#video #Race Across the World - Season 6 Episode 6
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00:19Oh
00:19Look at this
00:21What a stunning view
00:22It is me. It takes my breath away. Yeah, wow
00:27That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations in the rock the weather going on the lanes. They're off the rock formation. Look to
00:35see it's going down
00:36Older men talking about rocks
00:41Peeking at 4,000 meters above sea level
00:46Zaman National Park
00:50Uzbekistan's oldest nature reserve
00:53Home to more than 800 species of plants and herbs some with medicinal qualities
01:01The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties that in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium
01:09a
01:10Health 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, Margo 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. Are you telling me the truth or no?
01:40With just three legs remaining funds are dwindling
01:45While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget they alongside Mark and Margo are trailing the other two teams
01:54The kids are young they seem to be racing your head
01:57Yes
01:57Yes
01:57They've got enthusiasm
01:58Absolutely
01:59You've got the energy
02:01Yes
02:01How's it going with Molly though? Such a lovely girl
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 I kind of will step back and let her go and make those calls and live
02:17and die by those consequences
02:23Do 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, it's you
02:38Yeah, come on, go on boys
02:41It's quite nice that the young'uns are together
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit
02:45It's a bit different, travelling with your dad
02:48We get on really well
02:50And I'm very lucky for that
02:51But I can find that it is different
02:53Yeah
02:53And it can be difficult at times
02:55Like there's always that kind of his final say because 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
03:05That'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 coming after that?
03:13It's just fine
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
03:42This is for you
03:43Thank you so much
03:44Here we go
03:45Hello
03:46Your sixth checkpoint is Almaty
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 there's something at the conversation for us
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometres into the east of Kazakhstan, Almaty
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
04:18An 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
04:29It'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
04:42Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan
04:45Or we just go around the top of Kazakhstan straight to Almaty
04:51To get there, teams 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
05:10A 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
05:29I'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
05:41Yeah
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 get to Kyrgyzstan
05:51Let's go to Kyrgyzstan
05:53Kyrgyzstan, we are coming for you
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan
05:58They'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
06:07How's the right?
06:08Toshkent
06:09Toshkent?
06:10Yeah
06:10I don't know
06:12No?
06:13No
06:13So Toshkent taxi?
06:16Taxi
06:17Okay
06:17I 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
06:28What is your name?
06:29Ferdas
06:30Ferdas
06:31Ferdas
06:31Ferdas
06:32Ah, Harrison
06:33Nice 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
06:41I am in the parchment business
06:44You smell good
06:45You are very friendly
06:48I like your accent
06:51Manchester
06:52Manchester
06:52Manchester United
06:53Manchester United
06:54Manchester City
06:55No, no city
06:56No, no, no, no
06:59He's getting the scores up
07:00Oh my God
07:01What a guy
07:01Oh
07:04Joe
07:07Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I found 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
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 if we go through Kyrgyzstan
07:28Kyrgyzstan is 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 will 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'm 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
08:25Railway ticket office
08:26Look at that
08:27Hello, Andujan
08:30Today, two tickets
08:32Pressing on
08:33The 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 Ardijan
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581 AM
08:591 AM
08:591 AM
09:01Yes
09:01400,000
09:02Both of us
09:03That's so much
09:05Thank you
09:05We will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because
09:10400,000 for a train that takes seven hours
09:12Or hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 for four hours
09:15If we can haggle our way down
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive
09:22Here to Ardijan
09:24Please
09:25The first you should go to the car station
09:27And then you should get the next taxi driver
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:34If these guys can drive to Ardijan?
09:36No, no, no
09:36Can't go to Ardijan from here?
