactly.
01:21It's so smoothing.
01:22Yeah.
01:24Taking their own therapeutic break before the next leg,
01:27Mark, Margot and Andrew.
01:30I think what's going to make a difference going ahead is budget.
01:34Yes.
01:34And our budget is cooked.
01:36Look me in the eye.
01:37Are you telling me the truth or not?
01:40With just three legs remaining, funds are dwindling.
01:44While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget,
01:48they, alongside Mark and Margot, are trailing the other two teams.
01:54The kids are young.
01:55They seem to be racing ahead.
01:56Yes.
01:57Yes.
01:57They've got enthusiasm.
01:59Absolutely.
01:59They've got the energy.
02:01Yes.
02:01How's it going with Molly, though?
02:02Such a lovely girl.
02:03Molly has, I think, has probably struggled this week.
02:06I've had to be the daddy to her.
02:08Mm-hm.
02:08It was tough.
02:09I have to be in control.
02:11But maybe this leg, I kind of will step back
02:14and let her go and make those calls
02:16and live and die by those consequences.
02:22Do you think youngsters will be doing that?
02:25Oh, I hope not.
02:30That looks so good.
02:32This looks incredible.
02:34Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No.
02:35Joe, if anyone can, it's you.
02:38Yeah, come on.
02:39Go on, Lois.
02:40It's quite nice that the young'uns are together.
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit.
02:45It's a bit different.
02:47Travelling with your dad.
02:48We get on really well, and I'm very lucky for that,
02:51but I can find that it is different
02:53and it can be difficult at times.
02:55Like, there's always that kind of his final say
02:57because he's the dad.
02:58In this life, there's only a few people you can rely on.
03:00Best friends and family.
03:02Yeah, yeah, yeah.
03:03Look at his plate.
03:04That's a quarter of a sheep.
03:08I mean, all I can know.
03:09Save the budget.
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way coming after that?
03:15That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:16Oh, God.
03:18Oh, bro.
03:33That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:49Almaty.
03:49I know exactly where it is.
03:51Back to Kazakhstan.
03:52Exciting!
03:53Let's go.
03:54We've only got a 40-minute lead, so I hope there's something
03:57at this conversation for us.
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometers into the east of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
04:07A stark contrast to the vast steppe of the west, the city sits in the foothills of the Tian Shan
04:13Mountains.
04:15Founded as a Russian frontier fort, an influence that remains visible in the Orthodox churches and Soviet-era sculptures dotted
04:23throughout the city.
04:24Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991, it's evolved into the country's cultural and financial hub.
04:33With over 2 million residents, it's the largest city in Kazakhstan.
04:39Right.
04:40How are we getting into Almaty?
04:42Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan, or we just go around the top of Kazakhstan straight to Almaty.
04:51To get there, teams face a choice of going through one of two countries.
04:55They could head north into eastern Kazakhstan, travelling through the country's major cities linked by a reliable but potentially costly
05:06rail network.
05:07Alternatively, they could cut through Kyrgyzstan, a country rarely visited by western tourists.
05:14With mountains dominating over 90% of its landscape, and communities spread thinly across the rugged terrain, transport is affordable
05:23but limited.
05:26It's an absolute no-brainer for me. I'd love to go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:30I want to really feel like I'm not in the touristy part of that country, and I feel like this
05:36is 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, so I stick to bus routes, which I think are going
05:45to be a lot cheaper.
05:46I'm so glad that we're taking off another country. Like, I'm genuinely buzzing.
05:50Let's go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:51Let's go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:53Kyrgyzstan, we are coming for you.
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan, they're looking for a true traveller experience on a budget to match.
06:01But with two borders to cross, getting into the country quickly is of the essence.
06:07What's the right?
06:08Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent, Sudan?
06:10Yeah.
06:11I don't know.
06:12No?
06:13No.
06:13So, Tashkent, taxi?
06:16Taxi.
06:16Okay.
06:17I know very little about Kyrgyzstan, but 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?
06:29Ferdaz.
06:30Ferdaz?
06:30Ferdaz.
06:32Ah, Harrison.
06:33Nice to meet you.
06:34Nice to meet you.
06:35With no buses in sight, the siblings are heading to Tashkent in a local shared taxi.
06:43You smell good.
06:46Very, very friendly.
06:48I like your accent.
06:51Manchester.
06:52Manchester United.
06:53Manchester United.
06:54Manchester United.
06:54Manchester City.
