- 10 hours ago
S06E06
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šŗ
TVTranscript
00:19Oh
00:19Look at this
00:21What a stunning view
00:22It is amazing
00:23Takes my breath away
00:24Yeah, wow
00:27That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock
00:32The way they're going down the lines
00:33Oh, they're off
00:34The rock formation
00:35Look 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
01:01The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties
01:05But in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium
01:09A health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air
01:19The 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, 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 no?
01:40With just three legs remaining, funds are dwindling
01:44While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget
01:47They, 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
02:00You've got the energy
02:00Yes
02:01How's it going with Molly though?
02:03Such a lovely girl
02:03Oh, Molly
02:03Molly has, I think has probably struggled this week
02:06I've had to be the daddy to her
02:08It was tough
02:09I have to be in control
02:11But maybe this leg
02:12I 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
02:31This looks incredible
02:34Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No
02:36Joe, if anyone can
02:38It's here
02:38Yeah, come on
02:39Go on, boys
02:41It'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
02:47Travelling with your dad
02:48We get on really well
02:50And I'm very lucky for that
02:51But I can find that
02:52It is different
02:53And it can be difficult at times
02:55Like 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
03:325.30 a.m.
03:34Super early
03:35Shouldn't be asked to leave the hotel before breakfast
03:37First to leave with only a 40 minute lead
03:40Katie and Harrison
03:42This is for you
03:43Thank you so much
03:44Here we go
03:46Your zip chat print is
03:48Almaty
03:49I know exactly where it is
03:51Back to Kazakhstan
03:52Exciting
03:52Let's go
03:54We've only got a 40 minute lead
03:55So I hope
03:56There's something at this conversation for us
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometers
04:02Into the east of Kazakhstan
04:04Almaty
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
04:25Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991
04:30It'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
04:42Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan
04:45Or we just go around the top of 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
05:00Traveling 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 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
05:43So 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
05:54Kyrgyzstan 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
06:08Tashkent
06:09Tashkent here?
06:10No?
06:11I don't know
06:14So Tashkent taxi?
06:16Taxi?
06:17I know very little about Kyrgyzstan
06:19But I am very excited for it
06:22I'm hoping less expensive taxis and more direct bus travel
06:28What is your name?
06:29Ferdaz
06:32Harrison
06:32Nice to meet you
06:34With no buses in sight
06:37The siblings are heading to Tashkent
06:39In a local shared taxi
06:42I am in the parchment buses
06:44You smell good?
06:45You are very friendly
06:48I like your accent
06:51Manchester
06:51Manchester United
06:53Manchester United
06:54Manchester City
06:55No, no, no, no
06:58He's getting the scores up
07:00Oh my God, what a guy
07:04John
07:07Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I can't find another passenger
07:09Just 40 minutes behind
07:11Kyrgyz!
07:13Kyrgyz!
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 Tashkent
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be going more direct
07:27If we go through Kyrgyzstan
07:29Kyrgyzstan'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
07:44The best friends are looking to speed straight out of Uzbekistan
07:48And 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, I live very, very close
07:59And so it's not much to catch up
08:01This driver's just charging through everyone
08:07First to arrive in Tashkent
08:09Thank you very much, thank you
08:11OK
08:13On the edge of the Eurasian steppe
08:15This ancient Silk Road trading post
08:18Retains a blend of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences
08:23Railway ticket office
08:25Look at that
08:27Hello, I'm Dijon
08:29Today, two tickets
08:33Pressing on, the siblings have secured tickets to Andujan
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, Joe 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
08:54Close behind
08:54We're trying to get to Andujan
08:56What time to arrive?
08:57I'm here
08:591 a.m.
09:001 a.m.
09:01400,000, both of us
09:03That's so much
09:05Thank you, we will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because 400,000 son for a train that takes seven hours
09:12Well, hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 son for four hours if we can haggle our way down
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive here to Andujan
09:24Please
09:25First you should go to the car station and then you should get the next taxi drive
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:33If these guys can drive to Andujan?
09:36No, no, no
09:37Can you jump from here?