09:38No, no
09:40Oh 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
09:48Where 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
09:56We're not even at the border yet
09:57Kush's reaction to stress was quite instant
09:59Oh
10:01I know Kush has a heightened anxiety
10:05I don't think we have much trees
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes and best decisions to make
10:13Oh God
10:15Oh God
10:15We could have got straight to Ardijan
10:16In the train
10:17It's going to be a long day
10:18No, we're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
10:20No, I don't think we should assume
10:24But 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*** off big time
10:38F*** off big time
10:38Back in Zaman City
10:39Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities
10:43Okay
10:44Screams out to me
10:45The third team to set off
10:46Andrew and Molly
10:47I 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'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
11:05They 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 leg where I couldn't even make a bloody decision
11:18This 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 of the road
11:31Leaving in last place
11:35Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark
11:37We'll get into Tashkent
11:38Bands it were cheaper to stay tonight
11:41It comes to me in fourth place
11:42We used to claw some time back
11:45Do you think your route is 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
11:55Like 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 price?
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 still 300km away
12:39We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
12:40There's no buses and we'll 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
12:53Oh no
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap
12:58This one is the cheaper one
13:00You see the price?
13:03Oh, that's so expensive
13:04Is 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
13:19You're welcome
13:21No, Rachmet
13:22Free of calm, we 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
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 zero to a hundred
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
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 snoring
14:26It's been such a rough day
14:44Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool
14:48With a history spanning two millennia
14:51Chorsu Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market
14:56Wow
14:56Holy moly
14:58Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era blue dome
15:06How fast can you do then?
15:08More faster than you
15:09Yeah, 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
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?
15:37My father is working 45 years here
15:40Your father?
15:41He has a big reputation, that's why
15:44I'm third generation
15:45You're third generation
15:46Which you have to keep going, yes?
15:50Mohammed, my name is
15:51Mohammed, Molly
15:54Ireland
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment
16:03I'm buzzing with it actually
16:06Yeah, yeah, yeah, ginger
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
16:16And as an adult
16:17To do that I need to be confident
16:20And stand on my decisions
16:22Say kebab
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs
16:27I wanted you to this place
16:29I did that, I cut all the onions
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place
16:37You're doing a great job
16:38You're doing a great job
16:39I enjoyed it
16:40Everyone tell me
16:40You're doing great job
16:43Now you stick part of the money
16:45It'll take us across the border
16:46We'll have enough to get across the border
16:48All good?
16:49You smell it, man
16:53Molly, I can't pay
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 do we get a taxi outside?
17:03From this side
17:03Thank you
17:04See you later
17:05See you later
17:05Thank you
17:06No problem
17:06Bye bye
17:09Our plan is
17:11Get to the border
17:12And then connect
17:13As quick as possible
17:15As quick as possible
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action
17:18The border, Kazakhstan
17:20The team are splitting from the pack
17:23Heading to the Kazakh border crossing
17:25And then traversing north
17:26To the city of Shemkent
17:29To Kazakhstan
17:31Great job Molly
17:32Well done
17:33That's great
17:34Shemkent
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night
17:50Joe and Kyrgyz are still six hours away from the crossing
17:53Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:58Yeah
17:58The Uber
17:59And there you can find somebody for cheaper
18:04Maybe we can help
18:06Kyrgyz hasn't slept
18:08He'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
18:16So Andesran is here
18:18But we need to go to this border
18:20So like maybe
18:21A little bit further
18:23I believe
18:24Staying positive is
18:25The best chances of winning
18:27Our plan is to
18:28Help crush out this spiral season right now
18:31We need to
18:32Get cheapest
18:33Cheapest price
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah
18:37Are you serious?
18:39Yeah
18:39Oh my god
18:40Oh my god
18:42Oh 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
19:02Thank you
19:05Naima is a miracle bro
19:07I think this morning this gave me some inspiration
19:12And obviously Naima taking such good care of us
19:15Yeah
19:16I think we really enjoy the home stay
19:17Doing a job that's outdoors
19:19Which we've been wanting
19:21Local and authentic to the area
19:23Yeah
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it
19:28We're going to 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 Arslanbub
19:38Once they enter into Kyrgyzstan
19:41We can still do this
19:42God
19:43We just can't give up
19:53SIMPLES
19:54Following behind
19:54After departing the checkpoint in last place
19:58In-laws, Mark and Margo
20:01Taking a picturesque route towards Kyrgyzstan
20:04With a train through the Ferghana Valley
20:08It's been long
20:09For the last hour or so
20:10Very rugged
20:12They just look like giant sand dunes.
