- 6 days ago
Race Across the World S06E06
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00:06You
00:19Look at this
00:20What a stunning view
00:22It is amazing
00:23It takes my breath away
00:24Yeah, wow
00:26That is so gorgeous isn't it
00:30Look at the striations of the rock
00:32The way they're going on the lines
00:33Oh, 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
00:41Peeking 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
01:18It's the 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
01:45While 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
02:00They've got the energy
02:00Yes
02:01How's it going with Molly though?
02:03Such 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
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 it's you
02:38Yeah, come on
02:39Go on boys
02:40It's quite nice that the young'uns are together
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit
02:45It's a bit different
02:47Travelling with your dad
02:48We get on really well
02:50And I'm very lucky for that
02:51But I can find it
02:52It is different
02:53Yeah
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 there'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 coming after that?
03:13It's a fight
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 the hotel before breakfast
03:37First to leave with only a 40 minute lead
03:40Katie and Harrison
03:41This is for you
03:43Thank you so much
03:44Here we go
03:46Your sixth track point is Almaty
03:49I know exactly where it is
03:51Back to Kazakhstan
03:52Exciting
03:53Let's go
03:54We've only got a 40 minute lead
03:55So I hope there's something at this station 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
04:17An influence that remains visible in the Orthodox churches
04:21And Soviet-era sculptures dotted throughout the city
04:24Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991
04:29It's evolved into the country's cultural and financial hub
04:33With over 2 million residents
04:35It's the largest city in Kazakhstan
04:39Right
04:40Now we get into Almaty
04:42Looks 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 linked by a reliable
05:04But 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
05:28I'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
05:53Kyrgyzstan, we are coming for you
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan
05:57They're looking for a true traveller experience on a budget to match
06:01But with two borders to cross
06:03Getting into the country quickly is of the essence
06:06Bus today
06:07Tashkent
06:09Tashkent
06:09Tashkent
06:09Tashkent, here?
06:11No
06:12No
06:13So Tashkent taxi?
06:16Taxi
06:16Ok
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
06:27What is your name?
06:29That's for dance for us for does Harrison nice to meet you
06:34With no buses in sight the siblings are heading to Tashkent and a local shared taxi. I
06:42Am in the apartment was you smell good?
06:48I like you accent
06:51Manchester Manchester United yes, no no city
06:59He's getting the scores up. Oh my god
07:03Joe
07:07Joe are you getting in I found another passenger just 40 minutes behind
07:15Joe and Cush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi as they race to gain ground
07:21It's about two hours to get to
07:23To the capital Tashkent
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be gone more direct if we go through Kyrgyzstan
07:29Kyrgyzstan's a new country
07:30That's it
07:31So we're looking at Kyrgyzstan
07:32I know of it, but I know very very very little so hopefully it's got quite a low tourist population
07:36And so we're hoping it'll be a lot cheaper. We 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 and cross the border by tonight
07:53I'm really hoping and I think we can actually get across the border today about 45 minutes behind first
07:58I'm very very close and 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
08:11Okay
08:12On 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
08:28Hello Andijan
08:29Today two tickets
08:32Pressing on the siblings have secured tickets to Andijan
08:36And are a step closer to their intended destination
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get
08:44But Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind so it's very possible that they get here
08:48So we have to move
08:50Thank you for that
08:53Close behind
08:54We're trying to get to Ardijan
08:56What time it arrives?
08:57Ardijan
08:581am
08:591am
08:59Yes
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 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 Ardijan
09:24Please
09:25The first 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 Ardijan
09:35No, no, no
09:36Can't go to Ardijan from here?