09:38No, no
09:39Oh no
09:40Having skipped the seven hour train in favour of a car straight to the border
09:45The boys now need to head to the other side of town where long distance taxis depart
09:50I feel sick, I can't believe that
09:53I mean we have to commit
09:54We're not even at the border yet
09:57Kush'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 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 Andujan in the train
10:17It's going to be a long day
10:18No, I don't think we should assume
10:23But it is hard for him to look at the bigger picture
10:26And chill out
10:28I 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
10:43Okay
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 Shu
10:52And then head to Almaty
10:54Maybe I'm 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, they must reach the Uzbek capital Tashkent
11:08Taxi there
11:10Thank you very much
11:11Excited for Tashkent
11:13I love cities, I love people
11:15And after the last night where I couldn't even make a bloody decision
11:18This is something new onwards and upwards to Tashkent
11:21Let's go
11:22Yes, let's go
11:23Yes, let's go
11:24Yes, let's go
11:27Back in the road
11:31Leaving in last place
11:35Margo and her brother-in-law, Mark
11:37We'll get into Tashkent
11:38Finds them a cheaper to stay tonight
11:40Currently in fourth place
11:42We used to claw some time back
11:44Do you think it was your route through Kyrgyzstan?
11:47I 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
11:56They 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
12:20For one person
12:21250,000
12:22That's a lot
12:23We need to do for this place
12:25We have little money
12:27No way, really, I tell you
12:29Oh, I feel shit
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent
12:33With their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border
12:35Still 300 kilometres away
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
12:40There's no buses
12:41And we'd be spending like 40 per on taxis
12:44Can't believe we didn't get the train
12:46It's getting dark, bro
12:49It might just be worth staying tonight
12:51But then we're gonna have to pay for accommodation
12:52We can sleep on the floor
12:54Oh, no
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap
12:58This one is a cheaper one
13:00You see the price?
13:03Oh, that's so expensive
13:05Is there any cheaper we can even do
13:07Like 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
13:18Oh, you're welcome
13:21Oh, Rachmet
13:22Free of calm, we couldn't get any cheaper
13:24As good as this is, I 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
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
13:59Losing 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
14:09It 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, I'm going to be thinking the entire night
14:21I'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 it in?
15:08More faster than you
15:10Yeah, give 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
15:20Plov
15:21Said to have aphrodisiac qualities, it's widely consumed on Thursdays
15:26A popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan
15:30You're welcome
15:30Thank you
15:32Thank you
15:33Peace day
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
15:46Yeah, but you have to keep going, yes?
15:49Mohammed
15:50Mohammed, my name is
15:51Mohammed, Molly
15:54Ireland
15:55Oh
15:56I just love being in this kind of environment
16:02I'm buzzing with it actually
16:05Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's ginger
16:08Irish
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this egg
16:13I would like daddy to see me a little bit more grown up
16:16And as an adult
16:17To do that I need to be confident
16:20And stand on my decisions
16:23Say kebab
16:25Your daughter, she did so great job
16:28I 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 did a great job
16:39I enjoyed it
16:39Everyone tell me
16:43Nice to print a bit of money
16:45It'll take us across the border
16:46We have enough to get across the border
16:48All good?
16:49It's valid, man
16:52Molly
16:53Copied
16:54How much do you make in taxes?
16:55I made 5,000
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten
16:57Ten?
17:01Where will we get a taxi outside?
17:03From his side
17:03Thank you
17:04See you later
17:05Thank 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
17:17Putting Molly's plan into action
17:18The border
17:19Kazakhstan
17:20The team are splitting from the pack
17:22Heading to the Kazakh border crossing
17:25And then traversing north
17:26And then traversing north
17:27To the city of Shemkent
17:29Ted
17:29Kazakhstan
17:31Great job Molly
17:32Well done
17:33That's great
17:34Shemkent
17:35Woo woo
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker
17:42And cheaper
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan
17:48After 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
17:57Yeah
17:58The Uber
17:59And 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
18:10Let's go
18:11He's in such a negative headspace
18:13It feels like he's lost hope
18:16Yeah
18:17Andeson is here
18:18But we need to go to this border
18:20So like maybe
18:21Yeah andeson
18:22A little bit further
18:23I believe
18:24Staying positive
18:24Is the best chances of winning
18:27Our plan is to
18:28Help Kush out of this spiral he's in right now
18:31We need to
18:31Get
18:33Cheapest
18:33Cheapest price
18:34What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah
18:37Are you serious?
18:39Yeah
18:39Oh my god
18:41Oh my god
18:42Thank you so much
18:43You've been so much help
18:44Can we take a quick picture?
