- 2 days ago
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TravelTranscript
00:06You
00:18Look at this
00:20What a stunning view
00:22It takes my breath away
00:24Yeah, wow
00:26That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock
00:32The way they're going on the lines
00:33The rock formation, look to see it's going down
00:36Older men talking about rocks
00:37Look at me
00:41Peeking at 4,000 metres above sea level
00:45Zaman National Park
00:50Uzbekistan's oldest nature reserve
00:53Home to more than 800 species of plants and herbs
00:57Some with medicinal qualities
01:00The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties
01:05But in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium
01:08A health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air
01:18The sound of the water
01:20Exactly
01:21It's so smoothing
01:22Yeah
01:23Taking their own therapeutic break before the next leg
01:27Mark
01:28Margo
01:29And Andrew
01:30I think what's going to make a difference going ahead
01:32Is budget
01:33Yes
01:34And our budget is cooked
01:36Look me in the eye
01:37Are you telling me the truth or no?
01:40With just three legs remaining
01:42Funds are dwindling
01:44While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget
01:47While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget
02:14In the second let her go and make those calls
02:16And live and die by those consequences
02:23Do you think youngsters will be doing that?
02:25Oh, I hope not
02:29Oh, that looks so good
02:31Oh, that looks so good
02:32This looks incredible
02:33Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No
02:35Joe, if anyone can, it's you.
02:38Yeah, come on. Go on, Lois.
02:40It's quite nice that the young'uns are together.
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit.
02:45It's a bit different, travelling with your dad.
02:48We get on really well, and I'm very lucky for that,
02:51but I can find that it is different and 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. Look at his plate!
03:04That's a quarter of a sheep.
03:07I mean, all I can know.
03:09Saved the budget.
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way coming after that?
03:15That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:16Oh, God.
03:18Oh, bro!
03:325.30am.
03:33It's super early.
03:35Shouldn't be asked to leave a hotel before breakfast.
03:38First to leave with only a 40-minute lead, Katie and Harrison.
03:42This is for you. Thank you so much.
03:44Here we go.
03:45Hello.
03:46Your zip-tap print is Almaty.
03:50I know exactly where it is.
03:51Back to Kazakhstan.
03:52Exciting!
03:53Let's go.
03:54We've only got a 40-minute lead, so I hope there's something
03:57at this conversation for us.
03:58A journey of 1,500 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, an influence that remains visible
04:19in the orthodox churches and 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, it'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 round 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,
05:11a country rarely visited by western tourists.
05:15With 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.
05:41Yeah. I think it's going to be more budget-friendly.
05:43So 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.
05:50Let'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?
06:08Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent, here?
06:10Yeah.
06:11I don't know.
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.
06:28What is your name?
06:29Ferdaz.
06:30Ferdans?
06:30Ferdaz.
06:31Ferdaz, ah, Harrison.
06:32Nice to meet you.
06:34Nice to meet you.
06:35With no buses in sight,
06:37the siblings are heading to Tashkent
06:39in a local shared taxi.
06:42I am in the parchment business.
06:44You smell good.
06:46You are very friendly.
06:48I like your accent.
06:51Manchester.
06:52Manchester United.
06:53Manchester United.
06:54Manchester City.
06:54No, no city.
06:56No, no, no, no, no.
06:58He's getting the scores up.
07:00Oh, my God, what a guy.
07:01Oh.
07:01Oh, my God.
07:04Joe.
07:07Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I'm calling another passenger.
07:09Just 40 minutes behind...
07:11OK.
07:13OK.
07:15Joe and Kush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi
07:18as they race to gain ground.
07:21It's about two hours to get to the capital, Tashkent.
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be going more direct
07:27if we go through Kyrgyzstan.
07:29Kyrgyzstan's a new country.
07:30That's sick.
07:31So, we're looking at Kyrgyzstan.
07:32I know of it, but I know very, very, very little.
07:34So, hopefully, it's got quite a low tourist population.
07:37And so, we're hoping it'll be a lot cheaper.
07:38We need to get to Kyrgyzstan tonight.
07:42Following the same route as Katie and Harrison,
07:45the 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.
08:12On the edge of the Eurasian steppe,
08:15this ancient Silk Road trading post
08:17retains a blend of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences.
08:23Railway ticket office.
08:25Look at that.
08:27Hello, Andujan.
08:29Today, two tickets.
08:32Pressing on, the siblings have secured tickets to Andujan
08:36and are a step closer to their intended destination.
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan
08:42as 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.
08:53Close behind.
08:55We're trying to get to Ardijan.
08:56What time to arrive?
08:57And you're not here.
08:591 a.m.?
08:59Yes.
09:01400,000, both of us.
09:03That's so much.