09:38No, 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 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
10:14We could have got straight to Ardijan in 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
10:23But it is hard for them to look at the bigger picture
10:25And chill out
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had
10:31F*** up big time
10:38Back in Zaman City
10:39Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities
10:43Okay
10:44Screams out to me
10:44The 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
10:55Maybe I'm taking over this like
10:56Maybe you are
10:58Molly's plan
10:59Follow a busier route and city hop by rail through Kazakhstan
11:04But first
11:05They must reach the Uzbek capital Tashkent
11:08Taxi
11:09There
11:10Thank you very much
11:12Excited for Tashkent
11:13I love cities
11:14I love people
11:15And after the last like war
11:16I 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
11:24Yes, let's go
11:26Back of the road
11:31Leaving in last place
11:34Margot
11:35And her brother-in-law Mark
11:37We'll get into Tashkent
11:38Binds them are cheaper to stay tonight
11:40It comes to me in fourth place
11:42We used to claw some time back
11:44Do you think
11:45Do you think it's 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
11:54Like 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 price
12:25We have little money
12:27No way
12:28Really, I tell you
12:29Oh, I feel sick
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent
12:33With their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border
12:35Still 300 kilometres away
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
12:40There's no buses
12:41And we'll be spending like 40 quran 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 gonna have to pay for accommodation
12:52We can sleep on the floor
12:53Oh, no
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap
12:58This one is a cheaper one
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah
13:02Oh, that's so expensive
13:05Is there any cheaper we couldn't 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
13:18Aw
13:19You're welcome
13:20Aw, Rachmet
13:22Free of calm
13:23We couldn't get any cheaper
13:24As good as this is
13:25I just think we chose the wrong route in general
13:29And now we're here
13:30Now we're near the border
13:31Yeah
13:33I like to plan
13:35Because I like to be in control
13:37But times like this now
13:38As we've gotten more into the unknown countries
13:41We face a lot of difficulty
13:44It's just not up to us anymore
13:45It really depends on transport connections
13:47Also you guys can use TV
13:49Aw, thank you
13:51I am 100% an over-thinker
13:54I do experience quite a fair amount of anxiety
13:58Losing my dad was in the space of like a day
14:01It was zero to a hundred
14:04So a lot of anxiety I feel is about the unknown
14:08It is a everyday struggle still
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain
14:15It's exhausting
14:17Can't lie, bro
14:18I'm going to be thinking the entire night
14:20I'm going to be sleeping, I can't lie
14:22I'm going to be stressing
14:23I'm going to be snorting
14:26It's been such a rough day
14:43Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool
14:46With a history spanning two millennia
14:52Chorso Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market
14:56Wow
14:56Holy moly
14:59Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era Blue Dome
15:06How fast can you do it in?
15:08More faster than you
15:10Yeah
15:10Give me a day
15:13Working for Sanjar
15:14On one of the market's popular food stalls
15:17Andrew and Molly are helping to prepare the national dish
15:20Plov
15:22Said to have aphrodisiac qualities
15:24It's widely consumed on Thursdays
15:26A popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan
15:30You're welcome
15:30Thank you
15:32Thank you
15:34It's so cool
15:35Do you work here every day?
15:37Except five friends
15:38My father is working 45 years here
15:40Your father?
15:41He has a big reputation, that's why
15:44I'm third generation
15:45Your third generation
15:46Yeah
15:47Which you have to keep going, yes?
15:50Mohamed
15:50My name is
15:51Mohamed, Molly
15:52What's your name?
15:54Ireland
15:55Oh
15:56I just love being in this kind of environment
16:02I'm buzzing with it actually
16:05Fresca, eh?
16:06Yeah?
16:07Yeah, yeah, ginger
16:07Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
16:08Irish
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this day
16:13I would like daddy to see me a little bit more grown up
16:16And as an adult
16:17To do that I need to be confident
16:20And stand on my decisions
16:23Say kebab
16:24Good job
16:25Your daughter, she did so great job
16:27I wanted to do this place
16:29I did that
16:30I cut all the onions
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place
16:37You did a great job
16:39I enjoyed it
16:39Everyone tell me
16:40Okay
16:43Nice to earn a bit of money
16:45It'll take us across the border
16:46We'll have enough to get across the border
16:48All good
16:49It's valid, eh?
