- 2 weeks ago
Race Across The World - Season 6 Episode 6
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Short filmTranscript
00:19Oh
00:19Look at this
00:21What a stunning view
00:22It is me. It takes my breath away. Yeah, wow
00:27That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations in the rock the weather going on the lanes. They're off the rock formation. Look to
00:35see it's going down
00:36Older men talking about rocks
00:41Peeking at 4,000 meters above sea level
00:46Zaman National Park
00:50Uzbekistan's oldest nature reserve
00:53Home to more than 800 species of plants and herbs some with medicinal qualities
01:01The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties that in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium
01:09a
01:10Health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air
01:19It's the sound of the water
01:20Exactly
01:21It's so smoothing
01:22Yeah
01:24Taking their own therapeutic break before the next leg
01:27Mark, Margo and Andrew
01:30I think what's going to make a difference going ahead is budget
01:34Yes
01:34And our budget is cooked
01:36Look me in the eye. Are you telling me the truth or no?
01:40With just three legs remaining funds are dwindling
01:45While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget they alongside Mark and Margo are trailing the other two teams
01:54The kids are young they seem to be racing your head
01:57Yes
01:57Yes
01:57They've got enthusiasm
01:58Absolutely
01:59You've got the energy
02:01Yes
02:01How's it going with Molly though? Such a lovely girl
02:03Molly has I think has probably struggled this week
02:06I've had to be the daddy to her
02:08It was tough
02:09I have to be in control
02:11But maybe this leg I kind of will step back and let her go and make those calls and live
02:17and die by those consequences
02:23Do you think youngsters will be doing that?
02:25Oh, I hope not
02:30That looks so good
02:31This looks incredible
02:34Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No
02:36Joe, if anyone can, it's you
02:38Yeah, come on, go on boys
02:41It's quite nice that the young'uns are together
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit
02:45It's a bit different, travelling with your dad
02:48We get on really well
02:50And I'm very lucky for that
02:51But I can find that it is different
02:53Yeah
02:53And it can be difficult at times
02:55Like there's always that kind of his final say because he's the dad
02:58In this life there's only a few people you can rely on
03:00Best friends and family
03:02Yeah, yeah, yeah
03:03Look at his plate
03:05That's a quote of a sheep
03:08I mean, all I can know
03:09Save the budget
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way coming after that?
03:13It's just fine
03:14That's the only leg you're gonna win
03:16Oh, God
03:17Oh, bro
03:325.30am
03:34Super early
03:35Shouldn't be asked to leave a hotel before breakfast
03:37First to leave with only a 40 minute lead
03:40Katie and Harrison
03:42This is for you
03:43Thank you so much
03:44Here we go
03:45Hello
03:46Your sixth checkpoint is Almaty
03:49I know exactly where it is
03:51Back to Kazakhstan
03:52Exciting
03:52Let's go
03:54We've only got a 40 minute lead
03:55So I hope there's something at the conversation for us
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometres into the east of Kazakhstan, Almaty
04:07A stark contrast to the vast steppe of the west
04:10The city sits in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains
04:15Founded as a Russian frontier fort
04:18An influence that remains visible in the Orthodox churches
04:21And Soviet-era sculptures dotted throughout the city
04:25Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991
04:29It's evolved into the country's cultural and financial hub
04:33With over 2 million residents
04:35It's the largest city in Kazakhstan
04:39Right
04:40Now we get into Almaty
04:42Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan
04:45Or we just go around the top of Kazakhstan straight to Almaty
04:51To get there, teams face a choice of going through one of two countries
04:56They could head north into eastern Kazakhstan
05:00Travelling through the country's major cities
05:02Linked by a reliable, but potentially costly, rail network
05:07Alternatively, they could cut through Kyrgyzstan
05:10A country rarely visited by western tourists
05:14With mountains dominating over 90% of its landscape
05:18And communities spread thinly across the rugged terrain
05:22Transport is affordable, but limited
05:26It's an absolute no-brainer for me
05:29I'd love to go to Kyrgyzstan
05:30I want to really feel like I'm not in the touristy part of that country
05:35And I feel like this is going to give it to us
05:37And in the bigger cities, they'll have the student hostels as well
05:41Yeah
05:41I think it's going to be more budget-friendly
05:43So I stick to bus routes, which I think are going to be a lot cheaper
05:46I'm so glad that we're taking off another country
05:48Like, I'm genuinely buzzing
05:49Let's get to Kyrgyzstan
05:51Let's go to Kyrgyzstan
05:53Kyrgyzstan, we are coming for you
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan
05:58They're looking for a true traveller experience on a budget to match
06:01But with two borders to cross
06:03Getting into the country quickly is of the essence
06:07How's the right?
06:08Toshkent
06:09Toshkent?
06:10Yeah
06:10I don't know
06:12No?
06:13No
06:13So Toshkent taxi?
06:16Taxi
06:17Okay
06:17I know very little about Kyrgyzstan
06:19But I am very excited for it
06:21Oh
06:22I'm hoping less expensive taxis and more direct bus travel
06:28What is your name?