09:05We will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive.
09:08So, we're looking at a taxi because 400,000 son for a train
09:11that takes seven hours,
09:12but hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 son for four hours
09:15if we can haggle our way down.
09:18So, we need to know if someone will drive here to Ardijan, please.
09:25First, 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?
09:33If these guys can drive to Andujan?
09:35No, no, no.
09:36You can't go to Ardijan from here?
09:38No, no, no.
09:39Peter. Peter.
09:40Oh, no.
09:41Having skipped the seven-hour train
09:42in favour of a car straight to the border,
09:45the boys now need to head to the other side of town
09:47where long-distance taxis depart.
09:50I feel sick. I can't believe that.
09:52I mean, we have to commit.
09:54We're not even at the border yet.
09:57Kosh's reaction to stress is quite instant.
09:59Oh.
10:01I know Kosh has that heightened anxiety.
10:05I don't think we have much trace.
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes
10:10and best decisions to make.
10:13Oh, God.
10:15We 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 him to look at the bigger picture
10:26and chill out.
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had.
10:31It's f***ing up big time.
10:38Back in Zaman City...
10:39Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities...
10:43OK. ..screams out to me.
10:45..the third team to set off, Andrew and Molly.
10:47I would love to finish the Silk Road in Tashkent.
10:51Head on to Shoe and then head to Almaty.
10:53Almaty, yeah.
10:55Maybe I'm taking over this now.
10:56Maybe you are.
10:58Molly's plan...
10:59..follow a busier route and city hop-by-rail
11:02through Kazakhstan.
11:04But first, they must reach the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.
11:09Taxi there. Thank you very much.
11:12Excited for Tashkent.
11:13I love cities, I love people, and after the last, like,
11:16where I couldn't even make a bloody decision.
11:18This is something new, onwards and upwards, to Tashkent.
11:21Let's go.
11:22Yes, let's go! Yes, let's go!
11:26Back in the road.
11:31Leaving in last place...
11:34..Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark.
11:37We'll get into Tashkent.
11:39Binds them a cheap stay tonight.
11:40It comes to me in fourth place.
11:42We used to claw some time back.
11:44Do you think it's your route is through Kyrgyzstan?
11:46I think.
11:48Kyrgyzstan seems the most direct route to go,
11:50so hopefully we can get back to third place if we can.
11:54Like two other teams, they are heading to Tashkent tonight
11:58before aiming for Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.
12:01Oh, he's driving very fast. Go on!
12:04Ha-ha! Woo!
12:06Jeez Louise!
12:09As evening sets in...
12:12We've got to get to the border tonight, bro.
12:14..Joe and Kush are still trying to find a cheap taxi to the border.
12:19Kyrgyzstan border for one person, 250,000.
12:22That's a lot.
12:23We need to do for this price.
12:25We need to...
12:25We have little money.
12:27No way. Really, I tell you.
12:29Oh, I feel shit.
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent,
12:33with their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border
12:35still 300 kilometres away.
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today.
12:40There's no buses and we'd be spending, like, 40 per on taxis.
12:44Can't believe we didn't get the train.
12:46It's getting dark, bro.
12:48It might just be worth staying tonight.
12:51But then we're going to have to pay for accommodation.
12:52We can sleep on the floor.
12:54Oh, no.
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap.
12:58This one is a cheaper one.
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah.
13:02Oh, that's so expensive.
13:04Is there any cheaper we couldn't even do,
13:06like, if we sleep on the floor of anywhere?
13:08We are so sorry.
13:10I literally sleep standing up.
13:12Oh, I'm so stressed.
13:14We have second floor, the sofa.
13:16You can stay there for free.
13:18Aw.
13:19You're welcome.
13:20Aw, 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, because I like to be in control.
13:37But times like this now, as we've got more into the unknown countries,
13:41we face a lot of difficulty.
13:44It's just not up to us anymore.
13:45So it really depends on transport connections.
13:47Also, you guys can use TV.
13:49Oh, thank you.
13:51I am 100% an over-thinker.
13:54I do experience quite a fair amount of anxiety.
13:58Losing my dad was in the space of, like, a day.
14:01It was zero to 100.
14:04So, a lot of anxiety, I feel, is about the unknown.
14:08It is a everyday struggle still.
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain.
14:15It's exhausting.
14:17Can't lie, bro.
14:18I'm 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.
14:25It's been such a rough day.
14:28It's been such a rough day.
15:17It's been such a rough day.
15:24It's widely consumed on Thursdays,
15:26a popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan.
15:30You're welcome.
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.
15:43Gotcha, gotcha.
15:44I'm third generation.
15:45You're third generation.
15:47Yeah, which you have to keep going, yes?
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment.