16:52Molly
16:53Got paid
16:54How much do you make in taxes?
16:55I made five thousand
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten
16:57Ten?
17:01Where are we going to taxi outside?
17:03From this side
17:03Thank you
17:04See you later
17:05See you later
17:05Thank you
17:06Bye bye
17:09Our plan is
17:10Yeah
17:11Get to the border
17:12And then connect
17:13And shout with Kent
17:14As quick as possible
17:15As quick as possible
17:16Putting 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
17:24And then traversing north
17:26To the city of Shimkent
17:29Okay
17:29Kazakhstan
17:31Great job Molly
17:32Well done
17:33That's great
17:34Shimkent
17:34Woo woo
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night
17:50Joe and Kush are still six hours away from the crossing
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah
17:57Yeah
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
18:16So Andi's here
18:18But we need to go to this border
18:20So maybe
18:21A little bit further
18:22I believe
18:24Staying positive
18:24Is the best chances of winning
18:26My plan is to
18:28Help Kush out of this spiral
18:29He's in right now
18:30We need to
18:31Get
18:32Cheapest
18:33Cheapest price
18:34Yes
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah
18:37Are you serious?
18:39Oh my god
18:40Oh my god
18:42Thank you so much
18:43You've been so much help
18:44Can we take a quick picture?
18:46Oh 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
18:54Alright
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima
18:58The boys have a free ride
18:59Straight to the border
19:01Thank you
19:05Naima is a miracle bro
19:07I think this morning
19:08This gave me some inspiration
19:12And obviously Naima taking such good care of us
19:15Yeah
19:15I 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
19:27We're going to save money
19:29Which means
19:30We can
19:31Sprint
19:32To checkpoints
19:33Inspired by local generosity
19:35They plan to stop for a homestay in Arslan Bob
19:38Once they enter into Kyrgyzstan
19:40We can still do this
19:42God
19:43We just can't give up
19:53Following behind after 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 Fergana Valley
20:08There's been a lot in the last hour or so
20:10Very rookies
20:13They 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 in centuries old artisanal handicraft techniques
20:36Cockhand
20:37The handicraftest city of the world
20:39Oh, Cockhand
20:40Cockhand
20:41That wasn't on your map, was it?
20:43No
20:44It could be lovely to explore some of these places
20:46But you can't
20:48If you want to keep in the race
20:50No, we can't afford to fall any further behind
20:52We've just got to push on
20:55And look at some lovely 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
21:07And we're going to make the most of it
21:11Hello, 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
21:23Anybody speak English?
21:24No English?
21:27I'm from Liverpool
21:29I've got a lot of energy
21:31And I do spend a lot of energy looking after my family
21:34But now the kids are older
21:36And especially at such a crossroads of turning 60
21:39It gives me the chance to really reassess things
21:42Really look for what I want
21:44Love this, this is beautiful
21:47Let's get the party started
21:49Anyone fancy a sing song?
21:55Where are you all from? Are you all friends?
22:26Nice to meet you all.