20:18A 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
20:31in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques.
20:36Kokand, the handicraftest city of the world.
20:39Oh, Kokand.
20:40Kokand, Kokand.
20:41That wasn't on your map, was it?
20:43No.
20:44You'd be lovely to explore some of these places,
20:47but you can't.
20:49You're going 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.
20:57See, 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,
21:08and 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.
21:23Any of you speak English?
21:25No.
21:26I'm from Liverpool.
21:29I've got a lot of energy, and I do spend a lot of 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.
21:44I love this.
21:45This is beautiful.
21:47Let's get the party started.
21:49Anyone fancy a sing song?
21:57I love it.
22:02I love it.
22:06I love it.
22:07I love it.
22:08I love it.
22:09I love it.
22:14That's my heart.
22:17So easy it's not to go in.
22:18I love it.
22:26Nice to meet you all. I like this.
22:29As the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border...
22:33Which way is the border? This way.
22:36The border this way? OK.
22:39Already 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.
22:48Can we just walk 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
23:07continues today, with local rideshares, known as marshrutkas,
23:12linking towns and villages.
23:16We want to go to Bishkek.
23:22Ugh! It's something, isn't it?
23:34I want to find out if there is a bus to Bishkek because a taxi is just so expensive.
23:42Fingers crossed.
23:44Determined to stick to public transport, they plan to use Bishkek on the northern edge
23:50as a stepping stone to the checkpoint.
23:53After bus.
23:55Bishkek.
23:56No.
23:58That's it.
23:59But no buses depart after 6pm.
24:03We are on a tighter budget.
24:04We want to save for the next two legs.
24:08It 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.
24:25It's very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of Greece and Turkey, buses run
24:30all day and all night.
24:31You can get anywhere you wanted in the country.
24:34Kyrgyzstan is not turning out to be as we thought.
24:37This is men's room?
24:39Men's room.
24:40Perfect.
24:41Having 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.
24:53Where 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?
25:08Not been home in two and a half years?
25:09Yeah.
25:10Like the mindset just blows me, like how you can just travel and not kind of know where you're going
25:15to end up next.
25:16Yeah.
25:17I mean, it's just my life now so...
25:19Yeah.
25:20Yeah.
25:20Happy?
25:21Yes, very happy.
25:23Yeah.
25:23I've been looking for one for, what, five weeks?
25:27Mm-hm.
25:28Yay!
25:29The guys in our room.
25:30They're so cool.
25:31Yeah.
25:32He'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.
25:40Yeah, a lot of people.
25:41And I'm here because I'm the traveller.
25:43Yeah.
25:44I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive, um, and making the most of the
25:49it.
25:50There's so many things that could go wrong, but she just seems to just go with it.
25:54It is a good thing that we're seeing tonight.
25:56Yeah.
25:56Because we'll have more options tomorrow.
26:01What do you do?
26:02Do you just...
26:05As the team's settling for the night...
26:07What?
26:11Salaam Alaikum.
26:12What is your name?
26:13Zubair.
26:13Zubair.
26:14Cush.
26:15That's one best thing about Scouse accents is you can pronounce names a lot better.
26:19200km to the north, a direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead as they arrive
26:25in 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 appetit for you.
26:36Bon appetit.
26:37Mmm.
26:39Mmm.
26:39Mmm.
26:40And this is, like, fresh bread.
26:42Mmm.
26:43That is fresh.
26:44And very fresh.
26:46Of a doughy.
26:47OK.
26:48Oh, so nice.
26:50Feeling a lot better.
26:53It'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...
27:0625,000?
27:08Yeah.
27:08Sounds like Liverpool.
27:10Everyone knows everyone.
27:11You know, it's the same.