06:54No, no city.
06:56Good.
06:56No, no, no, no, no.
06:58He's getting the scores up.
07:00Oh, my God.
07:01What a guy.
07:04Joe.
07:06Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I've got another passenger.
07:09Just 40 minutes behind.
07:11Okay.
07:12Woo!
07:13Okay.
07:15Joe and Kush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi as they race to gain ground.
07:21It's about two hours to get to the capital, Tashkent.
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be going more direct if we go through Kyrgyzstan.
07:28Kyrgyzstan's a new country.
07:30That's sick.
07:31So we're looking at Kyrgyzstan.
07:32I know of it, but 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, the best friends are looking to speed straight
07:47out of Uzbekistan and cross the border by tonight.
07:53I'm really hoping, and I think we can actually get across the border today.
07:56About 45 minutes behind first.
07:58I was very, very close.
07:59And so it's not much to catch up.
08:01This driver's just charging through everyone.
08:06First to arrive in Tashkent.
08:09Thank you very much.
08:11OK.
08:13On the edge of the Eurasian steppe, this ancient Silk Road trading post retains a blend
08:19of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences.
08:23Railway ticket office.
08:25Look at that.
08:27Hello, Andijon.
08:29Today, two tickets.
08:32Pressing on, the siblings have secured tickets to Andijon, and are a step closer to their
08:38intended destination.
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get.
08:44But Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind, so it's very possible that they get here.
08:48So we have to move.
08:53Close behind.
08:55We're trying to get to Andijon.
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581 AM.
08:591 AM.
09:001 AM.
09:01Yes.
09:01400,000, both of us.
09:03That's so much.
09:05We will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive.
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because 400,000 for a train that takes seven hours, or hopefully
09:13a taxi will be 300,000 for four hours if we can haggle our way down.
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive here to Andijon.
09:24Please.
09:25First, you should go to the car station, and then you should get the next taxi driver.
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:33If these guys can drive to Andijon?
09:35No, no, no.
09:36You can't go to Andijon from here?
09:38No, no.
09:39Oh, no.
09:40Having skipped the seven-hour train in favour of a car straight to the border, the boys
09:45now need to head to the other side of town where long-distance taxis depart.
09:50I feel sick.
09:51I can't believe that.
09:52I mean, we have to commit.
09:54We're not even at the border yet.
09:56But Kush's reaction to stress is quite instant.
09:59Oh.
10:01I know Kush has that heightened anxiety.
10:05I don't think we have much to trace.
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes and best decisions to make.
10:13Oh, God.
10:15We could have got straight to Andijon in the train.
10:17It's going to be a long day.
10:18Now we're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today.
10:20No, I don't think we should assume.
10:23But it is hard for them to look at the bigger picture.
10:26And chill out.
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had.
10:31F*** up big time.
10:38Back in Zaman City.
10:40Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities.
10:43OK.
10:44Screams out to me.
10:45The third team to set off, Andrew and Molly.
10:48I would love to finish the Silk Road in Tashkent.
10:51Head on to Shoe.
10:52And then Hotel Marty.
10:53Hotel Marty.
10:54Yeah.
10:55Maybe I'm taking over this night.
10:56Maybe you are.
10:58Molly's plan?
10:59Follow a busier route and city hop by rail through Kazakhstan.
11:04But first, they must reach the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.
11:08Taxi.
11:09There.
11:10Thank you very much.
11:12Excited for Tashkent.
11:13I love cities.
11:14I love people.
11:15And after the last leg where I couldn't even make a bloody decision.
11:18This is something new onwards 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, Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark.
11:37We'll get into Tashkent.
11:38Find somewhere 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.
11:51So hopefully we can get back to third place if we can.
11:54Like two other teams, they are heading to Tashkent tonight,
11:58before aiming for Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.
12:01He's driving very fast.
12:03Go 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 for one person?
12:21250,000.
12:22That's a lot.
12:23What we need to do for this place?
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 still 300 kilometres away.
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today.
12:40There's no buses and we'd be spending like £40 on taxis.
12:44Can't believe we didn't get the train.
12:46It's getting dark, bro.
12:48It might just be worth staying tonight.
12:51But then we're going to have to pay for accommodation.
12:52We can sit on the floor.
12:54Oh, no.
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap.
12:58This one is the cheaper one.
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah.
13:02Oh, that's so expensive.
13:05Is there any cheaper we can even do, like, 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.