06:29Ferdas
06:30Ferdas
06:31Ferdas
06:31Ferdas
06:32Ah, Harrison
06:33Nice to meet you
06:34Nice to meet you
06:35With no buses in sight
06:37The siblings are heading to Toshkent
06:39In a local shared taxi
06:41I am in the parchment business
06:44You smell good
06:45You are very friendly
06:48I like your accent
06:51Manchester
06:52Manchester
06:52Manchester United
06:53Manchester United
06:54Manchester City
06:55No, no city
06:56No, no, no, no
06:59He's getting the scores up
07:00Oh my God
07:01What a guy
07:01Oh
07:04Joe
07:07Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I found another passenger
07:09Just 40 minutes behind
07:11Okay
07:12Woo
07:13Okay
07:15Joe and Kush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi
07:18As they race to gain ground
07:21It's about two hours to get to the capital Toshkent
07:25Realistically I think we'd be going more direct if we go through Kyrgyzstan
07:28Kyrgyzstan is a new country
07:30That's sick
07:31So we're looking at Kyrgyzstan
07:32I know of it but I know very, very, very little
07:34So hopefully it's got quite a low tourist population
07:36And so we're hoping it will be a lot cheaper
07:38We need to get to Kyrgyzstan tonight
07:42Following the same route as Katie and Harrison
07:44The best friends are looking to speed straight out of Uzbekistan
07:48And cross the border by tonight
07:53I'm really hoping and I think we can actually get across the border today
07:56About 45 minutes behind first, I'm very, very close
07:59And so it's not much to catch up
08:01This driver's just charging through everyone
08:07First to arrive in Tashkent
08:09Thank you very much, thank you
08:11OK
08:13On the edge of the Eurasian steppe
08:15This ancient Silk Road trading post
08:18Retains a blend of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences
08:23Railway ticket office
08:25Railway ticket office
08:26Look at that
08:27Hello, Andujan
08:30Today, two tickets
08:32Pressing on
08:33The siblings have secured tickets to Andujan
08:36And are a step closer to their intended destination
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get
08:44But Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind
08:46So it's very possible that they get here
08:48So we have to move
08:50Thank you for that
08:54Close behind
08:54We're trying to get to Ardijan
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581 AM
08:591 AM
08:591 AM
09:01Yes
09:01400,000
09:02Both of us
09:03That's so much
09:05Thank you
09:05We will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because
09:10400,000 for a train that takes seven hours
09:12Or hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 for four hours
09:15If we can haggle our way down
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive
09:22Here to Ardijan
09:24Please
09:25The first you should go to the car station
09:27And then you should get the next taxi driver
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:34If these guys can drive to Ardijan?
09:36No, no, no
09:36Can't go to Ardijan from here?
09:38No, no
09:40Oh no
09:40Having skipped the seven hour train in favour of a car straight to the border
09:45The boys now need to head to the other side of town
09:48Where long distance taxis depart
09:50I feel sick, I can't believe that
09:53I mean we have to commit
09:54We're not even at the border yet
09:56We're not even at the border yet
09:57Kush's reaction to stress was quite instant
09:59Oh
10:01I know Kush has a heightened anxiety
10:05I don't think we have much trees
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes and best decisions to make
10:13Oh God
10:15Oh God
10:15We could have got straight to Ardijan
10:16In the train
10:17It's going to be a long day
10:18No, we're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
10:20No, I don't think we should assume
10:24But it is hard for them to look at the bigger picture
10:26And chill out
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had
10:31F*** off big time
10:38F*** off big time
10:38Back in Zaman City
10:39Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities
10:43Okay
10:44Screams out to me
10:45The third team to set off
10:46Andrew and Molly
10:47I would love to finish the Silk Road in Tashkent
10:51Head on to Shoe
10:52And then head to Almaty
10:54Yeah
10:54Maybe I'm taking over this now
10:56Maybe you are
10:58Molly's plan
10:59Follow a busier route and city hop by rail through Kazakhstan
11:03But first
11:05They must reach the Uzbek capital Tashkent
11:08Taxi there
11:10Thank you very much
11:11Excited for Tashkent
11:13I love cities, I love people
11:15And after the last leg where I couldn't even make a bloody decision
11:18This is something new
11:19Onwards and upwards
11:20To Tashkent
11:21Let's go
11:22Yes, let's go
11:23Yes, let's go
11:26Back of the road
11:31Leaving in last place
11:35Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark
11:37We'll get into Tashkent
11:38Bands it were cheaper to stay tonight
11:41It comes to me in fourth place
11:42We used to claw some time back
11:45Do you think your route is through Kyrgyzstan?
11:47I think
11:48Kyrgyzstan seems the most direct route to go
11:50So hopefully we can get back to third place if we can
11:55Like two other teams
11:56They are heading to Tashkent tonight
11:58Before aiming for Kyrgyzstan tomorrow
12:01He's driving very fast
12:03Go on!
12:04Woo!
12:06Jeez Louise
12:09As evening sets in
12:12We've got to get to the border tonight, bro
12:14Joe and Kush are still trying to find a cheap taxi to the border
12:19Kyrgyzstan border
12:20For one person?
12:21250,000
12:22That's a lot
12:23We need to do for this price?
12:25We have little money
12:27No way, really I tell you
12:29Oh, I feel shit
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent
12:33With their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border still 300km away
12:39We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today
12:40There's no buses and we'll be spending like £40 on taxis
12:44Can't believe we didn't get the train
12:46It's getting dark, bro
12:48It might just be worth staying tonight
12:51But then we're going to have to pay for accommodation
12:52We can sit on the floor
12:53Oh no
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap
12:58This one is the cheaper one
13:00You see the price?
13:03Oh, that's so expensive
13:04Is there any cheaper we can even do?