27:12OK.
27:12Everyone knows everyone.
27:13And everyone's happy to help each other.
27:15And so it is his boss.
27:16We love it.
27:17I mean...
27:17What boss mean?
27:19Boss?
27:20Boss is, like...
27:21Really good.
27:22Yeah.
27:23Like, very good.
27:24Like...
27:25Like, this food is boss.
27:26We have some words about, like, like this.
27:28Bazarjo.
27:29Bazarjo?
27:30Yeah.
27:30Like, very cool.
27:32It's green tea.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:36And it's boss because of your hair.
27:40That's not what I'm talking about.
27:41OK, you're welcome.
27:41Two scouts.
27:44Abdurah 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.
27:52But I'm feeling a little anxious still.
27:54It is.
27:55Proper off the beaten track.
27:56I already think that we're going to be behind everyone else to get to the checkpoint.
28:00In 9.30 we can start to the forest.
28:03Yeah.
28:03That'd be so good.
28:04Aw, 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?
28:20I 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.
28:37With plans to move swiftly onto Shoe, a city 450 kilometres closer to the checkpoint.
28:43One, two, zero.
28:46No 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?
29:02Jesus.
29:03Yeah.
29:03It's 15 times.
29:0415 times the value.
29:06$225.
29:07Yeah.
29:09I didn't get the train.
29:10Train?
29:11Yes.
29:11There's no questions.
29:14While Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train.
29:18I'm the news.
29:19There's like 10 seats on here, but there's like 30 people on here.
29:23That's great.
29:24In Kyrgyzstan.
29:26I just feel like you're local.
29:27Like, there's so many, it's just local people, like, going to work or whatever.
29:30It's brilliant.
29:31Yeah.
29:32Great.
29:33And it's cheap as chips.
29:34Loving it.
29:34Finally on the move, using public transport, Katie and Harrison are setting a course to
29:40the capital, Bishkek.
29:42Oh.
29:45F*** now.
29:48My baby.
29:49Quite hectic on the roads, but getting this closer.
29:52Yeah.
29:53We're making progress.
29:54Yeah.
29:56Oh.
29:58Quite bad.
30:01Traffic jump.
30:04I have no idea what's going on.
30:12Oh.
30:14Great.
30:16One simple road that won't be a simple road.
30:19Oh, my God.
30:20Well, there's worse places to be stopped by a road, I suppose.
30:24If anyone's travelled up through Kyrgyzstan today, they would have done it quicker than us.
30:29Oh, my God.
30:31Ow!
30:32Ow!
30:34Oh!
30:36The silly beast stuck to my feet.
30:40Having now caught up with the siblings...
30:43Margot, the car coming.
30:47Mark and Margot.
30:49Get closer now, because it's going to get busy.
30:53It's been clear we're moving now.
30:55Oh!
30:56Let's get back on the bus.
30:58We're moving.
30:59Don't want the bus to leave without us.
31:04Thistle prongs.
31:06That was really, really stupid.
31:08One of the stupidest things I've done on this race so far.
31:11Who does that?
31:12Who does that?
31:15I think today's going to be a very long day.
31:19Ishkek tonight.
31:21We're doing it.
31:24This is a very impressive landscape.
31:28Very dramatic.
31:29I will remember it.
31:30Dramatic and extreme, isn't it?
31:32Yes.
31:35Connecting the south of the country with the capital in the north,
31:38a single, precipitous, 700-kilometre-long highway
31:43weaving through steep canyons, tunnels and high mountain passes
31:48at its peak, reaching altitudes over 3,000 metres.
31:53Oh, Margot!
31:54What?
31:55Snow!
31:57Yes!
31:58This is what we came for!
32:03I reckon, having done this,
32:04I reckon we could be in with a good chance
32:07of keeping him with the pack.
32:08We're very short of money.
32:10We've had three days of real hard travel.
32:13Tomorrow?
32:14Let's see if there's any work in Ishkek.
32:15Yes.
32:16We deserve some time off.