18:46Oh
18:46Oh my god
18:47Yes
18:51When we get to Mongolia
18:52We'll send you a picture
18:53Oh okay
18:54We'll send you
18:54Yeah
18:55Alright
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima
18:58The boys have a free ride straight to the border
19:01Thank you
19:05Naima is a miracle though
19:07I 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
19:17Doing a job that's outdoors
19:19Which we've been wanting
19:21Local
19:21And authentic to the area
19:23Yeah
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it
19:28We're gonna save money
19:29Which means
19:30We can sprint to checkpoints
19:34Inspired by local generosity
19:35They plan to stop for a homestay in Arslan Bob
19:38Once they enter into Kyrgyzstan
19:41We can still do this
19:42God
19:44We just can't give up
19:52But she's a little bit
19:53behind, after departing the checkpoint In
19:56last Place
19:58In
19:59-laws Mark
20:00and Margo Taking
20:02a picturesque route Towards
20:03Kyrgyzstan With
20:05a train Through
20:06the Ferghana Valley
20:08it's been like the last hour or so very rookies they just look like giant sand dunes
20:18a highly fertile basin between mountain ranges stretching from uzbekistan to kyrgyzstan this
20:25agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and silk production and local life is deeply rooted
20:31in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques cockhand the handicraftest city of the world oh
20:39cockhand that wasn't on your map was it no it'd be lovely to explore some of these places but
20:48you can't if you want to keep in the race no we can't afford to fall any further behind
20:52we've just got to push on and look at some lovely beauty exactly yeah
21:00mark and i are fourth and we have got to race but the traveling through is going to be the
21:05experience and we're going to make the most of it hello hi hello hello mark and i are a little
21:15bit
21:16older people might notice we're a little bit older i'm 60 next year and i really think the best is
21:21still to come anybody speak english no english i'm from liverpool i've got a lot of energy and i do
21:32spend
21:32a lot of energy looking after my family but now the kids are older and especially at such a crossroads
21:38of turning 60 it gives me the chance to really reassess things really look for what i want love this
21:45this is beautiful let's get the party started anybody fancy a sing song
21:51Ba ba ba, la da da, la la la.
21:55Yes, didi-tididi.
21:57Where are you all from, are you all friends?
21:59Kali, kawali, kawali.
22:01I'm a kawali.
22:02Yes.
22:02We're all here.
22:05I'm having love.
22:08I'm having love.
22:08I'm having love.
22:11I'm having love.
22:15She's coming.
22:25nice to meet you all I like this as the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border which way is
22:34the
22:34border this way the border this way okay already there after their late-night train Katie and
22:42Harrison I've never done a football when he crossed on boat train and bus so far
22:48then you walk through and then we're in Kyrgyzstan seventh country here we go one of Central Asia's
22:56most sparsely populated countries Kyrgyzstan was settled by nomadic tribes from southern
23:02Siberia their legacy of moving in groups across mountainous terrain continues today with local
23:09ride-shares known as Marshrutkas linking towns and villages we want to go to Bishkek
23:26uh it's nothing at this
23:31yes it is too much so I want to find out if there is a bus to Bishkek because a
23:40taxi is just so expensive
23:42fingers crossed determined to stick to public transport they plan to use Bishkek on the
23:49northern edge as a stepping stone to the checkpoint after bus Bishkek no thank you but no buses depart
24:00after 6 p.m. we are on a tighter budget we want to save for the next two legs no
24:07my short cut needle it
24:08might slow us down in the race a little bit these will be more of a risk splashing out there's
24:14no more
24:14today oh stuck in Osh very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of Greece
24:29and
24:29Turkey buses run all day and all night you can get anywhere you wanted in the country the Kyrgyzstan
24:34does not turn out to be as we thought this is man's room perfect having made little progress and
24:43stranded for the night a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become a reality did you say you were from
24:50Toronto oh wow we're from England this type of traveling where it can get a bit difficult or
25:00you're you'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
25:09but the
25:11mindset just blows me like like how you can just travel like not kind of know where you're going
25:15to end up next it's just my right now so yeah happy yes very happy I've been looking for one
25:24for
25:26five weeks yeah the guys in our room yeah he's got like all the countries like on his back they're
25:34like
25:35proper backpackers yeah this is like feels like the place to be for travelers yeah a lot of people
25:41and I'm here because I'm the traveler yeah I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive
25:47um and making the most of it there's so many things that could go wrong but she just seems to