16:03I'm buzzing with it, actually.
16:05Yeah?
16:06Yeah, yeah, it's 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
16:19and stand on my decisions.
16:23Say kebab!
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs.
16:27I wanted you to this place.
16:29I did that.
16:30I cut all the onions.
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place.
16:37You're doing a great job.
16:38I enjoyed it.
16:39Everyone tell me.
16:40Okay.
16:41You're doing good.
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 taxis?
16:55I made $5,000.
16:56How much do you make?
16:57$10,000.
16:57$10,000?
17:01Where will we get a taxi outside?
17:02From this side.
17:04See you later.
17:06Bye-bye.
17:07Bye-bye.
17:09Our plan is to get to the border and then connect in Shemkent.
17:14As quick as possible.
17:15As quick as possible.
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action...
17:18Border.
17:19Kazakhstan.
17:20The team are splitting from the pack, heading to the Kazakh border crossing and then traversing
17:26north to the city of Shimkent.
17:29To Kazakhstan.
17:31Great job, Molly.
17:32Well done.
17:33That's great.
17:34Shimkent.
17:34Woof, woof.
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper.
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night, Joe and Kush are still six hours away
17:52from the crossing.
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah.
17:58The Uber...
17:59Oh, that's right.
18:00And there you can find somebody for cheaper.
18:04Maybe we can help.
18:06Kush hasn't slept.
18:07He's very anxious.
18:08He's stressed.
18:10Ready?
18:10Let's go.
18:11He's in such a negative headspace.
18:13It feels like he's lost hope.
18:15So, Anderson is here, but we need to go to this border, so, like, maybe a little bit further.
18:23I believe staying positive is the best chances of winning.
18:27Our plan is to help Kush out of this spiral he's in right now.
18:30Oh, we need to get the cheapest, cheapest price.
18:34Yes.
18:34I'm going to pay them.
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah.
18:38Are you serious?
18:39Yeah.
18:39Oh, my God.
18:40Oh, my God.
18:42Thank you so much.
18:43You've been so much help.
18:45Can we take a quick picture?
18:51When we get to Mongolia, we'll send you a picture.
18:53Oh, OK.
18:54We'll send you.
18:54Yeah.
18:55All right.
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima, the boys have a free ride straight to the border.
19:05Naima is a miracle, bro.
19:08I think this morning, this gave me some inspiration, and obviously, Naima taking such good care
19:14of us.
19:15Yeah.
19:16I think we really enjoyed the home stay, doing a job that's outdoors, which we've been wanting,
19:21local and authentic to the area.
19:24Yeah.
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it.
19:27We're going to save money, which means we can sprint to checkpoints.
19:33Inspired by local generosity, they plan to stop for a homestay in Arslan Bob once they
19:39enter into Kyrgyzstan.
19:41We can still do this.
19:42God.
19:44We just can't give up.
19:53Following behind after departing the checkpoint in last place, in-laws Mark and Margo, taking
20:02a picturesque route towards Kyrgyzstan with a train through the Fergana Valley.
20:08It's been a lot in the last hour or so.
20:11Very rookies.
20:12They just look like giant sand dunes.
20:18A highly fertile basin between mountain ranges, stretching from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan,
20:24this agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and silk production, and local life
20:30is deeply rooted in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques.
20:36Cockhand, the handicraftest city of the world.
20:39Oh, Cockhand.
20:40Cockhand.
20:40Cockhand.
20:41Cockhand.
20:42Cockhand.
20:42Cockhand.
20:42That wasn't on your map, was it?
20:43No.
20:44You could be lovely to explore some of these places, but you can't.
20:49You can't.
20:49We'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 beauties from the window.
20:56See, exactly, yeah.
21:00Mark and I are fourth, and we have got to race.
21:03But the travelling through is going to be the experience.
21:07And we're going to make the most of it.
21:10Hello, hi!
21:12Hello, hello!
21:14Mark and I are a little bit older.
21:16People might notice we're a little bit older.
21:18I'm 60 next year, and I really think the best is still to come.
21:23Anybody speak English?
21:24No English?
21:26I'm from Liverpool.
21:29I've got a lot of energy,
21:30and I do spend a lot of that 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.
21:44I love 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?
21:58Come on, Lily. Come on, Lily.
22:00Come on, Lily.
22:09Oh, she's here!
22:20You're a good mover!
22:25Nice to meet you all.
22:27I like this.
22:29As the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border...
22:33Which way is the border?
22:35This way.
22:35The border this way? Okay.
22:38Already there after their late-night train, Katie and Harrison.
22:43I've never done a foot-boarding before.
22:45I've only crossed on boat, train and bus so far.
22:48We just walked through and then we're in Kyrgyzstan.