32:20It looks like the Magic Kingdom from Disney.
32:23I've never seen it come like this.
32:25No, this is very cold.
32:29Can we go over?
32:30Yeah.
32:39How many do you want?
32:41How many more is better?
32:435,000.
32:44Oh!
32:48The Kyrgyz Forest of Arslan Bob,
32:51the largest natural walnut grove on earth.
32:56So hard to find them.
32:58I thought it'd be, like, proper easy.
33:01Leaving their homes en masse every autumn,
33:04local families head onto the mountain slopes to camp,
33:07harvesting up to 1,500 tonnes of walnuts every year.
33:13The precious crop is not only stored year-round for food,
33:16but used as currency in the town,
33:18with nuts of different values being traded for goods in shops.
33:23This cheap one, again.
33:25Cheap one?
33:26Yeah.
33:27How fancy?
33:29But also good.
33:30Joining Abdurrazzak's family to pay off their bed and board,
33:34Joe and Kush.
33:36In the market,
33:38the white one is expensive.
33:40This is a little cheaper.
33:41How is it different?
33:42Like, sweet.
33:43Nice.
33:44Tastes 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.
33:55Bad job, Joe.
33:56Bad job.
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.
34:04I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep.
34:05Yeah, I know.
34:06You were just chatting to me,
34:07I was like, bro, just shut up and go next to me.
34:11I just need to head to shut up for a minute.
34:15You know how I get.
34:17I wouldn't say it surprises me.
34:18No?
34:18It'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.
34:47Do you know what I mean?
34:48Just talking, yeah.
34:48Yeah.
34:51So I kind of do let him rant, get him off his chest.
34:55And I'll be like, OK, let'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, we go on bike rides, park, play footy.
35:08Honestly, any activity, as long as we're doing something,
35:12I can tell improves his mood.
35:15Shut up your boss, bro.
35:17He had a leaf blower.
35:18Yeah.
35:19Just had walnut left behind.
35:21Kush means a lot to me, definitely.
35:23And I want to show him there'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.
35:39And the race.
35:40Every day's a difficult day, every day's a struggle.
35:43You have bad days, you have good days, soft days.
35:45But every day's 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, looking after me, in a way.
36:05I don't think Joe will understand, like, the difference it makes.
36:15Yeah, I mean, he is, he's my best mate.
36:27Oh!
36:28Oi! You ready? Keep going.
36:29In this entire journey, I've got nothing.
36:33Just absolutely nothing.
36:35That's all but Joe.
36:40Lad!
36:41That was cold.
36:45That is home.
36:52How much money is that?
36:54300, 400.
36:55Nice!
36:56So good.
36:57Both, yeah.
36:59Do you know anyone who can drive us tonight for a bit?
37:04Maybe I can drive you to Jalalabad, and we will look there.
37:08Okay, thank you.
37:10We think maybe we should go to Kazakhstan border.
37:13Tomorrow we go the whole way from Jalalabad.
37:16Does that sound like a good idea?
37:17Also possible?
37:18It's possible.
37:19From Jalalabad.
37:20Many cars go there.
37:22It's going to be a long, long day. It's going to be an expensive day.
37:25Bro, let's just pray that we can still pull out the bag.
37:40Look at that! Look at that! Look at that amazing hat!
37:43Your hat is fantastic!
37:47Having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday, Mark and Margo are in the capital, Bishkek.
37:54Tasty savoury breakfast?
37:55Mmm, breakfast and grapes.
37:58They're a lot of satches, 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.
38:15Today, its nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living.
38:20Fermented mare's milk, as well as flat whites, are sold side by side.
38:27They're very busy, aren't they?
38:30Adding to their funds before pushing onto the checkpoint...
38:33Oh, my little friend, you must stay here!
38:37Yes!
38:37..the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomer's.
38:40Look at that! I would like that myself!
38:43Traditionally seen as working animals, pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship.
38:50With pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol.
38:54What are you telling me? I don't speak Kyrgyzstan.