13:17You can stay there for free.
13:19You're welcome.
13:20Oh, Rachmet.
13:22Free of 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.
13:33I like to plan.
13:35Because I like to be in control.
13:37But times like this now, as 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 zero 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 gonna be thinking the entire night.
14:20I'm gonna be sleeping, I can't lie.
14:22I'm gonna be stressing.
14:23I'm gonna be snoring.
14:26It's been such a rough day.
14:43Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool.
14:49With a history spanning two millennia, Chorsu Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market.
14:56Wow.
14:57Holy moly.
14:59Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era Blue Dome.
15:06How fast can you do then?
15:08More faster than you.
15:09Yeah.
15:10Give me a day.
15:13Working for Sanjar on one of the market's popular food stalls,
15:17Andrew and Molly are helping to prepare the national dish, plov.
15:21Said to have aphrodisiac qualities, it's widely consumed on Thursdays,
15:26a popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan.
15:29You're welcome.
15:33Peace today.
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 big reputation, that's why.
15:43Gotcha, gotcha.
15:44I'm third generation.
15:45You're third generation.
15:47Which you have to keep going, yes?
15:49Mohammed.
15:51My name is?
15:51Mohammed, Molly.
15:53Uzbekistan?
15:54Ireland?
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment.
16:03I'm buzzing with it, actually.
16:05Fresca, eh?
16:06Yeah.
16:06Yeah, yeah.
16:07Ginger.
16:07Yeah, yeah, yeah.
16:08Irish.
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this day.
16:13I would like Daddy to see me a wee bit more grown up and as an adult.
16:17To do that, I need to be confident and stand on my decisions.
16:22Say kebab!
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs.
16:27I wanted to do 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.
16:40Okay.
16:41You're doing great job.
16:43Nice to print 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.
16:49You're selling, eh?
16:52Molly.
16:53Got paid.
16:54How much do you make in taxis?
16:55I made 5,000.
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten.
16:57Ten?
17:01Where are we going to taxi outside?
17:02From this side.
17:04See you later.
17:06Bye.
17:09Our plan is...
17:11Yeah.
17:11Get to the border and then connect in Shemekent.
17:14As quick as possible.
17:15As quick as possible.
17:16As quick as possible.
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action...
17:18Border.
17:19Kazakhstan.
17:20The team are splitting from the pack, heading to the Kazakh border crossing and then traversing
17:26north to the city of Shemekent.
17:29Ten.
17:29Kazakhstan.
17:31Great job, Molly.
17:32Well done.
17:33That's great.
17:34Shemekent.
17:35Woo!
17:35Woo!
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper.
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night, Joe and Kush are still six hours
17:52away from the crossing.
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah.
17:57Yeah.
17:58The Uber...
17:59On top.
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.
18:10Get it.
18:10Let's go.
18:11He's in such a negative headspace.
18:13It feels like he's lost hope.
18:16So, Andeson is here.
18:18But we need to go to this border.
18:20So, like, maybe...
18:21Yeah, Andeson.
18:22...a little bit further.
18:23I believe staying positive is the best chances of winning.
18:26Our plan is to help Kush out of this spiral he's in right now.
18:30We need to get cheapest, cheapest prices.
18:34I'm gonna pay them.
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah.
18:38Are you serious?
18:39Yeah, yeah.
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?
18:46All right.
18:46Oh.
18:47Yes.
18:51When we get to Mongolia, we'll send you a picture.
18:53Oh, okay.
18:54We'll send you.
18:54Yeah.
18:55All right.
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima, the boys have a free ride straight to the border.
19:05Naima is a miracle, bro.
19:08I think this morning has gave me some inspiration.
19:12And, obviously, Naima taking such good care of us.
19:15Yeah.
19:16I think we really enjoy the homestay.
19:18Doing a job that's outdoors, which we've been wanting.
19:21Local and authentic to the area.
19:24Yeah.
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it.
19:27We're gonna save money, which means we can sprint to checkpoints.
19:33Inspired by local generosity, they plan to stop for a homestay in Arsalan Bob
19:39once they enter into Kyrgyzstan.
19:41We can still do this.
19:42God.
19:43We just can't give up.
19:53Following behind after departing the checkpoint in last place,
19:58in-laws Mark and Margo, taking 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.
20:11Very rookies.
20:12They just look like giant sand dunes.
20:17A highly fertile basin between mountain ranges stretching from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan.