22:51Seventh country, here we come.
22:54One of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries,
22:59Kyrgyzstan was settled by nomadic tribes from southern Siberia.
23:03Their legacy of moving in groups across mountainous terrain continues today,
23:08with local ride shares, known as marshrutkas, linking towns and villages.
23:16We want to go to Bishkek.
23:25Ah, there's nothing at this.
23:29That's it two thousand five hundred. Yeah, pretty good song soon watch so I would I want to find out
23:36if there is a boss
23:38To fish cat because a taxi is just so expensive fingers crossed
23:44Determined to stick to public transport
23:46They plan to use fish cake on the northern edge as a stepping stone to the checkpoint
23:53After bus this tech no
23:59But no buses depart after 6 p.m. We are on a tighter budget
24:04We want to save for the next two legs. No marsh would cut it. It might slow us down in
24:09the race a little bit
24:10These will be more of a risk splashing out. There's no more today
24:23Stuck in Osh
24:25Very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of Greece and Turkey buses run all
24:30day and all night
24:31You can get anywhere you wanted in the country
24:34Kyrgyzstan is not turned out to be as we thought
24:37This is
24:38Man's room
24:39Man's room perfect having made little progress and stranded for the night a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become
24:47a reality
24:49Did you say you were from Toronto?
24:52Oh wow
24:52Where are you from?
24:53We're from England
24:55This type of travelling where it can get a bit difficult or you're completely out of your comfort zone is
25:02exactly what I wanted to do
25:03How long have you been doing this for?
25:06Two and a half years
25:06Really?
25:07Not been home in two and a half years
25:10Yeah
25:10Like the mindset just blows me like how you can just travel like not kind of know where you're going
25:15to end up next
25:16I mean it's just my life now so
25:18Yeah
25:20Yeah
25:21Yes, very happy
25:22Yeah
25:23I've been looking for one for
25:25What, five weeks?
25:27Mm-hmm
25:28Yay!
25:29The guys in our room
25:30They're so cool
25:30Yeah
25:31He's got like all the countries like on his back
25:34They're like proper backpackers
25:36Yeah
25:36This is like, feels like the place to be for travellers
25:39Yeah, a lot of people
25:40And I'm here because I'm the traveller
25:43Yeah
25:44I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive
25:47Erm, and making the most of it
25:49There's so many things that could go wrong but she just seems to just, just go with it
25:54It is a good thing that we're seeing tonight
25:55Yeah
25:56Because we'll have more options tomorrow
26:01What do you do? Do you just...
26:05As the team's settling for the night
26:07What?
26:11Salaam Alaikum
26:11What is your name?
26:13Zubair
26:13Of course
26:14There's one bust thing about skulls accents
26:16Is you can pronounce names a lot better
26:19200km to the north
26:20A direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead
26:24As they arrive in the rural village of Arslanbog
26:28Are we working tomorrow in the morning?
26:30Yeah, yeah
26:31Where they're staying with walnut farmer Abdu Razok
26:34Bon appétit for you
26:36Bon appétit
26:38Mmm
26:39Mmm
26:39And this is like fresh bread
26:41Ooh
26:43That is fresh
26:44That is very fresh
26:45That is very fresh
26:46That's a doughy
26:47Okay
26:48So nice
26:49Feeling a lot better
26:52It's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today
26:55I guess not so many tourists come in Kyrgyzstan
26:57Oh
26:58Compared to like maybe Thailand and Spain
27:0125,000 population
27:03Everybody know each other
27:05So you know maybe 25,000 friends
27:07Sounds like Liverpool
27:09Everyone knows everyone
27:10You know it's the same
27:11Okay
27:11Everyone knows everyone
27:12And everyone's happy to help each other
27:14And so it is his boss
27:16We love it, I mean
27:17What boss mean?
27:19Boss
27:19Boss is like
27:21Really good
27:22Yeah
27:22Like very good
27:23Like
27:24Like this food is boss
27:26We have some words about like this
27:28Bazarjo
27:29Bazarjo
27:29Yeah
27:30Like really cool
27:31It's green tea
27:33Bazarjo
27:36And it's boss
27:37Because of your hair
27:39That's what it's all about
27:41Okay, you're welcome
27:41Two skulls
27:43Abduro is boss
27:44I mean
27:45We've had such a lucky run-in
27:46With
27:47With people that we meet
27:48There's just a sort of
27:49Really, really
27:50Generous energy about them
27:52But
27:52I'm feeling a little anxious still
27:54It is
27:54Proper off the beaten track
27:55I really think
27:56That we're going to be
27:57Behind everyone else
27:58To get to the checkpoint
28:00In 930
28:01We can start with the forest
28:02Yeah
28:03That'd be so good
28:04Aw, that's boss
28:05Nice
28:05Is it that's boss?