13:07Like if we sleep on the floor of anywhere
13:08We are so sorry
13:10I literally sleep standing up
13:12Oh, I'm so stressed
13:14We have second floor, the sofa
13:16You can stay there for free
13:19You're welcome
13:21No, Rachmet
13:22Free of calm, we couldn't get any cheaper
13:24As good as this is
13:25I just think we chose the wrong route in general
13:29And now we're here
13:30Now we're near the border
13:33I like to plan
13:35Because I like to be in control
13:37But times like this now
13:38As we've gotten more into the unknown countries
13:41We face a lot of difficulty
13:44It's just not up to us anymore
13:45It really depends on transport connections
13:47Also, you guys can use TV
13:49Oh, thank you
13:51I am 100% an over-thinker
13:54I do experience quite a fair amount of anxiety
13:59Losing my dad was in the space of like a day
14:01It was zero to a hundred
14:04So a lot of anxiety I feel is about the unknown
14:09It is a everyday struggle still
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain
14:15It's exhausting
14:17Can't lie, bro
14:18I'm going to be thinking the entire night
14:20I'm going to be sleeping, I can't lie
14:22I'm going to be stressing
14:23I'm going to be snoring
14:26It's been such a rough day
14:44Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool
14:48With a history spanning two millennia
14:51Chorsu Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market
14:56Wow
14:56Holy moly
14:58Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era blue dome
15:06How fast can you do then?
15:08More faster than you
15:09Yeah, give me a day
15:13Working for Sanjar on one of the market's popular food stalls
15:17Andrew and Molly are helping to prepare the national dish
15:20Plov
15:21Said to have aphrodisiac qualities
15:24It's widely consumed on Thursdays
15:26A popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan
15:30You're welcome
15:30Thank you
15:34It's so cool
15:35Do you work here every day?
15:37My father is working 45 years here
15:40Your father?
15:41He has a big reputation, that's why
15:44I'm third generation
15:45You're third generation
15:46Which you have to keep going, yes?
15:50Mohammed, my name is
15:51Mohammed, Molly
15:54Ireland
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment
16:03I'm buzzing with it actually
16:06Yeah, yeah, yeah, ginger
16:08Irish
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this day
16:13I would like Daddy to see me a little bit more grown up
16:16And as an adult
16:17To do that I need to be confident
16:20And stand on my decisions
16:22Say kebab
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs
16:27I wanted you to this place
16:29I did that, I cut all the onions
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place
16:37You're doing a great job
16:38You're doing a great job
16:39I enjoyed it
16:40Everyone tell me
16:40You're doing great job
16:43Now you stick part of the money
16:45It'll take us across the border
16:46We'll have enough to get across the border
16:48All good?
16:49You smell it, man
16:53Molly, I can't pay
16:54How much do you make in taxes?
16:55I made 5,000
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten
16:57Ten
17:01Where do we get a taxi outside?
17:03From this side
17:03Thank you
17:04See you later
17:05See you later
17:05Thank you
17:06No problem
17:06Bye bye
17:09Our plan is
17:11Get to the border
17:12And then connect
17:13As quick as possible
17:15As quick as possible
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action
17:18The border, Kazakhstan
17:20The team are splitting from the pack
17:23Heading to the Kazakh border crossing
17:25And then traversing north
17:26To the city of Shemkent
17:29To Kazakhstan
17:31Great job Molly
17:32Well done
17:33That's great
17:34Shemkent
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night
17:50Joe and Kyrgyz are still six hours away from the crossing
17:53Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:58Yeah
17:58The Uber
17:59And there you can find somebody for cheaper
18:04Maybe we can help
18:06Kyrgyz hasn't slept
18:08He's very anxious
18:08He's stressed
18:10Let's go
18:11He's in such a negative headspace
18:13It feels like he's lost hope
18:16So Andesran is here
18:18But we need to go to this border
18:20So like maybe
18:21A little bit further
18:23I believe
18:24Staying positive is
18:25The best chances of winning
18:27Our plan is to
18:28Help crush out this spiral season right now
18:31We need to
18:32Get cheapest
18:33Cheapest price
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah
18:37Are you serious?
18:39Yeah
18:39Oh my god
18:40Oh my god
18:42Oh my god
18:42Thank you so much
18:43You've been so much help
18:44Can we take a quick picture?
18:46Oh
18:46Oh my god
18:47Yes
18:51When we get to Mongolia
18:52We'll send you a picture
18:53Oh okay
18:54We'll send you
18:54Yeah
18:55Alright
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima
18:58The boys have a free ride straight to the border
19:01Thank you
19:02Thank you
19:05Naima is a miracle bro
19:07I think this morning this gave me some inspiration
19:12And obviously Naima taking such good care of us
19:15Yeah
19:16I think we really enjoy the home stay
19:17Doing a job that's outdoors
19:19Which we've been wanting
19:21Local and authentic to the area
19:23Yeah
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it
19:28We're going to save money
19:29Which means
19:30We can sprint to checkpoints
19:34Inspired by local generosity
19:35They plan to stop for a homestay in Arslanbub
19:38Once they enter into Kyrgyzstan
19:41We can still do this
19:42God
19:43We just can't give up
19:57We can't give up
19:58We can't give up
19:59We can't give up
19:59We can't give up
19:59We can't give up
19:59We can't give up
19:59We can't give up
20:00We can't give up
20:00We can't give up
20:00We can't give up
20:01We can't give up
20:01We can't give up
20:02We can't give up
20:03We can't give up
20:04We can't give up
20:04We can't give up
20:04We can't give up
20:04We can't give up
20:05We can't give up
20:05We can't give up
20:06We can't give up
20:06We can't give up
20:10We can't give up
20:12We can't give up
20:17dunes a highly fertile basin between mountain ranges stretching from
20:22Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan this agricultural heartland is famous for
20:27cotton and silk production and local life is deeply rooted in centuries-old
20:33artisanal handicraft techniques cock and the handicraft a city of the world oh
20:39cock and wasn't on your map was it no to be louis explore some of these places but
20:48you can't if we're gonna keep in the race no we can't afford to fall any further
20:52behind we've just got to push on and look at some lovely feet exactly yeah
21:00mark and I have both and we have got to race but the traveling through is going
21:05to be the experience and we're gonna make the most of it
21:12hello hello mark and I are a little bit older people might notice we're a little
21:18bit older I'm 60 next year and I really think the best is still to come and if
21:23you speak English knowingly I'm from Liverpool I've got a lot of energy and I
21:31do spend a lot of energy looking after my family but now the kids are older and
21:36especially at such a crossroads of turning 60 it gives me the chance to
21:41really reassess things really look for what I want love this this is beautiful
21:47let's get the party started any fancy a sing song yes where are you all from your
22:05friends
22:05yeah
22:05yeah
22:05yeah
22:06yeah
22:06yeah
22:08yeah
22:26nice to meet you all I like this as the in-laws head to the
22:30Kyrgyzstan border which way is the border that's me the border this way okay
22:38already there after the late-night train Katie and Harrison I've never done a
22:44footboard when you crossed on boat train and bus so far
22:48you can walk through and then we're in Kyrgyzstan 7th country here we go
22:55one of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries Kyrgyzstan was settled by
23:00nomadic tribes from southern Siberia their legacy of moving in groups across
23:06mountainous terrain continues today with local ride shares known as
23:11marshrutkas linking towns and villages
23:17house
23:42we want to get a fish tack
23:44Determined to stick to public transport,
23:47they plan to use Bishkek on the northern edge
23:50as a stepping stone to the checkpoint.