38:59Most experiences we've had have been tailored for me.
39:03Margo's been very happy to go along with that.
39:04There we go.
39:05There's a lot of time for people.
39:07There we go.
39:08So, this is an experience for Margo.
39:10You're doing fine, you're doing so well.
39:12I'm here, don't worry.
39:14It 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.
39:25Don't you like a dog like this, Margo?
39:27No!
39:27So cute!
39:29Hello!
39:30There's this thing I would never want to do.
39:32I don't like animals that smell it.
39:34Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs.
39:36I'm doing it for Margo.
39:38Come on! She loves this.
39:40Oh!
39:41Whee!
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.
39:51My Bailey will not forgive me.
39:56You're not happy with this, are you?
39:59John McQueen.
40:02She can't wait to go home.
40:04Goodbye.
40:05Oh!
40:06Oh!
40:11Today has just been my day in the happiest place I could be on Earth.
40:17I've just loved it.
40:18She's very upset now.
40:20I know.
40:20Yeah, no.
40:21Particularly with you.
40:22I know.
40:24I am very, very pleased, Marcus, doing this job for me.
40:28Oh, look!
40:30And I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on so far on the race.
40:35Oh, you gentle soul.
40:38We're just really accepting of each other.
40:42You like our place.
40:43Oh, we love it. We love it.
40:44I'd love to bring my dog here.
40:46But somehow the two of us have become so supportive of each other.
40:50I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and my nose.
40:53Tomorrow.
40:55Checkpoint. Here we come.
41:05We really are in the middle of nowhere.
41:07It might slow us down in the race a little bit, but that's absolutely incredible.
41:1325 kilometers outside of Bishkek, after three days of relentless travel, Katie and Harrison have reached the remote village of
41:21Kashkasu.
41:25The siblings will work for husband and wife duo, Elias and Maureen.
41:29Welcome to Gulsara Stables.
41:33In 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.
41:50A chaotic stress.
41:52It's a nice temperature as well.
41:54Really nice and warm, but windy.
41:56It's like ideal ginger temperature.
41:58I really just wanted, like, a real rustic, raw experience, you know.
42:03This is where I'm, like, really ticking the bucket list off.
42:08Ajay, where are we going?
42:10Where are we going?
42:11You can't eat that.
42:12Oh, God.
42:14I lost my horse.
42:15My horse.
42:16My horse.
42:17How I said...
42:18Katie, are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20My horse doesn't like me.
42:23The horses look nice and shiny.
42:26Perfect. Thank you.
42:26It's time to reward somebody.
42:28Yeah.
42:28Let's get out there and ride.
42:32Nice and easy, boy.
42:34Good boy.
42:36Oh, my God.
42:38I'm on a horse.
42:41In Kyrgyzstan.
42:43What?
42:45It's...
42:46It's incredible.
42:50That is just ridiculous.
42:53This is stunning.
43:00What?
43:03Wow.
43:08Formed over 50 million years ago, as the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided...
43:15That is insane.
43:18The Alatu Mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks, creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
43:27Not that.
43:29This isn't real. I 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.
43:53We got the vads in the car.
43:56With a 570-kilometre taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds, Joe and Kush have their
44:03sights set on reaching Almaty tonight.
44:08My God.
44:10Look at that.
44:11It's insane.
44:13Oh, shit.
44:16Where are the snowboards at?
44:18Out of all the stands we've been to, this is definitely the Prius.
44:22It's definitely the most beautiful drive I've ever been on my entire life.
44:30Oh, it's cold.
44:36No idea.
44:37Oh, my hands are cold.
44:41I'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!
44:52So, unless you can really come to terms with the constant stress of the race, only then can you actually
44:58relax and start to enjoy it.
45:00Yeah.
45:03Come on.
45:15That's mental.
45:16Let's go!
45:17What's our draw?
45:19If the odds are on our side, there's a chance to get to Almaty tonight.
45:22We might have a chance at maybe second or third.