28:07Boss, yeah
28:07It's good
28:18This is fab
28:19Ain't it?
28:20I love a dramatic flag
28:22After crossing the border
28:24Last night
28:25Andrew and Molly
28:26Have reached Kazakhstan's
28:27Third largest city
28:28Shemkent
28:30Hello
28:30But they're already looking
28:32For a way out
28:32We need the earliest train
28:35To choose
28:36With plans to move swiftly
28:38Onto Shoe
28:39A city 450 kilometres
28:41Closer to the checkpoint
28:43One
28:43Two
28:44Zero
28:45No earlier trains
28:46No
28:48Taxi
28:49Just to see what it is price was
28:51Taxi
28:52Three
28:52Zero
28:53Zero
28:53Zero
28:54Okay, okay
28:55Thank you
28:56What is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train
29:01Jesus
29:02Yeah
29:03Fifteen times
29:04Fifteen times the value
29:05$225
29:06Yeah
29:08I did get the train
29:09Train
29:10Yes
29:11There's no questions
29:13While Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train
29:17On the move
29:18There's like ten seats on here but there's like thirty people on here
29:23It's great
29:24In Kyrgyzstan
29:25I just feel like you're local
29:26Like it's so many
29:27It's just local people
29:28Like going to work or whatever
29:29It's brilliant
29:31Yeah
29:31Great
29:32And it's cheap as ships
29:34Loving it
29:34Finally on the move
29:35Using public transport
29:37Katie and Harrison
29:38Are setting a course to the capital
29:40Bishkek
29:42Oh
29:45Now
29:46A baby
29:48Quite hectic on the roads
29:50But
29:51Getting us closer
29:52Yeah
29:53We're making progress
29:54Yeah
29:56Oh
29:57Quite bad
30:01Traffic jump
30:04I have no idea what's going on
30:11Oh
30:14Great
30:16One simple road
30:17That won't be a simple road
30:20Well there's worse places to be stopped by a road I suppose
30:23If anyone's travelling up through Kyrgyzstan today
30:27They wouldn't have done it quicker than us
30:30Ow
30:31Ow
30:32Ow
30:33Ow
30:36This silly beast stuck to my feet
30:38Oh
30:40Having now caught up with the siblings
30:43Margo
30:43Margo
30:44We're car coming
30:44Woo
30:47Mark and Margo
30:48Get across the road 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
30:59We're moving
30:59Don't want the bus to leave without us
31:04Thistle prongs
31:05That was really really stupid
31:08One of the stupidest things I've done on this race so far
31:11Who does that?
31:12You do that
31:14I think today is going to be a very long day
31:19Bishkek 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
31:52Oh Margo
31:54Snow
31:56Yes
31:57This is what we came for
32:03I reckon having done this
32:04I reckon we could be with a good chance of keeping him at the pack
32:08We're very short of money
32:09We've had three days of real travel
32:13Tomorrow
32:13Let's see if there's any work in Bishkek
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
32:26Can we go over?
32:30Yeah
32:32Oh
32:36Bazarjo
32:37Very cold
32:39How many do you want?
32:41How many more is better?
32:435,000
32:43Oh
32:48The Kyrgyz Forest of Arslanbub
32:50The largest natural walnut grove on earth
32:56So hard to find them
32:57So hard to find them
32:57I thought it'd be like
32:59Proper 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
33:12The precious crop
33:14The 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
33:24Cheap one?
33:26Yeah
33:27How handsome
33:28But also good
33:29Joining Abdurrazzak's family to pay off their bed and board
33:33Joe and Kush
33:35In the market
33:37The wide one is expensive
33:39This little cheap one
33:41How is it different?
33:42Like sweet
33:42Nice
33:43Tastes different one, you know
33:45Joe, there's loads here
33:46Come get your walnuts
33:49It's
33:49So nice to actually
33:51See
33:51The mountains
33:52I think that one of the
33:53Best views we've seen
33:54Bizarre Joe
33:56Bizarre Joe
33:59Nice one for staying up with me last night
34:01So good
34:02Made a big difference, you know
34:03I actually couldn't, I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep
34:05Yeah, I know
34:06You were just chatting to me
34:07I was like, bro, just shut up and go
34:08I just need to
34:13Head to shut up for a minute
34:15You know how I get
34:16I wouldn't say it surprised me
34:18No?
34:19It's like part of your personality
34:23I do think
34:25Kush can be glass
34:26Half empty
34:28Which is understandable since
34:30He has gone through a lot
34:32So I understand where
34:34That negative
34:35State comes from
34:40You can't expect to go on a journey
34:42And expect it to be all fire
34:43But
34:43I know you're benefiting from
34:47Venting
34:47You know what I mean?