23:53After bus.
23:55Bishkek.
23:56No.
23:58Taxi.
23:59But no buses depart after 6pm.
24:03We are on a tighter budget.
24:04We want to save for the next two legs.
24:06No.
24:08It might slow us down in the race a little bit.
24:10I think it's probably more of a risk splashing out.
24:13There's no more today.
24:16Oh.
24:23Stuck in Osh.
24:25Very different from where we've been on the race so far
24:27in terms of Greece and Turkey.
24:29Buses ran all day and all night.
24:31You can get anywhere you wanted in the country.
24:34Kyrgyzstan's not turning out to be as we thought.
24:37This is men's room.
24:39Men's room.
24:40Perfect.
24:41Having made little progress and stranded for the night,
24:44a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become a reality.
24:49Did you say you were from Toronto?
24:52Oh, wow.
24:53Where are you from?
24:53We're from England.
24:55This type of travelling where it can get a bit difficult
24:59or you're completely out of your comfort zone
25:02is exactly what I wanted to do.
25:04How long have you been doing this for?
25:06Two and a half years.
25:07Really?
25:07Yeah.
25:08Not been home in two and a half years?
25:10Like, the mindset just blows me.
25:12Like, how you can just travel, like,
25:14not kind of know where you're going to end up next.
25:16Yeah.
25:17I mean, it's just my life now, so...
25:19Yeah.
25:20Happy?
25:21Yes, very happy.
25:23Yeah.
25:23I've been looking for one for, what, five weeks?
25:28Yay!
25:29The guys in our room.
25:30They're so cool.
25:31Yeah.
25:32He's got, like, all the countries, like, on his bag.
25:34They're, like, proper backpackers.
25:36Yeah.
25:36This is, like, feels like the place to be for travellers.
25:40Yeah, a lot of people.
25:41And I'm here cos I'm the traveller.
25:43Yeah.
25:44I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive
25:48and making the most of it.
25:50There's so many things that could go wrong,
25:51but she just seems to just go with it.
25:54It is a good thing that we're staying tonight.
25:56Yeah.
25:56Cos we'll have more options tomorrow.
26:01What do you do?
26:02Do you just...
26:05As the team's settling for the night...
26:11Salaamu Alaikum.
26:12What is your name?
26:12Zubayr.
26:13Zubayr.
26:14Kush.
26:15There's one best thing about Sculls accents
26:16is you can pronounce names a lot better.
26:19200km to the north,
26:21a direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead
26:24as they arrive in the rural village of Arslanbog.
26:28Are we working tomorrow in the morning?
26:30Yeah, yeah.
26:31Where they're staying with walnut farmer Abdurazok.
26:35Bon appetit for you.
26:36Bon appetit.
26:39This is, like, fresh bread.
26:41Ooh.
26:43That is fresh.
26:44And very fresh.
26:46That's a doughy.
26:47OK.
26:48Oh, so nice.
26:50Feeling a lot better.
26:53It's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today.
26:55I guess not so many tourists come in Kyrgyzstan
26:58compared to, like, maybe Thailand and Spain.
27:0125,000 population.
27:04Everybody know each other.
27:05So, you know, maybe...
27:0625,000?
27:08Sounds like Liverpool.
27:10Everyone knows everyone.
27:11You know, it's the same.
27:12OK.
27:12Everyone knows everyone.
27:13And everyone's happy to help each other.
27:15And so, it is boss.
27:16We love it.
27:17What boss mean?
27:19Boss.
27:20Boss is, like...
27:21Really good.
27:22Yeah.
27:22Like, very good.
27:24Like...
27:24Like, this food is boss.
27:26We have some words about, like, this.
27:28Bazarjo.
27:29Bazarjo?
27:30Yeah.
27:30Like, very cool.
27:32It's green tea.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:34Oh!
27:36And it's boss because of your hair.
27:40That's not what I'm talking about.
27:41OK, you're welcome.
27:41Two scouts.
27:44Abdera was boss.
27:45I mean, we've had such a lucky run-in with people that we meet.
27:48There's just a sort of really, really generous energy about them.
27:52But I'm feeling a little anxious still.