22:27I like this as the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border which way is the
22:34border this way the border this way okay already there after their late night
22:40train Katie and Harrison I've never done a footboard when he crossed on boat
22:46train and bus so far in the marine Kyrgyzstan seventh country here we go
22:54one of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries Kyrgyzstan was
23:00settled by nomadic tribes from southern Siberia their legacy of moving in groups
23:05across mountainous terrain continues today with local ride shares known as
23:11marshrutkas linking towns and villages we want to get a bishkek
23:18for the oldest job are they going to talk to home talk to all die in bishkek to
23:22what that book talk to all in bishkek ah it's off in it this
23:29that's it two thousand five hundred yes pretty good so soon watch so I want to
23:35find out if there is a bus to bishkek because a taxi is just so expensive
23:42fingers crossed determined to stick to public transport they plan to use bishkek on
23:48the northern edge as a stepping stone to the checkpoint after bus this check no
23:57that's it but no buses depart after 6 p.m. we are on a tighter budget we want to
24:05save for the next two legs no more short cut needle it might slow us down in the
24:09race a little bit needs for more of a risk splashing out there's no more today
24:16oh
24:23stuck in harsh very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of
24:28Greece and Turkey buses run all day and all night you can get anywhere you wanted in
24:32the country Kyrgyzstan's not turn out to be as we thought this is men's room
24:40perfect having made little progress and stranded for the night a chance for Katie's
24:46hostile dream to become a reality did you say you were from Toronto oh wow we're from
24:54England this type of traveling where it can get a bit difficult or you're you're
25:01completely out of your comfort zone is exactly what I wanted to do how long have
25:04you been doing this for two and a half years really not not been home in two and a half
25:09years like the mindset just blows me like like how you can just travel like not have no where
25:15you're going to end up next my life now so yeah happy yes very happy I've been
25:23looking for one for five weeks yeah the guys in our room yeah it's got like all the countries
25:33like on his bark they're like proper backpackers yeah this is like feels like the place to be for
25:39travelers yeah a lot of people and I'm here because I'm the traveler yeah I think Katie's very good at
25:45turning a situation into a positive and making the most of it there's so many things that could go
25:51wrong but she just seems to just just go with it it is a good thing that we're seeing tonight
25:56yeah explore more options tomorrow what do you do do you just as the team's settling for the night
26:07well I'm like them what is your name the man gosh it's one busting about skull sections is you can
26:17pronounce names a lot better 200 kilometers to the north a direct taxi has pushed to Joe and
26:23Kush into the lead as they arrive in the rural village of Arslan Bob are we working tomorrow in
26:30the morning yeah where they're staying with walnut farmer Abdul Razok one apetit for you this is like
26:40fresh bread oh that's fresh I'm racist oh so nice feeling a lot better it's our first time in Kyrgyzstan
26:55today I guess not so many tourists come in Kyrgyzstan compared to like maybe Thailand and Spain
27:0125,000 population everybody know each other so you know maybe 25,000 sounds like Liverpool everyone
27:10knows everyone you know it's the same okay everyone knows everyone and everyone's happy to help each
27:14other and so it is his boss we love it I mean what boss mean boss boss is like really
27:22good yeah like
27:23very good like like this food is boss we have some words about like like this buzzer Joe buzzer Joe
27:30yeah
27:30like really cool it's green tea buzzer Joe and it's boss because of your hair that's not true true
27:42skulls it up there was boss I mean we've had such a lucky run-in with with people that we
27:48meet there's
27:49just a sort of really really generous energy about them but I'm feeling a little anxious still
27:54he's proper off the beaten track I already think that we're gonna be behind everyone else to get to
27:58the checkpoint we can start to the forest yeah that'd be so good oh boss nice is it that's boss
28:07boss yeah
28:17it's good this is Bob I love a dramatic flag after crossing the border last night Andrew and Molly
28:26have reached 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 on to shoe a city 450 kilometers closer to the
28:42checkpoint no earlier trains oh taxi just to see what it is price was okay okay thank you what is
28:57the
28:57difference in that price between the taxi and the train Jesus yeah 15 times 15 times the value
29:05125 dollars yeah I didn't get the train yes there's no there's no questions while Andrew and Molly wait