25:52just
25:52just go with it it is a good thing that we're seeing tonight yeah explore more options tomorrow
26:01what do you do do you speak as the team's settling for the night
26:07what is your name the way of course it's one most thing about skulls accents is you can pronounce names
26:17a
26:17lot better 200 kilometers to the north a direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead as they
26:25arrive in the rural village of Arslan Bob are we working tomorrow in the morning yeah where they're
26:32staying with walnut farmer Abdul Razok one empathy for you for nothing this is like fresh bread oh that's fresh
26:44I'm racist feeling a lot better it's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today I guess not so many tourists
26:57coming Kyrgyzstan compared to like maybe Thailand and Spain 25,000 population everybody know each
27:05other yeah so you know maybe 25,000 sounds like Liverpool everyone knows everyone you know it's
27:11the same okay everyone knows everyone and everyone's happy to help each other and so it is his boss we
27:16love it I mean what boss mean boss boss is like really good yeah like very good like like this
27:25food is
27:25boss boss we have some words about like like this buzzer Joe buzzer Joe yeah like very cool it's
27:32green tea buzzer Joe no and it's boss because of your hair that's right you're welcome to two skulls
27:42it up there was boss I mean we've had such a lucky run-in with with people that we meet
27:48there's just a
27:49sort of really really generous energy about them but I'm feeling a little anxious still is proper off the
27:55beating truck I already think that we're gonna be behind everyone else to get to checkpoints
28:00in 930 we can start with the forest yeah that'd be so good oh that's fast nice is it that's
28:07fast
28:07boss yeah it's good
28:18this is fab isn't it I love a dramatic flag after crossing the border last night Andrew and Molly have
28:26reached Kazakhstan's third largest city Shemkent but they're already looking for a way out we need
28:34the earliest train to choose with plans to move swiftly onto shoe a city 450 kilometers closer to the
28:42checkpoint one no earlier trains no taxi just to see what it is price was uh taxi three zero zero
28:54zero zero
28:54okay okay thank you what is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train Jesus yeah 15
29:04times 15 times the value 125 dollars yeah I didn't get the train yes there's no there's no questions
29:14while Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train on the news there's like 10 seats on here but
29:21there's like that's great in Kyrgyzstan just feel like you look like it's so many it's just local
29:28people like going to work or ever it's brilliant yeah great and it's cheap ships finally on the move
29:35using public transport Katie and Harrison are setting a course to the capital Bishkek
29:48now hectic on the roads for getting this closer yeah we're making progress yeah oh my god traffic jump
30:08no idea what's going on oh great one simple road that won't be a simple road well there's
30:21worse places to be stopped by a road I suppose if anyone's traveling up through Kyrgyzstan today
30:27they would have done it quicker than us ow ow ow ow this silly beast stuck to my feet having
30:41now
30:41caught up with the siblings Margo we can't come in Mark and Margo get across the road now because
30:50it's going to get busy it's being clear we're moving now let's get back on the bus then don't
30:59want the bus to leave without us thistle prongs that was really really stupid one of the stupidest
31:09things I've done on this race so far who does that you do that I think today is gonna be
31:17a very long day
31:19Bishkek tonight we're doing it this is a very impressive landscape
31:26mm-hmm very 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 a single precipitous 700
31:41kilometre long highway weaving through steep canyons tunnels and high mountain passes at its peak
31:49reaching altitudes over 3,000 meters oh Margo snow
31:56yes
31:58this is what we came for
32:03I reckon having done this I reckon we could be with a good chance of keeping him at the pack
32:08we're very
32:08short of money we've had three days of real hard travel tomorrow let's see if there's any work in Bishkek
32:15yes we deserve some time off it looks like the Magic Kingdom from Disney I've never seen it like this
32:25no this is very cool
32:38how many do you want how many more is it better 5,000
32:48the Kyrgyz forest of Arslan Bob the largest natural walnut grove on earth
32:56so hard to find nice look to be like proper easy leaving their homes on mass every autumn local families
33:05head on to the mountain slopes to camp harvesting up to 1,500 tons of walnuts every year the precious
33:13crop is not only stored year-round for food but used as currency in the town with nuts of different
33:20values being traded for goods and shops
33:23it's cheap one again cheap one yeah
33:27I'll find some but also good
33:30joining Abdul Razak's family to pay off their bed and board Joe and Kush
33:35in the market
33:37the white one is expensive
33:39this little cheaper
33:41how is it different?