27:54It is proper off the beaten track.
27:56I really think that we're going to be behind everyone else
27:58to get to the checkpoint.
28:00In 9.30 we can start with the forest.
28:03Yeah.
28:03That'd be so good.
28:04Aw, that's boss.
28:05Nice.
28:06Is it that's boss?
28:07Boss, yeah.
28:07It's good.
28:17This is fab.
28:19Isn't it?
28:20I love a dramatic flag.
28:23After crossing the border last night, Andrew and Molly have reached Kazakhstan's third largest city, Shemkent.
28:30Hello.
28:31But they're already looking for a way out.
28:33We need the earliest train to choose.
28:37With plans to move swiftly onto Shoe, a city 450 kilometres closer to the checkpoint.
28:43One, two, zero.
28:46No earlier trains.
28:47No.
28:48Taxi.
28:49Just to see what it is priced with.
28:52Taxi, three, zero, zero, zero.
28:54OK.
28:55OK.
28:57What is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train?
29:01Jesus.
29:03Yeah.
29:0315 times.
29:0415 times the value.
29:06$225.
29:07Yeah.
29:08I didn't get the train.
29:10Train?
29:11Yes.
29:11There's no questions.
29:14While Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train.
29:18On the move.
29:20There's like ten seats on here, but there's like 30 people on here.
29:23That's great.
29:24In Kyrgyzstan.
29:26I just feel like you're local.
29:27Like there's so many, it's just local people like going to work or whatever.
29:30It's brilliant.
29:31Yeah.
29:32Great.
29:33And it's cheap as chips.
29:34Loving it.
29:34Finally on the move.
29:36Using public transport, Katie and Harrison are setting a course to the capital, Bishkek.
29:42Oh.
29:43Oh.
29:45.
29:46Now.
29:47A baby.
29:49Quite hectic on the roads, but getting this closer.
29:53Yeah.
29:53We're making progress.
29:54Yeah.
29:57Oh.
29:57Quite bad.
30:01Traffic jump.
30:04Ugh.
30:08I have no idea what's going on.
30:12Oh.
30:14Great.
30:16One simple road that won't be a simple road.
30:20Well, there's worse places to be stopped by a road, I suppose.
30:24If anyone's travelled up through Kyrgyzstan today, they wouldn't have done it quicker than
30:29us.
30:31Ow!
30:32Ow!
30:32Ow!
30:34Ow!
30:36This silly beast stuck to my feet.
30:39Oh.
30:40Having now caught up with the siblings.
30:43Margot, the car coming.
30:47Mark and Margot.
30:49Get across the road now because it's going to get busy.
30:52Oh.
30:53Oh.
30:53It's been clear.
30:54We're moving now.
30:55Oh!
30:56Let's get back on the bus.
30:58We're moving.
30:59Don't want the bus to leave without us.
31:04Thistle prongs.
31:06That was really, really stupid.
31:08One of the stupidest things I've done on this race so far.
31:11Who does that?
31:13You do that.
31:15I think today's going to be a very long day.
31:19Bishkek tonight.
31:21We're doing it.
31:24This is a very impressive landscape.
31:26Mm-hm.
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.
31:52Carrots.
31:53Oh, Margot.
31:54What?
31:55Snow.
31:56Yes.
31:58This is what we came for.
32:03I reckon, having done this, I reckon we could be with a good chance
32:07of keeping him at the pack.
32:08We're very short of money.
32:09We've had three days of real hard travel tomorrow.
32:14Let'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.
32:29Can we go over?
32:30Yeah.
32:32Oh.
32:37Bazarjo.
32:38Very cold.
32:39How many do you want?
32:41How many more is better?
32:435,000.
32:44Oh.
32:48The Kyrgyz Forest of Arslan Bob, the largest natural walnut grove on earth.
32:56So hard to find them.
32:58I thought it would be like, proper easy.
33:01Leaving their homes en masse every autumn, local families head onto the mountain slopes
33:06to camp, harvesting up to 1,500 tonnes of walnuts every year.
33:13The precious crop is not only stored year round for food, but used as currency in the town,
33:18with nuts of different values being traded for goods in shops.
33:23This cheap one again.
33:25Cheap one?
33:26Yeah.
33:27I'll find some.
33:29But also good.
33:30Joining Abdurrazzak's family to pay off their bed and board, Joe and Kush.
33:35In the market, the white one is expensive.
33:40This is a little cheaper.
33:41How is it different?
33:42Like sweet.
33:43Nice.
33:43Tastes different one, you know?
33:45Joe, there's loads here.
33:47Come get your walnuts.
33:49So nice to actually see the mountains.
33:52I think that one of the best views we've seen.
33:55Bazarjo.
33:56Bazarjo.
33:59Nice one for staying up with me last night.
34:01So good.
34:02Made a big difference, you know.
34:03I actually couldn't.
34:04I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep.
34:05Yeah, I know.
34:06You were just chatting to me.
34:07I was like, bro, just shut up and go.
34:09Yeah.
34:11I just need to head to shut up for a minute.
34:15You know how I get.
34:17I wouldn't say it surprises me.
34:18No?
34:18It's like part of your personality.
34:23I do think Kush can be glass half empty.
34:28Which is understandable since he has gone through a lot.
34:32So I understand where that negative state comes from.
34:40You can't expect to go on a journey and expect it to be all fine.
34:43But I know you're benefiting from venting.
34:47Do you know what I mean?
34:48Just talking, yeah.
34:48Yeah.
34:51So I kind of do let him rant.
34:53Get him off his chest.
34:55And I'll be like, OK, let's look at this from a different point of view.