34:48Just talking, yeah
34:51So I kind of do let him rant
34:53Get him off his chest
34:54And I'll be like, okay
34:56Let's look at this from a
34:58Different point of view
35:01When Kush is not feeling good
35:02We link up
35:03We go on walks
35:05We go on bike rides
35:06Park
35:07Play footy
35:08Honestly, honestly
35:09Any activity
35:10As long as we're doing something
35:11I can tell
35:13Improves his mood
35:15Shut up your boss, bro
35:17You had a leaf blower?
35:18Yeah
35:18Just had walnut left behind
35:20Kush means a lot to me
35:21Definitely
35:23And I want to show him
35:25There's always light
35:26At 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?
35:35Yeah, I really appreciate that
35:38In the race
35:40Every day's a difficult day
35:41Every day's a struggle
35:42You have bad days
35:43You have good days
35:44Soft days
35:45But every day's hard
35:48I'm trying to learn how to
35:49Function under high stress
35:53But I think it's only in the past
35:54Sort of couple days
35:56That I've realised
35:56How much I value having Joe here
35:58I just really appreciate the fact that Joe's always up for
36:02For sort of
36:03Looking after me
36:04In a way
36:05I don't think Joe will understand
36:07Like
36:08The difference it makes
36:15Yeah, I mean
36:16Yeah, he's my best mate
36:27Oi!
36:28You ready?
36:28Keep going
36:29In this entire journey
36:31I've got nothing
36:33Just absolutely nothing
36:35That's all but Joe
36:39That's all
36:40Lads
36:41That was cold
36:45That is home
36:51How much money is that?
36:53300, 400
36:55Nice!
36:56So good
36:56Both, yeah
36:59Do you know anyone who can
37:01Drive us
37:03Tonight 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 going to be a long, long day
37:23It's going to be an expensive day
37:24Bro
37:25Let'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
37:50Mark and Margo are in the capital, Bishkek
37:52Tasty savoury breakfast
37:55It's better than Greg's
37:57Look at that, it's satches, 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, its 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 onto the checkpoint
38:32Oh, my little friend, you must stay here
38:36Yes!
38:37The in-laws have found work at a local pet groomer's
38:40Look at that! I'd like that myself
38:43Traditionally seen as working animals
38:45Pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship
38:50Whoa!
38:51With pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol
38:53What are you telling me?
38:55I don't speak Kyrgyzstan
38:58Most experiences we've had
39:00Have been tailors for me
39:02Margo, in fact, I'm very happy to go along with that
39:04There we go!
39:05It's a lot of time for people
39:07So this is an experience for Margo
39:09You're doing fine, you're doing so well
39:11I'm here, don'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?
39:27No!
39:27So cute! Hello!
39:30There's this thing I would never want to do
39:32I don't like animals that smell it
39:33Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs
39:36I'm doing it for Margo
39:38Come on!
39:38And she loves this
39:39Oh!
39:40Oh!
39:43Don't tell my dog, Bailey, what I'm doing
39:45You have a dog?
39:46I have a dog
39:47Oh!
39:48When my dog sees this, she'll be very jealous
39:50My Bailey will not forgive me
39:55You're not happy with this, are you?
39:59John McQueen
40:01She can't wait to go home
40:03Goodbye
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
40:22I am very, very pleased, Mark is doing this job for me
40:27Oh, Lord
40:30And I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on
40:33What the fuck so far on the race?
40:35Oh, you gentle soul
40:38We're just really accepting of each other
40:41You 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
40:48We're so supportive of each other
40:49I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and nose
40:53Tomorrow
40:54Checkpoint, here we come
41:05We really are in the line
41:06It might slow us down in the race a little bit
41:10But that's absolutely incredible
41:1325 kilometres 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
41:28Elias and Maureen
41:29Welcome to Glucada Stables
41:31Thank 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
41:52It's a nice temperature as well
41:53Really nice and warm but windy
41:55It's like ideal ginger temperature
41:57I really just wanted like a real rustic raw experience, you know
42:03This is where I'm like really ticking the bucket list off
42:08Audrey, where are we going?
42:10Where are we going?
42:11You can't eat that
42:13I've lost my horse, my horse, my horse
42:17I've said
42:18Are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20My horse doesn't like me
42:23The horses look nice and shiny
42:25Thank you
42:26It's time to reward some light
42:28Let's get out there and ride
42:31Nice and easy boy
42:33Good boy
42:36Oh my god
42:39I'm on a horse
42:41In Kyrgyzstan
42:43What?
42:45It's incredible
42:50That is just ridiculous
42:52This is stunning
43:00What?