29:15five hours for the train on the news there's like 10 seats on here but there's like 30 people on
29:23that's
29:23great in Kyrgyzstan just feel like you look like it's so many it's just local people like going to
29:29work or whatever it's brilliant yeah great and it's cheap loving it finally on the move using public
29:36transport Katie and Harrison are setting a course to the capital Bishkek
29:48now hectic on the roads but getting this closer yeah we're making progress yeah oh
30:01traffic jump no idea what's going on oh great one simple road that won't be a simple road
30:20well there's worse places to be stopped by a road I suppose if anyone's traveling up through
30:25Kyrgyzstan today they won't have done it quicker than us ow ow ow ow
30:36the silly beasts stuck to my feet having now caught up with the siblings Margo we can't come in
30:45oh Mark and Margo get across the road now because it's gonna get busy it's been clear we're moving
30:54now let's get back on the bus then don't want the bus to leave without us thistle prongs that was
31:06really really stupid one of the stupidest things I've done on this race so far who does that you do
31:13that
31:15I think today's gonna be a very long day Bishkek tonight we're doing it it's a very impressive
31:25landscape very dramatic I will remember it dramatic and extreme isn't it yes connecting the south of
31:36the country with the capital in the north a single precipitous 700 kilometer long highway weaving
31:44through steep canyons tunnels and high mountain passes at its peak reaching altitudes over 3,000 meters
31:52oh Margo snow yeah this is what we came for I reckon having done this I reckon we could be
32:06with a good
32:06chance of keeping him at the pack we're very short of money we've had three days of real hard travel
32:13tomorrow let's see if there's any work in Bishkek yes we deserve some time off
32:20it looks like the Magic Kingdom from Disney I've never seen it from like this now this is very cool
32:30yeah
32:39how many do you want how many more is a better 5,000
32:48the Kyrgyz forest of Arslan Bob the largest natural walnut grove on earth so I was a fan I thought
32:58it'd be like
32:58proper easy leaving their homes on mass every autumn local families head onto the mountain slopes to camp
33:07harvesting up to 1,500 tons of walnuts every year the precious crop is not only stored year-round for
33:15food but used as currency in the town with nuts of different values being traded for goods and shops
33:23it's cheap one again cheap one yeah I'll find some but also good joining Abdul Razak's family to pay off
33:32their bed and board Joe and Kush
33:35in the market the white one is expensive this little cheaper how is it different like sweet nice different one
33:44you know Joe there's loads here come get your walnuts
33:49it's so nice to actually see the mountains I think that one of the best views we've seen
33:54bad job Joe
33:56bad job Joe
33:59nice one for staying up with me last night
34:01so good made a big difference you know I actually couldn't I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep
34:05yeah I know you were just chatting to me I'm like bro just shut up and go
34:13you know how I get I wouldn't say it surprised me no it's like part of your personality
34:23I do think Kush can be glass half empty which is understandable since he has gone through a lot
34:32so I understand where that negative state comes from
34:40you can't expect to go on a journey and expect it to be all fine but I know you're benefiting
34:45from
34:47venting
34:47just talking yeah
34:51so I kind of do let him run get him off his chest
34:54now I'd be like okay let's look at this from a different point of view
35:01when Kush is not feeling good we link up we go on walks we go on bike rides park play
35:07footy honestly any activity as long as we're doing something I can tell improves his mood
35:15I'll be boss bro
35:17got a leaf blower
35:18yeah just that 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
35:27you know
35:29I hate to see you in such a negative space
35:32I actually do care for you you know
35:34yeah I really appreciate that
35:38in the race
35:39every day is a difficult day
35:41every day is a struggle
35:42you have bad days you 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
36:16yeah I mean
36:16yeah he's my best mate
36:19oh
36:27Oi ready keep going
36:29in this entire journey
36:31I've got nothing
36:32I've got nothing
36:33just absolutely nothing
36:35that's all but Joe
36:40lad
36:40woo
36:41that was cold
36:45that is home
36:52how much money is that?
36:54300, 400
36:55nice
36:55so good
36:56both
36:57yeah
36:59do you know anyone who can
37:01drive us
37:02tonight for a bit
37:04maybe I can drive you to the Jalalabad
37:06and we will look there
37:08okay thank you
37:10we think maybe
37:11we should go to Kazakhstan border
37:13tomorrow we go the whole way from Jalalabad
37:15does that sound like a good idea?