35:01When Kush is not feeling good, we link up.
35:04We go on walks, we go on bike rides, park, play footy.
35:08Honestly, any activity, as long as we're doing something,
35:12I can tell him improves his mood.
35:15Shut up your boss, bro.
35:17He had a leaf blower.
35:18Yeah.
35:19Just had walnut left behind.
35:21Kush means a lot to me, definitely.
35:23And I want to show him there's always light at the end of a tunnel,
35:28you know?
35:29I hate to see you in such a negative space.
35:33I actually do care for you, you know?
35:35Yeah, I really appreciate that.
35:39In the race.
35:40Every day's a difficult day, every day's a struggle.
35:43You have bad days, you have good days, soft days.
35:45But every day's hard.
35:48I'm trying to learn how to function under high stress.
35:53But I think it's only in the past, sort of, couple days
35:56that I've realised how much I value having Joe here.
35:59I just really appreciate the fact that Joe's always up for,
36:02for, sort of, looking after me, in a way.
36:05I don't think Joe will understand, like, the difference it makes.
36:15Yeah, I mean, yes, he's my best mate.
36:27Oi!
36:28You ready? Keep going.
36:29In this entire journey.
36:31I've got nothing.
36:33Just absolutely nothing.
36:35That's all but Joe.
36:39Lad!
36:41That was cold.
36:44That is home.
36:52How much money is that?
36:54300, 400.
36:55Nice!
36:56So good.
36:57Both, yeah.
36:59Do you know anyone who can drive us tonight for a bit?
37:04Maybe I can drive you to Jalalabad, and we will look there.
37:08OK, thank you.
37:10We think maybe we should go to Kazakhstan border.
37:13Tomorrow we go the whole way from Jalalabad.
37:16Does that sound like a good idea?
37:18It's possible.
37:20Many cars go there.
37:22It's going to be a long, long day.
37:23It's going to be an expensive day.
37:25Bro, let's just pray that we can still pull out the bag.
37:40Look at that! Look at that! Look at that amazing hat!
37:43Your hat is fantastic!
37:47Having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday, Mark and Margo are in the capital, Bishkek.
37:54Tasty savoury breakfast?
37:55Mmm, breakfast and grapes.
37:58They're a lot of satches, don't they?
38:03At the northern tip of the Chewy Valley, this one small settlement grew into a lush garden city,
38:10with residents encouraged to plant trees near their homes.
38:15Today, its nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living.
38:20Fermented mare's milk, as well as flat whites, are sold side by side.
38:27They're very busy, aren't they?
38:30Adding to their funds before pushing onto the checkpoint...
38:33Oh, my little friend, you must stay here!
38:37Yes!
38:37..the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomer's.
38:40Look at that! I would like that myself!
38:43Traditionally seen as working animals, pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship.
38:50With pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol.
38:54What are you telling me? I don't speak Kyrgyzstan.
38:59Most experiences we've had have been tailored for me.
39:03Margo's been very happy to go along with that.
39:04There we go.
39:05There's a lot of time for people.
39:07There we go.
39:08So, this is an experience for Margo.
39:10You're doing fine, you're doing so well.
39:12I'm here, don't worry.
39:14It has been a very exhausting journey.
39:17So, today is a chance for Margo to relax and just forget about the race, just for one day.
39:25Don't you like a dog like this, Margo?
39:27No!
39:27So cute!
39:29Hello!
39:30There's this thing I would never want to do.
39:32I don't like animals that smell it.
39:34Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs.
39:36I'm doing it for Margo.
39:38Come on! She loves this.
39:40Oh!
39:41Whee!
39:43Don't tell my dog, Bailey, what I'm doing.
39:45You have a dog?
39:46I have a dog.
39:47Oh!
39:48When my dog sees this, she'll be very jealous.
39:51My Bailey will not forgive me.
39:56You're not happy with this, are you?
39:59John McQueen.
40:02She can't wait to go home.
40:04Goodbye.
40:05Oh!
40:06Oh!
40:11Today has just been my day in the happiest place I could be on Earth.
40:17I've just loved it.
40:18She's very upset now.
40:20I know.
40:20Yeah, no.
40:21Particularly with you.
40:22I know.
40:24I am very, very pleased, Marcus, doing this job for me.
40:28Oh, look!
40:30And I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on so far on the race.
40:35Oh, you gentle soul.
40:38We're just really accepting of each other.
40:42You like our place.
40:43Oh, we love it. We love it.
40:44I'd love to bring my dog here.
40:46But somehow the two of us have become so supportive of each other.
40:50I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and my nose.
40:53Tomorrow.
40:55Checkpoint. Here we come.
41:05We really are in the middle of nowhere.
41:07It might slow us down in the race a little bit, but that's absolutely incredible.
41:1325 kilometers outside of Bishkek, after three days of relentless travel, Katie and Harrison have reached the remote village of
41:21Kashkasu.
41:25The siblings will work for husband and wife duo, Elias and Maureen.
41:29Welcome to Gulsara Stables.
41:33In return for a horse ride through the mountains.
41:41It is just such a nice break to come to somewhere like this, so serene and peaceful.
41:47Yeah, I couldn't have done another day.
41:50A chaotic stress.
41:52It's a nice temperature as well.
41:54Really nice and warm, but windy.
41:56It's like ideal ginger temperature.
41:58I really just wanted, like, a real rustic, raw experience, you know.
42:03This is where I'm, like, really ticking the bucket list off.
42:08Ajay, where are we going?
42:10Where are we going?
42:11You can't eat that.
42:12Oh, God.
42:14I lost my horse.
42:15My horse.
42:16My horse.
42:17How I said...