20:24This agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and silk production.
20:29And local life is deeply rooted in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques.
20:36Cockhand, the handicrafted 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, but you can't.
20:49If you want to keep in the race.
20:50No, we can't afford to fall any further behind.
20:53We've just got to push on.
20:55And look at some lovely views from the window.
20:57Exactly, 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.
21:25No English?
21:25Yay!
21:26I'm from Liverpool.
21:28I've got a lot of energy, and I do spend a lot of that energy looking after my family.
21:34But now the kids are older, and especially at such a crossroads of turning 60,
21:39it gives me the chance to really reassess things, really look for what I want.
21:44Love this.
21:45This is beautiful.
21:47Let's get the party started.
21:49Anybody fancy a sing song?
21:50We are even getting a song about the adopted stars?
21:53Now the tune is le拿 tiny, where are you all from?
21:58Are you all friends?
21:58How long are you?
22:02Where are you?
22:09Where are you from?
22:20Oh, God, don't move!
22:25Nice to meet you all.
22:27I like this.
22:29As the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border...
22:33Which way is the border?
22:34This way.
22:35The border this way?
22:36OK.
22:38Already there after their late-night train, Katie and Harrison...
22:43I've never done a foot border before.
22:45I've only crossed on boat, train and bus so far.
22:48I think you've walked through.
22:49I've ruined them, we're in Kyrgyzstan.
22:51Seventh country, here we go.
22:54One 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.
23:18Where are you from?
23:19Where are you from?
23:20Where are you from?
23:20Where are you from?
23:21Where are you from?
23:22Where are you from?
23:23Where are you from?
23:25Where are you from?
23:26It's tough, isn't it?
23:29This...
23:29Taxi?
23:302500?
23:31Yeah, yeah.
23:32Yeah.
23:3240.
23:33Too much, sorry.
23:35I want to find out if there is a bus to Bishkek because a taxi is just so expensive.
23:41Fingers crossed.
23:44Determined to stick to public transport, they plan to use Bishkek on the northern edge as a stepping stone to
23:51the checkpoint.
23:53After bus.
23:55Bishkek.
23:56No.
23:57Taxi.
23:59But no buses depart after 6pm.
24:02We are on a tighter budget.
24:04We want to save for the next two legs.
24:06No.
24:07It might slow us down in the race a little bit.
24:11I think it's probably more of a risk splashing out.
24:13There's no more today.
24:16Oh.
24:23Stuck in Osh.
24:25Very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of Greece and Turkey.
24:29Buses ran all day and all night.
24:31You can get anywhere you wanted in the country.
24:34Kyrgyzstan's not turning out to be as we thought.
24:37This is men's room.
24:39Men's room.
24:40Perfect.
24:40Having made little progress and stranded for the night, a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become a reality.
24:49Did you say you were from Toronto?
24:52Oh, wow.
24:52Where are you from?
24:53We're from England.
24:55This type of travelling where it can get a bit difficult or you're completely out of your comfort zone is
25:02exactly what I wanted to do.
25:04How long have you been doing this for?
25:06Two and a half years.
25:07Really?
25:07Not been home in two and a half years?
25:09Yeah.
25:10Like, the mindset just blows me.
25:11Like, how you can just travel and not kind of know where you're going to end up next.
25:16Yeah.
25:17I mean, it's just my life now, so...
25:19Yeah.
25:20Happy?
25:21Yes, very happy.
25:22Yeah.
25:23I've been looking for one for, what, five weeks?
25:27Mm-hmm.
25:28Yay!
25:28The guys in our room.
25:30They're so cool.
25:31Yeah.
25:31He's got, like, all the countries, like, on his bag.
25:34They're, like, proper backpackers.
25:36Yeah.
25:36This is, like, feels like the place to be for travellers.
25:39Yeah, a lot of people.
25:41And I'm here, cos I'm the traveller.
25:43Yeah.
25:44I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive and making the most of it.
25:49There's so many things that could go wrong, but she just seems to just go with it.
25:53Yeah.
25:54It is a good thing that we're staying tonight.
25:56Yeah.
25:56Cos we'll have more options tomorrow.
26:01What do you do?
26:02Do you just...
26:05As the teams settle in for the night...
26:07What?
26:11As-salamu alaykum.
26:12What is your name?
26:13Zubair.
26:14Of course.
26:15There's one best thing about Skull Saxons is you can pronounce names a lot better.