33:42like sweet
33:42nice
33:43it's different one you know
33:45Joe there's loads here
33:47come get your walnuts
33:49so nice to actually see the mountains
33:52I think that one of the best views we've seen
33:55Bizarro Joe
33:56Bizarro Joe
33:59nice one for staying up with me last night
34:01so good
34:02made a big difference you know
34:03I actually couldn't I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep
34:05yeah I know you were just chatting to me I was like bro just shut up and go
34:13I had to shut up for a minute you know how I get
34:16I wouldn't say it surprised me
34:18no?
34:19it's like part of your personality
34:23I do think Kush can be glass half empty
34:28which 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
34:43but I know you're benefiting from venting
34:47just talking yeah
34:51so I kind of do let him run
34:53get him off his chest
34:54and I'll be like okay
34:56let's look at this from a different point of view
35:01when Kush is not feeling good we link up
35:04we go on walks
35:05we go on bike rides park
35:07play footy
35:08honestly any activity as long as we're doing something
35:11I can tell improves his mood
35:15should I have your boss bro?
35:17got a leaf blower
35:18yeah
35:18just had walnut left behind
35:20Kush means a lot to me definitely
35:23and I want to show him
35:24there's always light at the end of a tunnel you know
35:29I hate to see you in such a negative space
35:33I actually do care for you you know
35:35yeah I really appreciate that
35:39in the race
35:40every day is a difficult day
35:41every day is a struggle
35:42you have bad days
35:44you have good days
35:44soft days
35:45but every day is hard
35:48I'm trying to learn how to function under high stress
35:53but I think it's only in the past sort of couple days
35:56that I've realised how much I value having Joe here
35:59I just really appreciate the fact that Joe's always up for
36:02for sort of
36:04looking after me in a way
36:05I don't think Joe will understand
36:08like
36:08the difference it makes
36:15yeah I mean
36:16he is he's my best mate
36:27Oi
36:27ready keep going
36:28in this entire journey
36:31I've got nothing
36:33just absolutely nothing
36:35that's all but Joe
36:44that is home
36:52how much money is that?
36:54300, 400
36:55nice
36:56so good
36:57yeah
36:59do you know anyone who can
37:01drive us tonight for a bit?
37:04maybe I can drive you to the Jalla
37:05Abad
37:06and we will look there
37:08okay
37:09thank you
37:10we think maybe
37:11we should go to Kazakhstan border
37:13tomorrow
37:13we go the whole way from Jalla Abad
37:16does that sound like a good idea?
37:17also possible
37:18it's possible
37:19from Jalla Abad
37:20many cars go there
37:22it's going to be a long long day
37:23it's going to be an expensive day
37:25bro
37:25let's just pray that we can still pull out the bag
37:40look at that
37:41look at that
37:42look at that amazing hat
37:43your hat is fantastic
37:45oh ho ho
37:46shhh
37:47having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday
37:50Mark and Margo are in the capital Bishkek
37:53tasty savoury brusquish
37:55tasty savoury brusquish
37:56tasty brusquish
37:57tasty brusquish
37:58a lot of statues don't they
38:03at the northern tip of the Chewy Valley
38:06this one small settlement grew into a lush garden city
38:10with residents encouraged to plant trees near their homes
38:15today
38:15its nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living
38:19fermented 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 onto the checkpoint
38:32oh my little friend
38:34you must stay here
38:36yes
38:37the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomers
38:40look at that
38:41oh I'd like that myself
38:43traditionally seen as working animals
38:45pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship
38:50whoa
38:50with pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol
38:54what are you telling me
38:55I don't speak Kyrgyzstan
38:58most experiences we've had
39:00have been tailors for me
39:02Margo's been very happy to go along with that
39:04here we go
39:05she's got a lot of time for people
39:06here we go
39:07so this is an experience for Margo
39:09you're doing fine you're doing so well
39:12I'm here don't worry
39:13it has been a very exhausting journey
39:17so today is a chance for Margo to relax and just forget about the race just for one day
39:24don't you like a dog like this Mark
39:26no
39:27so cute
39:28hello
39:29this is something I would never want to do
39:31I don't like animals that smell it
39:34dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs
39:35I'm doing it for Margo
39:38come on
39:38she loves this
39:39oh
39:41wee wee
39:43don't tell my dog Bailey what I'm doing
39:45you have a dog?