42:18Katie, are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20My horse doesn't like me.
42:23The horses look nice and shiny.
42:26Perfect. Thank you.
42:26It's time to reward somebody.
42:28Yeah.
42:28Let's get out there and ride.
42:32Nice and easy, boy.
42:34Good boy.
42:36Oh, my God.
42:38I'm on a horse.
42:41In Kyrgyzstan.
42:43What?
42:45It's...
42:46It's incredible.
42:50That is just ridiculous.
42:53This is stunning.
43:00What?
43:03Wow.
43:08Formed over 50 million years ago, as the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided...
43:15That is insane.
43:18The Alatu Mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks, creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
43:27Not that.
43:29This isn't real. I feel like I'm in a painting.
43:34Absolutely beautiful.
43:38But it is the middle of nowhere.
43:40It's a long way to get to Almaty.
43:53We got the vads in the car.
43:56With a 570-kilometre taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds, Joe and Kush have their
44:03sights set on reaching Almaty tonight.
44:08My God.
44:10Look at that.
44:11It's insane.
44:13Oh, shit.
44:16Where are the snowboards at?
44:18Out of all the stands we've been to, this is definitely the Prius.
44:22It's definitely the most beautiful drive I've ever been on my entire life.
44:30Oh, it's cold.
44:36No idea.
44:37Oh, my hands are cold.
44:41I've never drove through somewhere like this.
44:42It's just stunning.
44:44We've still got a long, long way to go.
44:46But we're trying to stay positive.
44:50Hey!
44:52So, unless you can really come to terms with the constant stress of the race, only then can you actually
44:58relax and start to enjoy it.
45:00With the public one, the music.
45:02No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:05no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:10no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:11no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:16no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:18no, no, no, no.
45:38I've never rounded up sheep this way before.
45:40It's lovely, though.
45:41It's just like walking the fence at home.
45:43You couldn't beat it.
45:44It's just so interesting and just beautiful.
45:47Oh, Jeannie Mac.
45:48After a seven-hour journey from Shemkent,
45:52Andrew and Molly have arrived in Tasutkel.
45:56There's a horse 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.
46:14Can I help you? Yes.
46:17I help.
46:18I do.
46:19OK.
46:22It's very real. We're in the middle of nowhere.
46:25We're on a farm, and I'm loving it, actually.
46:29Did I do good?
46:31Yeah.
46:33This snake, Molly's kind of making the decisions,
46:36and by me stepping back, she's able to take over.
46:39You're very good at onions.
46:41I have discovered that, too, Michelle.
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
46:55during the beginning of the Troubles.
46:58Ways go. Go on.
47:00Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye.
47:03And it turned to violence.
47:09You had to care for some of the areas you went to,
47:11what pubs you went to, what streets you went to.
47:13And everybody was in aid.
47:20There was bombs going off, soldiers walking around with guns.
47:27People would have been killed for their religion.
47:31And it affects you.
47:38Particularly as I become a father,
47:40you kind of manifest that onto your children.
47:44A lot of my generation has that kind of fear and lack of safety.
47:50You can be a bit over-bordering,
47:52and you're probably a wee bit more hyper-vigilant.
47:57Oh, my Jesus.
47:59It's just so, like, Nanny's house, isn't it?
48:01Uh-huh.
48:04You see Molly grow up.
48:07You're losing her in a way,
48:09and she's growing up into this independent person,
48:11and you're not having that kind of level of control.
48:15And that's the bit that I'm learning to deal with at the moment.
48:19Come on!
48:20Move it!
48:22They're just my school kids.
48:23They just walk off in their own direction.
48:26HE LAUGHS
48:29It's been 24 long years of looking after somebody.
48:33I've enjoyed every second of it.
48:39And...
48:41You don't want to let her go.
48:46But that's life.
48:49You have to.
48:52You're best going to have a dinner now.
48:54Dinner? OK.
48:56Spoiling us.
48:59Oh, yeah, yeah, whoo!
49:02We didn't want to love our man.
49:04Our man, our man, our man, our man, our man.
49:05Oh, yeah, whoo!
49:08Wow!
49:10How are you good?
49:12Excellent.
49:13Were you a party guard?
49:14Oh...
49:17I like a party, yeah.
49:21Oh, this looks lovely.
49:23Wow!
49:25It's your turn to sing.
49:26No, no, sorry.
49:27No, no, no.
49:28What do you think?
49:29I'll sing badly if you want me to.
49:31It doesn't matter.
49:33This is a song about a girl in Belfast.
49:37I can't believe we're doing this.
49:39Enjoy.
49:40I tell me, ma, when I go home,
49:42the boys will leave the boys alone.
49:44They love my hair, they come, I come,
49:46but that's all right till I go home.
49:48She is handsome, she is pretty,
49:50she is the girl of Belfast City.
49:52She is a courting one, two, three.
49:54Please, would you tell me, who is she?
49:57Albert Mooney says he loves her,
49:59all the boys are right before.
50:01They're out at the door and they ring the bell.
50:03Say, ma, I love it, I'll bore you well.
50:05Come, that's why the snow rings on her fingers,
50:08bells on her toes.
50:09She is the girl of Belfast City.
50:11She is a courting one, two, three.
50:13Please, would you tell me, who is she?
50:16Who is she?
50:19One more?
50:23No, one time only.
50:27I'm so sorry, I'm such a bad singer.
50:42I can'tして it.
50:43Kazakhstan, yes!
50:45Kazakhstan, yeah!
50:47We've made quick time to the border.
50:49Check, bind!
50:50Shhh!
50:51Following an early start,
50:53Mark and Margo have now crossed into Kazakhstan.