26:18200 kilometres to the north, a direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead
26:24as they arrive in the rural village of Arslanbog.
26:28Are we working tomorrow in the morning?
26:30Yeah, yeah.
26:31Where they're staying with walnut farmer Abdurazok.
26:35Bon apetit for you.
26:36Bon apetit.
26:39This is, like, fresh bread.
26:42Ooh.
26:43That is fresh.
26:44That is very fresh.
26:45I think that way.
26:48Oh, so nice.
26:50Feeling a lot better.
26:52It's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today.
26:55I guess not so many tourists come in Kyrgyzstan compared to, like, maybe Thailand and Spain.
27:0125,000 population.
27:04Everybody know each other.
27:05So you know maybe 25,000?
27:07Yeah.
27:08Sounds like Liverpool.
27:09Everyone knows everyone.
27:11You know, it's the same.
27:11Okay.
27:12Everyone knows everyone.
27:13Yeah.
27:13And everyone's happy to help each other.
27:15And so it is his boss.
27:16We love it.
27:16I mean...
27:17What boss mean?
27:19Boss.
27:20Boss is, like...
27:21Really good.
27:22Yeah.
27:22Like, very good.
27:24Like...
27:24Like, this food is boss.
27:26We have some words about, like, like this.
27:28Bazarjo.
27:29Bazarjo?
27:30Yeah.
27:30Like, really cool.
27:31It's green tea.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:33Whoa!
27:36And it's boss because of your hair.
27:40That's not it.
27:40Okay, you're welcome.
27:41Two skulls there.
27:43Abdurra was boss.
27:44I mean, we've had such a lucky run in with people that we meet.
27:48There's just a sort of really, really generous energy about them.
27:51But I'm feeling a little anxious still.
27:54It is proper off the beaten track.
27:56I really think that we're going to be behind everyone else to get to the checkpoint.
28:00In 9.30 we can start with the forest.
28:03Yeah.
28:03That'd be so good.
28:04Oh, that's boss.
28:05Nice.
28:06Is it that's boss?
28:07Boss, yeah.
28:07It's good.
28:18This is fab.
28:19Isn't it?
28:19I love a dramatic flag.
28:23After crossing the border last night, Andrew and Molly have reached Kazakhstan's third largest city, Shemkent.
28:30Hello.
28:31But they're already looking for a way out.
28:33We need the earliest train to choose.
28:36With plans to move swiftly onto Shu, a city 450 kilometres closer to the checkpoint.
28:43One, two, three.
28:45No earlier trains.
28:47No.
28:48Taxi.
28:49Just to see what it is price was.
28:52Taxi, three, zero, zero, zero.
28:54OK.
28:55OK.
28:56What is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train?
29:01Jesus.
29:02Yeah.
29:0315 times.
29:0415 times the value.
29:06$225.
29:07Yeah.
29:08I didn't get the train.
29:10Train?
29:10Yes.
29:11There's no, there's no questions.
29:14While Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train,
29:18on the move.
29:19There's like 10 seats on here, but there's like 30 people on here.
29:23It's great.
29:24In Kyrgyzstan.
29:25I just feel like your local, like there's so many, just local people like going to work
29:29or whatever.
29:30It's brilliant.
29:31Yeah.
29:32Great.
29:32And it's cheap as ships.
29:34Loving it.
29:35Finally on the move, using public transport, Katie and Harrison are setting a course to
29:39the capital, Bishkek.
29:42Oh.
29:44Oh.
29:45Oh.
29:45Oh.
29:48Baby.
29:49Quite hectic on the roads, but getting us closer.
29:52Yeah.
29:53We're making progress.
29:54Yeah.
29:56Oh.
29:57Quite bad.
30:01Traffic jump.
30:03Ugh.
30:08I've no idea what's going on.
30:11Oh.
30:13Great.