39:46I have a dog
39:47oh
39:48when my dog sees this she'll be very jealous
39:50my Bailey will not forgive me
39:55you're not happy with this are you?
40:01she can't wait to go home
40:03goodbye
40:05oh
40:05oh
40:07oh
40:07oh
40:11today has just been my day in the happiest place I could be on earth
40:16I've just loved it
40:18she's very upset now
40:20I know
40:20particularly with you
40:22I know
40:24I am very very pleased Marcus doing this job for me
40:27oh
40:28oh
40:29look
40:30and I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on so far on the race
40:35oh
40:36you gentle soul
40:38we're just really accepting of each other
40:41you like our place
40:43oh we love it
40:44we love it
40:44I'd love to bring my dog here
40:46but somehow the two of us have become
40:48we're so supportive of each other
40:50I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and nose
40:53tomorrow
40:54checkpoint
40:55here we come
41:05we really are in the middle of nowhere
41:07it might slow us down in the race a little bit
41:10but that's absolutely incredible
41:1325 kilometers outside of Bishkek
41:16after three days of relentless travel
41:18Katie and Harrison have reached the remote village of Kashkasu
41:25the siblings will work for husband and wife duo
41:28Elias and Maureen
41:29welcome to Glucada Stables
41:32thank you
41:32thank you
41:32in 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
41:47yeah I couldn't have done another day
41:50the chaotic stress
41:52it's a nice temperature as well
41:54really nice and warm but windy
41:55it's like ideal ginger temperature
41:57I really just wanted like a real rustic raw experience you know
42:02this is where I'm like really
42:05ticking the bucket list off
42:08Ajay where are we going?
42:10where are we going?
42:12you can't eat that
42:12oh god
42:13I've lost my horse
42:14my horse
42:15my horse
42:17I've said
42:18Daddy are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20my horse doesn't like me
42:23my
42:24the horses look nice and shiny
42:25thank you
42:26thank you
42:26it's time to reward somebody
42:28yeah
42:28let's get out there and ride
42:31nice and easy boy
42:33good boy
42:36oh my god
42:39I'm on a horse
42:41in Kyrgyzstan
42:43what?
42:46it's incredible
42:50that is just ridiculous
42:52this is stunning
43:00what?
43:03wow
43:08formed over 50 million years ago
43:11as the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided
43:14that is insane
43:18the Alatu mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks
43:22creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
43:27not that
43:29this isn't real
43:30I feel like I'm in a painting
43:34absolutely beautiful
43:38but it is the middle of nowhere
43:40it's a long way to get to Almaty
43:52to see
43:53we got the vads in the car
43:56with a 570km taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds
44:02Joe and Kush have their sights set on reaching Almaty tonight
44:07my god
44:10look at that
44:11look at that
44:11it's insane
44:13oh shit
44:15where are the snowboards at?
44:18out of all the stands we've been to
44:19this is definitely
44:21the Prius
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
44:42it's just stunning
44:44we've still got a long long way to go
44:46but we're trying to stay positive
44:50hey
44:53unless 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
45:06come on
45:06come on
45:06come on
45:15that's mental
45:16let's go
45:17what's our draw?
45:18if dads are on our side
45:20there's a chance to get to Almaty tonight
45:22we might have a chance at maybe second or third
45:37you know
45:38have you ever rounded up sheep this way before?
45:40yeah it's lovely though
45:41it's just like walking the fins at home
45:43you couldn't beat us
45:44it's just so interesting
45:45you couldn't beat us
45:46oh genie mac
45:48after a seven hour journey from Shemkent
45:51Andrew and Molly have arrived in Tasutkel
45:55horse coming through
45:56my dad
45:57my father
45:58hello hello nice to meet you
46:00nice to meet you
46:01hello hello hello
46:02hello nice to meet you
46:04nice to meet you
46:05they're joining host Zalgaz
46:07I got a wee borrow
46:08and his father in the day to day running of the farm
46:14me too
46:15me too
46:15yes
46:17I help
46:18okay
46:22it's very rare
46:23we're in the middle of nowhere
46:25we're on a farm
46:26and
46:28I'm loving it actually
46:29did I do good?