37:17also possible
37:18it's possible
37:19from Jalalabad
37:20many cars go there
37:22it's gonna be a long long day
37:23it's gonna be an expensive day
37:25bro
37:25let's just pray that
37:27we 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
37:47having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday
37:50Mark and Margo are in the capital
37:52Bishkek
37:53tasty savoury breakfast
37:55ooh
37:56better than Greggs
37:57look at that
37:58the 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
38:27they're very busy aren't they
38:29adding to the funds before pushing on to 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
38:58Kyrgyzstan
38:58most experiences we've had
39:00have been tailored for me
39:02Margo is very happy to go along with that
39:04here we go
39:05there we go
39:05there's a lot of time for people
39:06here we go
39:07so this is an experience for Margo
39:09you're doing fine
39:10you're doing so well
39:12I'm here
39:13don't worry
39:13it has been a very exhausting journey
39:16so today is a chance for Margo to relax
39:21and 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
39:29there's this thing I would never want to do
39:31I don't like animals that smell it
39:34dogs
39:34rabbits
39:35guinea pigs
39:36I'm doing it
39:37for Margo
39:38come on
39:38she loves this
39:40oh
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
39:47when 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
40:06oh
40:11today has just been my day
40:13in the happiest place I could be on earth
40:16I've just loved it
40:18she's very upset now
40:19I know
40:20particularly with you
40:22I know
40:24I am very very pleased Mark is doing this job
40:27for me
40:28oh
40:29look
40:30and I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on
40:33the fuck so far
40:34on the race
40:35oh
40:35you 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 my nose
40:53tomorrow
40:54checkpoint
40:55here we come
41:05we really are in the linear
41:07it might slow us down in the race a little bit
41:10but that's absolutely incredible
41:1325 kilometers outside of Bishkek
41:15after 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
41:28Ilyas and Maureen
41:29welcome to
41:31thank you
41:32thank you
41:32in return for a horse ride through the mountains
41:41it is just such a nice break
41:43to come to somewhere like this so serene and peaceful
41:47yeah I couldn't have done another day
41:49the chaotic stress
41:51yes
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
42:02you know
42:03this is where I'm like really
42:05ticking the bucket list off
42:08Audrey where are we going?
42:10where are we going?
42:11you can't eat that
42:12oh god
42:13I've lost my horse
42:14my horse
42:15my horse
42:17I was sad
42:18Katie are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20my horse doesn't like me
42:23the horses look nice and shiny
42:25thank you
42:26thank you
42:26it's time to reward somebody
42:27yeah
42:28let's get out there and ride
42:31nice and easy boy
42:34good boy
42:36oh my god
42:39I'm on a horse
42:40in Kyrgyzstan
42:43what?
42:46it's incredible
42:50that is just ridiculous
42:52this is stunning
42:53this is stunning
43:00what?
43:04wow
43:09formed 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
43:23creating 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
43:41to 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
44:02Joe and Kush
44:03Joe and Kush have their sights set on reaching Almaty tonight
44:07my god
44:10look at that
44:11it's insane
44:13oh shit
44:15where are the snowboards at?
44:17out of all the stands we've been to
44:20this 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 one dear
44:38my hands are cold
44:41I've never drove through somewhere like this
44:43it's just stunning
44:44we've still got a long long way to go
44:45but 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
45:00I need to rest
45:05come on
45:15that's mental
45:16let's go
45:17what's our draw?
45:18if dads are on our side there is a chance to get Almaty tonight
45:22we might have a chance at maybe 2nd or 3rd
45:25It's Kazakhstan.
45:38Have you ever 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 just so interesting and just beautiful.
45:46You couldn't beat it, isn't it?
45:46Oh, Jeannie Mac!
45:48After a seven-hour journey from Shemkent,
45:52Andrew 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 Zalgaz.
46:07I got a wee borrow.
46:08And his father in the day-to-day running of the farm.
46:14Me too, yes.
46:17I help.
46:19OK.
46:22It's very rare.
46:23We're in the middle of nowhere.
46:25We're on a farm.
46:26And I'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, she's able to take over.
46:39You're very good at onions.
46:41I 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.
46:51Because when I was Molly's age, I grew up in Belfast during the beginning of the Troubles.