50:56Are you ready to run Mark?
50:59Nothing might surprise ourselves.
51:00I'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 very much.
51:12You're correct.
51:15Close behind them, Andrew and Molly.
51:19We know we have to pay to get there fast.
51:22Using their healthy budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint.
51:25We need to go fast. Fast, fast, fast.
51:31The former Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
51:37Meaning 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. Here we come.
51:50Today, it's also home to the sixth checkpoint.
51:58Make your way to Gogol Street.
52:02Find the memorial of glory behind the eternal flame.
52:07Past the Ascension Cathedral and locate the emblem of Kazakhstan.
52:13On the front of KBTU.
52:15So we need to go to Gogol Street.
52:17It's a lovely day for a walk in the park.
52:19It is, absolutely, yes.
52:21Remember, though, it's a race.
52:22Oh, Lordy, Lordy, yeah.
52:26Excuse me.
52:28Well, we're doing four-minute kilometres.
52:30I can see my 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?
52:54Get in there.
52:54No!
52:56KBTU's out there.
52:58That way.
52:58Bob, thank you.
52:59Oh, is that the emblem?
53:01What an amazing building.
53:02You think it's that one?
53:06Follow the apples and sign in on the Terrence of Almaty Hotel.
53:12Keep your eyes peeled.
53:14There's apples down here and there's apples up there.
53:18Excuse me?
53:20He's lost himself.
53:22Molly, there's apples down here.
53:23There's apples up there.
53:24I know, there's bloody apples everywhere.
53:27No, Daddy, there's more apples this way.
53:28This makes more sense.
53:29Follow the clues.
53:32Like it, Mark.
53:34Woo!
53:36Almaty Hotel.
53:39I'm wrecking, I was.
53:40You're doing really well.
53:41Fuck!
53:41Margo!
53:42Like it.
53:44Irish bar.
53:45Yeah.
53:46Yeah!
53:47Give it everything.
53:51It could be that one up there.
53:53Like it, Mark.
53:54That's it, Molly.
53:55It's looking up in front of you.
53:56Yep.
53:57I got it for me.
53:58Sorry.
53:59I want a big glass of rosé wine.
54:02Steps.
54:03I love a step.
54:05I hear.
54:07Hey.
54:08Hello.
54:08Hi, glad to see you.
54:10Good afternoon.
54:11Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
54:12Okay.
54:13Okay.
54:14Please sign here.
54:15Wonderful.
54:18Congratulations.
54:19You have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
54:22Yes.
54:23Please sign in for a kid.
54:25We had a great leg now, all right?
54:29Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:31Go on.
54:32Third.
54:33But second!
54:36Oh, that's a round.
54:37Jerem.
54:38Cool.
54:4014 hours in front of us.
54:42Oh, gosh.
54:42They've made good lead.
54:43Woo.
54:44Ah.
54:51Hit this right.
54:52Yeah.
54:55Shit, you good?
54:56I just hit the club.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine.
54:59Sure?
55:00Yeah, honest.
55:01Nice one, bro.
55:01Dream team.
55:02Come on, bro.
55:03Final sprint.
55:05There it is.
55:06There it is, Joe.
55:08Joe, can you open the box to be last?
55:12Well, I'm going to be last.
55:14Salaam Alaikum.
55:15Hello.
55:16Please sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro, allow me.
55:19I think it's been so hard, but whatever place.
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.
55:31I'm fine.
55:31Thanks.
55:35What?
55:36Wait.
55:39That's not right.
55:41That's not right.
55:41That's the wrong page.
55:42That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44You sure this is the right book?
55:47Lab.
55:49How 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 locals along the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe it.
56:07Me either.
56:08I just want to say thank you for everything.
56:09I know I've been a pain in your ass, but...
56:12Don't worry, bro.
56:12It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:16Bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
56:19What?
56:19I realised that I can actually rely on Joe a lot more than I originally assumed.
56:25You've helped me so much in general.
56:27Bro, same here.
56:28It goes both ways.
56:28I would probably still be in Palermo somewhere without you right now.
56:32I'm not joking.
56:34Second, fifth.
56:36Third.
56:36Third.
56:37Second.
56:39Second, second, fifth.
56:40That's a tune that, you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:51We're coming for you.
56:52What do you reckon?
56:53We're coming for you.
56:54We did the route we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:02It's done!
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:07Boys did very well.
57:08Right on.
57:08Fair play to them.
57:09Fair play to them.
57:12I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:14I think we communicated well.
57:15Well, yeah.
57:16And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18Why don't you have to win one?
57:24Come on.
57:26Come on.
57:30I'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?
57:49It's a day behind again.
57:51I am actually a bit devastated looking forward.
57:53I really would have loved second or third.
57:55We tried to save a bit of money, which cost us maybe a few hours.
57:59I do have that regret that we didn't spend a little bit more money.
58:03But it is the eighth leg that matters for first place.
58:06We've got the extra money to spend now, I think.
58:09So just spend it wisely.
58:11We really need some, like, insulin and moisturizer.
58:14So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:22Mongolia is your problem now.
58:24Mongolia is a pretty big problem to have.
58:28We need speed.
58:29And we've got the money to be able to spend.
58:31There's no point in being rich losers.
58:33This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:37Oh, my God, no.
58:38This is time.
58:38This is the best memories we've had so far.
58:42It's just all going wrong.
58:44Tomorrow's another day, but today.
58:49Holy moly.
58:51This is absurd.
58:53There's always been a miscommunication.
58:55Fasten your seatbelts.
58:57You're in for a bumpy ride.
59:08God bless you.
59:09.
59:13.
59:22.
59:23.
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