46:31yeah
46:33this leg
46:34Molly's kind of making the decisions
46:36and by me stepping back
46:37she's able to take over
46:39you're very good at onions
46:40I have discovered that too
46:42yeah
46:44it's lovely to see
46:45and lovely to see her flourish
46:47but in another way
46:49I find that quite difficult at times
46:51because when I was Molly's age
46:53I grew up in Belfast
46:55during the beginning of the Troubles
46:58ways go
46:59Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye
47:02and it turned to violence
47:09you had to care for some of the areas you went to
47:11what pubs you went to
47:12what streets you went to
47:13what pubs you went to
47:14and everybody was in age
47:20there was bombs going off
47:22soldiers walking around with guns
47:27people would have been killed for their religion
47:32and it affects you
47:38particularly as I become a father
47:40you kind of manifest that onto your children
47:44a lot of my generation has that kind of fear
47:47and lack of safety
47:50you can be a bit over bordering
47:52and you're probably a wee bit more hyper vigilant
47:57oh my Jesus
47:58it's just so like Nanny's house isn't it?
48:00uh huh
48:05seeing Molly grow up
48:07you're losing her in a way
48:09and she's growing up into this independent person
48:11and you're not having that kind of level of control
48:15and that's the bit that I'm learning to deal with at the moment
48:19come on! move it!
48:22they're just my school kids
48:23they just walk off in their own direction
48:28it's been 24 long years of looking after somebody
48:32it's been 24 long years of looking after somebody
48:33enjoyed 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?
48:55ok
48:55spoiling us
49:00woo!
49:08wow
49:08how are you good?
49:12were you a party guard?
49:17oh
49:18I like a party
49:19oh this looks lovely
49:23wow
49:24it's your turn to sing
49:26no no sorry
49:28what do you sing?
49:29I'll sing badly if you want me to
49:31it doesn't matter
49:32this is a song about
49:34a girl in Belfast
49:37I can't believe we're doing this
49:39enjoy
49:39i tell me ma when i go home
49:42the boys will leave the boys alone
49:44they love my hair they come my comb
49:46but that's alright till i go home
49:48she is handsome she is pretty
49:50she is the girl of Belfast
49:52she is a courting one two three
49:54please would you tell me who is she
49:57Albert Mooney says he loves her
49:59all the boys are rapping for
50:00they're out by the door and they ring the bell
50:02sing oh my love and stuff are you well
50:05that's why the snow rings on her fingers
50:08bells on her toes
50:09she is the girl of Belfast city
50:11she is a courting one two three
50:13please would you tell me who is she
50:15wow
50:18ay maladez maladez
50:20maladez
50:21what more?
50:23no one time only
50:26i'm so sorry i'm such a bad singer
50:30ay it was beautiful
50:31aww
50:42a
50:43kazakhstan
50:43kazakhstan yes
50:44kazakhstan yay
50:45yay
50:47we've made quick time to boader
50:49checkpoint
50:51following an early start
50:52Mark and Margo have now crossed into Kazakhstan
50:56whoo
50:57are you ready to run mark
50:58i think we might surprise ourselves
51:00i'm ready to open that book
51:02I'd see a better number there than four.
51:05Oh, Matty, here we come.
51:09I can't thank you enough. Thank you.
51:11You're in.
51:15Close behind them, Andrew and Molly.
51:19We know we have to pay to get there fast.
51:22Using their healthy budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint.
51:25We need to go fast. Fast, fast, fast.
51:31The former Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
51:36Meaning place of apples,
51:39the wild orchard-covered slopes that surround the city
51:42are believed to be the ancient ancestral home of the popular fruit.
51:46I think we're here.
51:48Here we come.
51:50Today, it's also home to the sixth checkpoint.
51:58Make your way to Gogol Street.
52:02Find the memorial of glory.
52:05Behind the eternal flame.
52:07Past the Ascension Cathedral.
52:09And locate the emblem of Kazakhstan.
52:13On the front of KBTU.
52:15So we need to go to Gogol Street.
52:17A lovely day for a walk in the park.
52:19It is, absolutely, yes.
52:21Remember, though, it's a race.
52:22Oh, Lordy, Lordy, yeah.