46:58Way's go.
46:58Go on.
47:00Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye.
47:03And it turned to violence.
47:09You had to be careful of some of the areas you went to, what pubs you went to, what streets
47:13you went to.
47:14And everybody was in edge.
47:19There was bombs going off, soldiers walking around with guns.
47:27People would have been killed for their religion.
47:31And it affects you.
47:38Particularly 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.
47:58It'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.
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.
48:19Go on!
48:20Move it!
48:22They're just like school kids.
48:23They just walk off in their own direction.
48:29It's been 24 long years of looking after somebody.
48:33Enjoyed every second of it.
48:38And...
48:41You don't want to let her go.
48:46But that's life.
48:49You have to.
48:52You're best going to talk to dinner now.
48:54Dinner?
48:55Okay.
48:56Spoiling us.
48:59Yeah!
49:01Oh!
49:01Oh!
49:02Oh!
49:05Oh!
49:06Oh!
49:06Oh!
49:07Oh!
49:08Oh!
49:17This look lovely!
49:24Wow!
49:25It's your turn to sing!
49:26No, no, sorry, no, no.
49:28Well, we sing. I'll sing badly if you want me to.
49:31It doesn't matter.
49:33This is a song about a girl in Belfast.
49:37I can't believe we're doing this. Enjoy.
49:40I tell me, ma, when I go home, the boys don't leave the boys alone.
49:44They got my hair, they come, I come, but that's all right till I go home.
49:48She is handsome, she is pretty, she is the girl of Belfast City.
49:52She is a courting, one, two, three, please will you tell me who is she?
49:56Albert Mooney says he loves her, all the boys are right before.
50:01They're off at the door and they ring the bell, saying,
50:03Oh my love, how are you well?
50:05Out comes the tide of snow, rings on her fingers, bells on her toes.
50:09She is the girl of Belfast City.
50:11She is a courting, one, two, three, please will you tell me who is she?
50:16Woah!
50:26I'm so sorry, I'm such a bad singer.
50:30I'm so sorry, I'm such a bad singer.
50:43Kazakstan?
50:44Kazakstan, yes!
50:45Kazakstan, yeah, yay!
50:47We've made quick time to the border.
50:49Checkpoint!
50:51Following an early start, Mark and Margot have now crossed into Kazakhstan.
50:56Are you ready to run, Mark?
50:59I don't think we might surprise ourselves.
51:01I'm ready to open that book and see a better number there than four.
51:05Oh, Matty, here we come.
51:09I can't thank you enough.
51:11You, Karin?
51:12Oh!
51:15Close behind them, Andrew and Molly.
51:19We know we have to pay to get there fast.
51:21Using their healthy budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint.
51:25We need to go fast.
51:26Fast, fast, fast.
51:31The former Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
51:37Meaning place of apples, the 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.
51:57Make 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.
52:17Lovely day for a walk in the park.
52:19It is, absolutely, yes.
52:21Remember, though, it's a race.
52:22Oh, lordy, lordy, yeah.
52:26Susie.
52:28Well, we were doing four-minute kilometres.
52:30I can see the skates.
52:32Can I have your skates?
52:34This way.
52:36Oh!
52:37Memorial of Glory, that has to be it.
52:39That's one big monument.
52:43It's there.
52:44You see it?
52:45Ascension Cathedral.
52:48Choo-choo!
52:51It's gorgeous, isn't it?
52:52Beautiful, isn't it?
52:54Give it.
52:54No!
52:55Keep it to you that way.
52:57That way.
52:58Wow, 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?
53:19No.
53:20He's lost himself.
53:22Molly, there's apples down here.
53:23There's apples up there.
53:24I know, there's bloody apples everywhere.
53:27No, daddy, there's more apples this way.
53:28This makes more sense.
53:29Follow the clues.
53:32Oh!
53:32Leg it, Mark!
53:34Woo!
53:36El Matty Hotel.
53:39I'm wrecked, my God.