30:16one simple road that won't be a simple road well there's worse places to be stopped by a road i
30:23suppose if anyone's traveling up through kyrgyzstan today they won't have done it quicker than us
30:31ow ow ow
30:36the silly beasts stuck to my feet
30:40having now caught up with the siblings margot the car coming
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 let's get back on the bus we're moving i don't want the bus to
31:00leave
31:00without us thistle prongs that was really really stupid
31:08one of the stupidest things i've done on this race so far who does that you do that
31:15i think today is going to be a very long day bishkek 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
31:34connecting 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 3 000 meters oh margot oh snow
31:57yes 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
32:08short of money we've had three days of real travel tomorrow let's see if there's any work in bishkek yes
32:16we deserve some time off
32:20it looks like the magic kingdom from disney i've never seen it like this no this is very cool
32:47the kurgis forest of arslan bob the largest natural walnut grove on earth
32:56so out of fun nice look to be like proper easy leaving their homes en masse every autumn local
33:04families head onto the mountain slopes to camp harvesting up to 1500 tons of walnuts every year
33:12the precious crop is not only stored year-round for food but used as currency in the town with nuts
33:19of
33:19different values being traded for goods and shops it's cheap one again cheap one yeah
33:27i'll find some but also good joining abdurazak's family to pay off their bed and board joe and kush
33:35in the market so why do you want this expensive this little cheaper how is it different like sweet
33:43nice nice it's 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 with me i just need to head to shut up for a minute you
34:15know how 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
34:46venting 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
35:15should i be 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
35:44off 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 value having
35:57joe here
35:58i 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 we think maybe we should go to kazakhstan border tomorrow we
37:14go the whole way from jalalabad does that sound like a good idea also possible it's possible from
37:19jalalabad many cars go there it's gonna be a long long day it's gonna be expensive day
37:24bro let's just pray that we can still pull out of the bag
37:40look at that look at that look at that amazing house your hat is fantastic
37:47having traveled the breadth of kirkistan yesterday mark and margot are in the capital bishkek
37:53tasty savoury breakfast
37:55better than gregs
37:57a lot of 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
38:14today it's nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living fermented mare's milk as well
38:21as flat whites are sold side by side
38:26they're very busy aren't they adding to the funds before pushing on to the checkpoint
38:32oh my little friend you must stay here yes the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomers
38:40look at that i would like that myself traditionally seen as working animals pets in the capital are
38:47increasingly kept for companionship with pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol
38:53what are you telling me i don't speak kirkistan
38:58those experiences we've had uh have been tailors for me
39:02margot's been very happy to go along with that there we go she's got a lot of time for people
39:06here we go so this is an experience for margot you're doing fine you're doing so well i'm here don't
39:13worry it 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 no it's so cute hello
39:29this thing
39:30i would never want to do i don't like animals that smell it dogs rabbits guinea pigs i'm doing it
39:37for margot come on and she loves this oh don't tell my dog bailey what i'm doing you have a
39:46dog
39:46i have a dog oh when my dog sees this she'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 mark is doing this job for me
40:27oh lord and i'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on so far on the race oh you gentle soul
40:38we're just really accepting of each other you're like our place oh we love it i'd love to bring my
40:45dog here but somehow the two of us have become so supportive of each other i'm still getting fur
40:51out 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 fish cake 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 joe elias and maureen welcome to
41:30thank you thank you in return for a horse ride through the mountains
41:41it is just such a nice break to come to somewhere like this so serene and peaceful yeah i
41:48couldn't have done another day the chaotic stress it's a nice temperature as well really nice and
41:54warm but windy it's like ideal ginger temperature i really just wanted like a real rustic raw experience
42:02you know this is where i'm like really taking the bucket list off
42:08ajay where are we going where are we going where are we going you can't eat that oh god i've
42:14lost my horse
42:14my horse my horse i said are you getting walked by your horse my horse doesn't like me
42:23the horses look nice and shiny thank you thank you it's time to reward some light yeah let's get out
42:29there and ride nice and easy boy good boy oh my god i'm on a horse in kyrgyzstan what
42:44it's it's incredible that is just ridiculous this is stunning
43:01what wow
43:08formed over 50 million years ago as the indian and eurasian continental plates collided that is insane
43:18the alatu mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks creating a natural border between kyrgyzstan
43:25and kazakhstan not bad this isn't real i feel like i'm in a painting absolutely beautiful
43:38but it is the middle of nowhere it's a long way to get to al-mati
43:53we got the vans in the car with a 570 kilometer taxi through the mountain roads secured for just
44:00over 50 pounds joe and kush have their sights set on reaching al-mati tonight
44:07my god look at that it's insane oh where are the snowboards at out of all the stands we've been
44:19to
44:19this is definitely the prettiest it's definitely the most beautiful drive i've ever been on my entire life