52:28We're doing four-minute kilometers.
52:30I can see my skates.
52:32Can I have your skates?
52:34This way.
52:36Oh!
52:37Memorial of glory.
52:38That has to be it.
52:39That's one big monument.
52:43It's there.
52:44You see it?
52:45Ascension Cathedral.
52:47Chum-chum!
52:51It's gorgeous, isn't it?
52:52Beautiful, isn't it?
52:53Take a bit.
52:55No!
52:56KBTU's out there.
52:58That way.
52:58Bob, thank you.
52:59Oh, is that the emblem?
53:01What an amazing building.
53:02You think it's that one?
53:06Follow the apples and sign in on the Terrence of Almaty Hotel.
53:12Keep your eyes peeled.
53:14There's apples down here.
53:15And there's apples up there.
53:18Excuse me?
53:20He's lost himself.
53:22Molly, there's apples down here.
53:23There's apples up there.
53:24I know.
53:24There's bloody apples everywhere.
53:27No, Daddy.
53:27There's more apples this way.
53:28This makes more sense.
53:29Follow the clues.
53:32Like it, Mark.
53:34Woo!
53:36Almaty Hotel.
53:39I'm wrecking, my God.
53:40You're doing really well.
53:41Mark!
53:41Small girl!
53:42Like it!
53:44Irish bar!
53:45Yeah!
53:46Yeah!
53:47Yeah!
53:47Give it everything!
53:51It could be that one up there.
53:53Like it, Mark!
53:54That's it, Molly.
53:55It's thinking up in front of you.
53:56Yep!
53:57Hang on for me!
53:58Sorry!
53:59I want a big glass of rosƩ wine.
54:02Steps!
54:03I love a step.
54:05I'm here!
54:07Hey!
54:08Hello!
54:08I'm glad to see you.
54:09Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
54:13Okay.
54:14Please sign here.
54:15Wonderful.
54:18Congratulations.
54:19You have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
54:22Yes.
54:23Please sign in for a kid.
54:25Bit of great leg now, all right?
54:29Go on.
54:30Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:32Third.
54:33But second!
54:34Oh!
54:36Oh, that's wrong!
54:37Joe and Cush.
54:4014 hours in front of us.
54:42Oh, gosh.
54:42They've made good lead.
54:43Oh!
54:44Ah!
54:51Hit this right.
54:52Yeah.
54:55Shit, you good?
54:56I just hit the curb.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine.
54:59Sure?
55:00Yeah, honest.
55:01Nice one, bro.
55:01Dream team.
55:02Come, bro.
55:03Final sprint.
55:05There it is.
55:06Here it is, Joe.
55:08Joe.
55:09Can you open the box to be last?
55:12Well, I'm going to be last.
55:14Salaam Alaikum.
55:15Hello.
55:16Please sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro.
55:18Allow me.
55:19I think it's been so hard, but whatever place.
55:23I'm flying with forth.
55:24It just stays what it is.
55:25Congratulations.
55:26You've successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
55:28Please sign in at Overleaf.
55:35What?
55:36Wait.
55:39That's not right.
55:41That's not right.
55:41That's the wrong page.
55:42That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44You sure this is the right book?
55:47Blav.
55:49How did we do that, bro?
55:54You did it, bro.
55:55First place.
55:56We finally got a taste of it.
55:58I truly think it's thanks to that locals are on the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe it.
56:06Me either.
56:08I 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.
56:16Bro.
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.
56:28It 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.
56:39Second, second, fifth.
56:40That's a tune that, you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:50We're coming for you.
56:52What do you reckon?
56:53We're coming for you.
56:54We did the rule we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:02Let's go.
57:03Yeah.
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:07The boys did very well.
57:08Well done.
57:09Fair play to him.
57:09Fair play to him.
57:12I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:14I think we communicated well.
57:16And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18We only have to win one.
57:24Come on.
57:29I'm going to sprint just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
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 looking forward.
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.
57:58I do have that regret of 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.
58:09So just spend it wisely.
58:11We really need some leggings and a new moisturiser.
58:15So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:22Mongolia's your problem, no?
58:24Mongolia's 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.
58:33This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:37Oh, my God, no.
58:38This is time.
58:38This 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 always been a miscommunication.
58:55Fasten your seatbelts, you're in for a bumpy ride.
59:26I'll see you next week.
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