53:40You're doing really well.
53:41Margot!
53:42Leg it!
53:44Irish Bar!
53:45Yeah!
53:46Yeah!
53:47Give it everything!
53:51It could be that one up there.
53:53Leg it, Mark!
53:54That's it, Mark.
53:55It's the thing up in front of you.
53:56Yep!
53:57Hang on for me!
53:58Sorry!
53:59I want a big glass of water.
54:00It's a groset wine.
54:02Steps!
54:03I love a step.
54:05I'm here!
54:07Hey!
54:08Hello!
54:08I'm glad to see you!
54:10Good afternoon.
54:11Welcome to El Matty Hotel.
54:13Okay.
54:14Please sign in here.
54:15Wonderful.
54:18Congratulations.
54:19You have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
54:22Yes!
54:23Please sign in here for a kid.
54:25With a great leg now, alright?
54:29Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:32Third.
54:33For second!
54:34Yes!
54:36Oh!
54:36Oh!
54:37That's rough!
54:37German coach!
54:4014 hours in front of us.
54:42Oh, gosh!
54:42They've made good lead!
54:43Oh!
54:44Ah!
54:51Is this right?
54:52Yeah.
54:55Shit, are you good?
54:56I just hit the club.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine.
54:59Sure?
54:59You're honest.
55:00Nice one, bro.
55:01Dream Team.
55:02Come, bro.
55:03Panels.
55:03Spin.
55:05There it is.
55:06There it is, Joe.
55:08Joe.
55:09Can you open the box to be last?
55:12Come on.
55:12I'm gonna be last.
55:14Salaamu Alaikum.
55:15Hello.
55:16Hello.
55:16Please sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro.
55:18Allow me.
55:19I think it's been so hard, but whatever, please.
55:22I'm fine 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.
55:40Nah, nah, it's the wrong page.
55:42That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44You sure this is the right book?
55:47Nah, someone's close.
55:48How did you 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 the locals along the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe this.
56:06Me neither.
56:08I just want to say thank you for everything.
56:09I know I've been a pain in the arse, but...
56:11Don't worry, bro.
56:12It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:16Bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
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.
56:38Second, second, fifth.
56:40That's a tune that you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:50We're coming for you.
56:52What do you reckon?
56:53We're coming for you.
56:54We did the we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58Second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:02Third.
57:03Third.
57:05Third.
57:06Oh, Jesus.
57:07The boys did very well.
57:08Well done.
57:08Fair play to them.
57:09Fair play to them.
57:12I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:13I think we communicated well.
57:15Oh, yeah.
57:16And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18Only have to win one.
57:24Come on.
57:29I'm going to sprint just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
57:35Come on.
57:36Sprint's not in my vocabulary.
57:40Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
57:42Thank you very much.
57:45We knew it.
57:46What time is it?
57:49There's a day behind again.
57:51I am actually a bit devastated from fourth.
57:53I really would have loved second or third.
57:55We tried to save a bit of money,
57:57which cost us maybe a few hours.
57:59I do have that regret that we didn't spend
58:01a 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.
58:11Really need some, like, internet and moisturiser.
58:14So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:22Mongolia is your problem now.
58:24Mongolia is a pretty big problem to have.
58:27We need speed.
58:29And we've got the money to be able to spend.
58:31There's no point in being rich losers.
58:32This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:36Oh, my God, no.
58:38This is time.
58:39This is the best memories we've had so far.
58:42It's just all going wrong.
58:44Tomorrow's another day, but today...
58:49Holy moly.
58:51This is absurd.
58:53There's been a miscommunication.
58:55Fasten your seatbelts.
58:57You're in for a bumpy ride.
59:02And race across the world continues next Wednesday at eight.
59:05Hit the red button for the detour.
59:07And are you ready for the race of a lifetime?
59:09Register now at bbc.co.uk slash take part.
59:13Or how about a collab?
59:15Amanda Land has grand plans this series.
59:17Watch now on BBC iPlayer.
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