43:02Wow
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
43:22Creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
43:26What is that?
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
43:55With a 570km taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds
44:02Joe and Kush have their sights set on reaching Almaty tonight
44:07My god
44:10Look at that
44:11It's insane
44:13Oh shit
44:15Where are the snowboards at?
44:17Out of all the stands we've been to
44:19This 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
44:38My hands are cold
44:40I've never drove through somewhere like this
44:42It's just stunning
44:44We've still got a long, long way to go
44:46But we're trying to stay positive
44:50Hey!
44:52So, unless you can really come to terms with the constant stress of the race
44:57Only then can you actually relax and start to enjoy it
44:59When the public wanted yo
45:01No, but I know the no no fie won
45:03No, no no fie don
45:04No, no fie don
45:08No, no fie don
45:09No, no fie don
45:13No, no fie don
45:13No, no fie don
45:14No, no fie don
45:15That's mental
45:15Let's go
45:17What's that draw?
45:18If that's on our side
45:19There's a chance to get to Almaty tonight
45:21We might have a chance at maybe second or third
45:25It's Kazakhstan
45:38I've never rounded up sheep this way. It's lovely though. It's just like walking the
45:42fins at home. You couldn't beat it. It's just so interesting. You couldn't beat it, isn't it?
45:46Oh, Jeannie Mac. After a seven-hour journey from Shemkent, Andrew and Molly have arrived
45:53in Tasutkel. Horse coming through. That's my father. Hello, nice to meet you. Nice to meet
46:01you. Hello, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. They're joining host Zalgaz and his father
46:09in the day-to-day running of the farm. Me too, yes. I help. Okay. It's very rare
46:23where we're in the middle of nowhere. We're on a farm and I'm loving it actually. Did
46:29I do good? Yeah. This, like, Molly's kind of making the decisions and by me stepping back
46:37she's able to take over. You're very good at onions. I have discovered that. It's lovely
46:45to see and lovely to see her flourish. But in another way I find that quite difficult at
46:50times because when I was Molly's age, I grew up in Belfast during the beginning of the Troubles.
46:58Way to go. Come on. Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye. And it turned to
47:04violence. You had to care for some of the areas you went to, what pubs you went to, what streets
47:12you went to. And everybody was in age. There was bombs going off, soldiers walking around
47:23with guns. People would have been killed for their religion. And it affects you.
47:37Particularly as I become a father, you kind of manifest that onto your children. A lot
47:44of my generation has that kind of fear and lack of safety. You can be a bit over-bordering
47:52and you're probably a wee bit more hypervigilant. Oh my Jesus. It's just so like Nanny's
48:00house, isn't it? Uh-huh. Seeing Molly grow up, you're losing her in a way and she's growing
48:09up into this independent person. And you're not having that kind of level of control. And
48:15that's the bit that I'm learning to deal with at the moment. Go on. Move it. They just
48:22make school kids. They just walk off in their own direction.
48:28It's been 24 long years of looking after somebody. Enjoyed every second of it. And
48:41you don't want to let her go. But that's life. You have to. Dinner? Okay. Spoiling us.
49:10Very good. Were you a party guard? No. I like a party. Yeah. Oh, this looks lovely. Wow.
49:24Wow. It's your turn to sing. No. No. Sorry. No. No. Well, we sing. I'll sing badly
49:30if you want me to. It doesn't matter. Come on. This is a song about a girl in Belfast.
49:37I can't believe we're doing it. Enjoy. I tell me, ma, when I go home, the boys will leave
49:43the boys alone. They love my hair, they comb my comb, but that's all right till I go home.
49:48She is handsome. She is pretty. She is the girl of Belfast City. She is a courting one,
49:54two, three. Please, will you tell me, who is she? Albert Mooney says he loves her. All
49:59the boys are right and far. They're off at the door and they ring the bell, saying, oh, my
50:03love, I'll bar you well. I come songs as white as snow rings on her fingers, bells on her
50:08toes. She is the girl of Belfast City. She is a courting one, two, three. Please, will you tell
50:14me, who is she? Whoa!
50:21What more? No, one time only.
50:26I'm so sorry. I'm such a bad singer.
50:30I'm so sorry.
50:43Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan, yes. Kazakhstan, yay.
50:46We've made quick time to the border. Checkpoint!
50:50Following an early start, Mark and Margot have now crossed into Kazakhstan.
50:56Are you ready to run, Mark? I've got nothing about to 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. Thank you for...
51:11You, Corinne?
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. Fast, fast, fast.
51:31The former Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
51:36Meaning place of apples, the wild orchard-covered slopes that surround the city
51:41are believed to be the ancient ancestral home of the popular fruit.
51:45I 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.
52:12On 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.