44:30oh it's cold
44:36no one dear oh my hands are pulled i've never drove through somewhere like this
44:42it's just stunning we've still got a long long way to go but we're trying to stay positive
44:52so 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
45:16let's go
45:17what's our draw if dads are on our side there's a chance to get to al-mati tonight
45:22we might have a chance at maybe second or third it's because it's done
45:38i've never rounded up sheep this way before yeah it's lovely though it's just like walking the
45:42fins at home you couldn't be it's just so interesting and just beautiful oh genie mac
45:48after a seven hour journey from shim kent andrew and molly have arrived in tasutkel
45:55horse coming through my dad my father oh hello nice to meet you nice to meet you
46:02nice to meet you the joining host zalgas and his father in the day-to-day running of the farm
46:14so can me do yes i help okay
46:22it's very rare we're in the middle of nowhere we're on a farm and uh i'm loving it actually did
46:29i 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 i have discovered that
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 the
46:57troubles 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 age
47:20there 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
47:40you 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 hyper vigilant
47:57oh my jesus it's just so like nanny's house isn't it uh-huh
48:04seeing molly grow up
48:07you'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
48:16to deal with at the moment
48:20move it
48:22they're just my 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
48:36and
48:41you 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
49:21oh this looks lovely wow wow it's your turn to sing no no sorry no no
49:28well what do you think 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 enjoy i tell me ma when i go home the
49:42boys don't leave
49:43the boys alone they 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 she's a courting one two three
49:54please will you tell me who is she albert 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 the snow 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
50:15one more no one time only
50:26i'm so sorry i'm such a bad singer
50:42i 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 we know we have to pay it to get there fast using their
51:22healthy budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint 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 and on the front of kbtu so we need to go to boggle street
52:16so we need to go to boggle street a lovely day for a walk in the park it is absolutely
52:20yes remember
52:21though it's a race oh lordy doody yeah thank you thank you we're doing four minute kilometers
52:30i can see my skates can i have your skates this way oh moral of glory that has to be
52:38it that's one
52:41big monument it's there you see it ascension cathedral
52:51gorgeous isn't it beautiful isn't it
52:55keeping to you that way that way thank you oh is that the emblem what an amazing building you think
53:02it's
53:03that one follow the apples and sign in on the terence of almati hotel
53:12keep your eyes peeled the 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
53:31oh like it mark
53:35a lucky hotel thank you i'm wrecked no mods you're doing really well margot
53:44irish bar yeah yeah give it everything
53:51it could be that one up there like it mark that's it for this thing up in front of you
53:56yep i got it for me sorry i want a big glass of rosé 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 it already for a kid with a great leg now all right
54:29go on go on go on go on third for second oh that's wrong joe and cook
54:4014 hours in front of us oh gosh they've made good lead oh
54:51this right yeah
54:54so you good i just hit the curb down fine sure yeah honest nice one bro dream team come bro
55:02panel sprint
55:05there it is here it is joe joe can you open the box to be last
55:11well i'm gonna be last
55:14salam alaikum hello please sign in here
55:17yeah bro allow me i think it's been so hard but whatever place i'm fine with forth
55:24it just stays what it is congratulations you've successfully reached your sixth checkpoint please sign in overleaf
55:35go home
55:35what wait
55:39that's not right that's not right that's not right that's not right you sure this is this
55:45Is that the right book?
55:48Vlad, how did you do that, bro?
55:54You did it, bro.
55:55Yes, please.
55:56We finally got a taste of it.
55:58I truly think it's thanks that locals are on the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe it.
56:06Neither.
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.
56:12It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:15Oh, bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
56:19What?
56:19I realised that I can actually rely on Joe a lot more than I originally assumed.
56:25You've helped me so much in general.
56:27Bro, same here, it goes both ways.
56:29I would probably still be in Palermo somewhere without you.
56:32I'm not joking.
56:34Second, fifth.
56:35Third.
56:36Third, second.
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 gunning for you, boys.
56:54We did the route we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58Second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:06You 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.
57:15Well, yeah.
57:16And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18Why don't you have to win one?
57:24Come on.
57:29I'm going to sprint just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
57:35Come on.
57:36Sprint's not in my vocabulary.
57:37All right.
57:40Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
57:42Thank you very much.
57:45We knew it.
57:46Yeah.
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.
58:08So, just spend it wisely.
58:11Really need some leggings and a new moisturizer.
58:14So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:21Come on, girl.
58:22It's your problem now.
58:24Some goal 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.
58:37No.
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.
58:53There's been a miscommunication.
58:55Passing your seat belts.
58:57You're in for a bumpy ride.
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