45:25It's Kazakhstan.
45:38I've never rounded up sheep this way before.
45:40Yeah, it's lovely though.
45:41It's just like walking the fields at home.
45:43You couldn't beat it.
45:44It's so interesting.
45:46You couldn't beat it, isn't it?
45:46Oh, genie mac!
45:48After a seven-hour journey from Shemkent, Andrew and Molly have arrived in Tasutkel.
45:55Horse coming through.
45:57My dad, my 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 Zalgess and his father in the day-to-day running of the farm.
46:14Me too, yes.
46:17I help.
46:18Okay.
46:22It's very rare.
46:23We're in the middle of nowhere.
46:25We're on a farm and I'm loving it actually.
46:29Did I do good?
46:31Yeah.
46:33This snake, 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.
46:40I have discovered that.
46:42Yeah.
46:44It's lovely to see and lovely to see her flourish.
46:48But in another way, I find that quite difficult at times because when I was Molly's age, I grew up
46:55in Belfast during the beginning of the Troubles.
46:58A ways go.
46:58Go on.
47:00Catholics 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.
47:20And there was bombs going off, soldiers walking around with guns.
47:27People would have been killed for their religion.
47:31And it affects you.
47:38Particularly as I become a 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 hyper-vigilant.
47:57Oh my Jesus.
47:59It's just so like Nanny's house, isn't it?
48:01Uh-huh.
48:05Seeing Molly grow up, you're losing her in a way and she's growing up into this independent person and you're
48:12not 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!
48:20Move it!
48:22They're just nice school kids.
48:24They just walk off in their own direction.
48:29It's been 24 long years of looking after somebody.
48:33Enjoyed every second of it.
48:37And...
48:41You don't want to let her go.
48:46But that's life.
48:49You have to.
48:52We're best going to have dinner now.
48:54Dinner?
48:55Okay.
48:56Spoiling us.
48:57Yes.
49:06That's very good.
49:12Excellent.
49:13Were you a party guard?
49:14No.
49:17I like a party, yeah.
49:21Oh, this looks lovely.
49:23Wow.
49:24It's your turn to sing.
49:26No, no, sorry, no, no.
49:28What do you think?
49:29I'll sing badly if you want me to.
49:31It doesn't matter.
49:33This is a song about a girl in Belfast.
49:38I can't believe we're doing this.
49:39Enjoy.
49:40I tell me, ma, when I go home,
49:42the boys will leave the boys alone.
49:44They love my hair, they come, I come,
49:46but that's all right till I go home.
49:48She is handsome.
49:49She is pretty.
49:50She is the girl of Belfast City.
49:52She is a courting one, two, three.
49:54Please will you tell me who is she?
49:57Albert Mooney says he loves her.
49:59All the boys are right before.
50:01They're off at the door and they ring the bell.
50:03Say, come, my love, I'll bore you well.
50:05I comes as white as 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 will you tell me who is she?
50:15Whoa!
50:19Ay, malades, malades.
50:21Malades.
50:22What more?
50:23No, one time only.
50:26I'm so sorry.
50:28I'm such a bad singer.
50:30All right.
50:30That was beautiful.
50:31No.
50:33All right.
50:33All right.
50:44Kazakhstan, yes.
50:45Kazakhstan, yes.
50:45Yay.
50:47We've made quick times for border.
50:49Checkpoint.