52:20Remember, though, it's a race.
52:22Oh, Lordy, Lordy, yeah.
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.
52:47Choo-choo!
52:50It's gorgeous, isn't it?
52:52Beautiful, isn't it?
52:56KBTU that way.
52:57That way.
52:58Wow, thank you.
52:59Oh, is that the emblem?
53:00What an amazing building.
53:02You think it's that one?
53:05Follow 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.
53:17Excuse 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.
53:26No, Daddy, there's more apples this way this week's more sense.
53:29Follow the clues.
53:32Like it, Mark.
53:36Almaty Hotel.
53:38I'm wrecking, my God.
53:40You're doing really well.
53:41You're doing really well.
53:41Margot!
53:42Leg it!
53:44Irish bar!
53:45Yeah!
53:47Give it everything!
53:51It could be that one up there.
53:53Leg it, Mark!
53:54That's it, Molly.
53:55It's thinking up in front of you.
53:56Yep!
53:57Hang on for me!
53:58Sorry!
53:59I want a big glass of rosé wine.
54:02Steps!
54:03I love a step.
54:05I'm here!
54:06Hey!
54:08Hello!
54:08I'm glad to see you.
54:10Good afternoon.
54:11Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
54:13Okay.
54:13Please sign in here.
54:15Wonderful.
54:17Congratulations.
54:18You have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
54:22Yes!
54:23Please sign in here for a kid.
54:25We've got a great leg now, alright?
54:29Go on.
54:30Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:32Third.
54:33The second!
54:33Yes!
54:36Oh, that's wrong!
54:37Joe and Cuff!
54:4014 hours in front of us.
54:42Oh, gosh, they've made good lead.
54:43Ooh!
54:44Ah!
54:51Hit this right?
54:52Yeah.
54:53Ooh!
54:55Shit, you good?
54:56I just hit the curb.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine.
54:59You good?
54:59Yeah, honest.
55:00Nice job, bro.
55:01Dream team.
55:02Come, bro.
55:02Panels, sprint.
55:05There it is.
55:06There it is, Joe.
55:08Joe, can you open the box to be last?
55:12No.
55:12I'm gonna be last.
55:14Assalamu alaikum.
55:15Hello.
55:16Hello.
55:16Please sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro, allow me.
55:19I think it's been so hard, but whatever place, I'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.
55:40That's not right.
55:42That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44Are you sure this is the right book?
55:47Lad.
55:48How did we do that, bro?
55:54You did it, bro.
55:55Best place.
55:56We finally got a taste of it.
55:58I truly think it's thanks that locals are on the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe it.
56:06I can't believe it.
56:07Me either.
56:07I just want to say thank you for everything.
56:09I know I've been a pain in your arse, but...
56:11Don't worry, bro.
56:12It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:15Oh, bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
56:19What?
56:19I realised that I can actually rely on Joe a lot more than I originally assumed.
56:25You've helped me so much in general.
56:27Bro, same here.
56:27It goes both ways.
56:28I would probably still be in Palermo somewhere without you right now.
56:32I'm not joking.
56:34Second.
56:35Second.
56:35Third.
56:36Third.
56:37Second.
56:37Second.
56:38Second.
56:39Fifth.
56:40That's a tune that, you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:50We're coming for you.
56:51What do you reckon?
56:52We're coming for you.
56:53Absolutely.
56:54We did what we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58Second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:07You always did very well.
57:08Well done.
57:08Fair play to him.
57:09Fair play to him.
57:11I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:13I think we communicated well.
57:15And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18We only have to win one.
57:24Come on.
57:26Oh, yeah.
57:28Oh, yeah.
57:28Oh, yeah.
57:29Oh, yeah.
57:29Oh, yeah.
57:29Oh, yeah.
57:29Oh, yeah.
57:29I'm going to sprint just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
57:35Come on.
57:36Sprint.
57:36It'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've tried to save a bit of money which costs just maybe a few hours.
57:59I do have that regret that we didn't spend a little bit more money.
58:02But it is the eighth leg that matters for first place.
58:06We've got the extra money to spend now, I think, so just spend it wisely.
58:11Really need some, like, insanity moisturiser, so, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:21Come on, girl, is it your problem now?
58:24Uncle is a pretty big problem to have.
58:27We need speed, and we've got the money to be able to spend.
58:31There's no point in being rich losers.
58:33This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:37Oh, my God, no, this is time.
58:39This is the best memories we've had so far.
58:42It's just all going wrong.
58:44Tomorrow's another day, but today...
58:49Holy moly.
58:51This is absurd.
58:53This has been a miscommunication.
58:55Fasten your seatbelts, you're in for a bumpy ride.
59:02We'll see you next time.
59:03And now...
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