50:51following an early start mark and margo have now crossed into kazakhstan are you ready to run mark
50:58i'm nothing might surprise ourselves i'm ready to open that book and see a better number there
51:04than four oh mighty here we come i can't thank you enough thank you very much you're going
51:15close behind them andrew and molly we know we have to pay to get there fast using their healthy
51:22budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint we need to go fast fast fast fast
51:31the former soviet capital of kazakhstan al mati 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
51:46i think we're here here we come today it's also home to the sixth checkpoint
51:58make your way to gogol street find a memorial of glory behind the eternal flame past the ascension
52:08cathedral and locate the emblem of kazakhstan on the front of kbtu so we need to get to gogol street
52:17a lovely day for a walk in the park it is absolutely yes remember though it's a race oh lord
52:23oh dear
52:26thank you thank you well we're doing four minute kilometers i can see my skates can i have your skates
52:34this way this way memorial of glory that has to be it that's one big monument it's there you see
52:44it
52:45ascension cathedral
52:51it's gorgeous isn't it beautiful isn't it no keep it to you that way that way thank you
52:59oh is that the emblem what an amazing building you think it's that one
53:06is
53:06follow the apples and sign in on the terence of al mati hotel
53:12keep your eyes peeled the apples down here and there's apples up there
53:17excuse me
53:20he's lost himself
53:22marley there's apples down here there's apples up there
53:24i know there's bloody apples everywhere no daddy there's more apples this way this makes more sense
53:29follow the clues
53:32like it mark
53:35al mati hotel thank you i'm wrecked now god you're doing really well
53:41margot
53:42like it
53:44irish bar
53:47give it everything
53:51it could be that one up there like it mark
53:54that's it molly's thing up in front of you yeah
53:56i know for me sorry i 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
54:10welcome to al mati hotel thank you okay please sign here wonderful
54:18congratulations you have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint
54:22yes please sign everybody for a kid with a great leg now all right
54:29go on
54:30go on go on
54:32third
54:32but second
54:33yes
54:36oh that's wrong
54:37joe and kush
54:4014 hours in front of us oh gosh they've made good lead
54:43oh
54:51this right yeah
54:55so you're good
54:57i just hit the curb
54:58yeah i'm fine sure yeah honest nice one bro dream team come bro panel spin
55:05there it is here it is joe
55:09can you open the box to be last
55:12we're not going to be last
55:14assalamu alaikum
55:15hello hello please sign in here yeah bro allow me i think it's been so hard but whatever please
55:22i'm fine with forth it just stays what it is congratulations you've successfully reached your
55:27pick the checkpoint please sign in overleaf
55:35what wait
55:39that's not right that's not right that's not right that's not right that's not right you sure this is the
55:45right book
55:47lad
55:48how do you do that bro
55:54you did it bro
55:55yes please
55:56yes we finally got a taste of it but i truly think it's thanks to locals along the way
56:02how much sleep have i lost over this leg
56:05i can't believe it
56:07neither
56:08i just want to say thank you for everything i know i've been a pain in the ass but
56:12don't worry it means the world
56:14always
56:15oh bro i was really struggling mentally but i realized that i can actually rely on joe a lot
56:22more than i originally assumed you've helped me so much in general
56:27bro same here it goes both ways i would probably still be in palermo somewhere without you right
56:32i'm not i'm not joking
56:34second fifth third third second second second second fifth that's a tune that you know
56:48next leg i'm sorry boys we're coming for you yeah we did the room we wanted we did it our
56:56way
56:56and we've come second and i think we can win
57:05oh jesus the boys are very well right on fair play to them fair play to them
57:12i have thoroughly loved this leg and i think we communicated well
57:16and i think we just need to keep it going forward
57:18why don't you have to win one
57:24come on
57:30let's sprint just for a laugh
57:31sprint
57:35come on
57:36sprint's not in my vocabulary
57:40welcome to almighty hotel thank 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 i really would have loved second or third
57:55we've tried to save a bit of money which cost us maybe a few hours
57:59i do have that regret of that we didn't spend a little bit more money
58:02but it is it is the eighth leg that matters for the first place we've got the extra money to
58:08spend
58:08now i think so just spend it wisely really need some leggings and moisturizer so yes
58:27we need speed and we've got the money to be able to spend there's no point being rich losers
58:32this kind of experience is what i wanted out of mongolia
58:36oh my god no this is the best memories we've had so far
58:42it's just all going wrong tomorrow's another day but today
58:49holy moly
58:51this is absurd there's been a miscommunication
58:55fasten your seat belts you're in for a bumpy ride
59:14so
59:26you
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