The title of this post is derived from the fact we're sitting on the Aldan river barge... listening to a techno rendition of Phil Collins's - Another day in paradise. It's been blasted over an impressive stereo system, not just a pissy PA speaker. I believe we have found the disco barge! - crazy place. We've arrived at just after 3:30PM and apparently the barge leaves at 7PM. We MAY have crossed a timezone, so we don't actually know when we're going.
One of the other barge-goers are two ladies, who are hand washing their Toyota AWD car. It looks a lot like that new Suzuki AWD thing. Not quite sure why they are bothering, as I'm sure the dusty roads continue on the other side. These ladies are rough as guts but they think they are hot stuff. Fat, rude and obnoxious squeezed into short shorts and tight 'rashie-vests' is nearly enough to make you sick. To further ruin our perception, they proceeded to take pictures with a knock-off chinese iPad trying to look hot as posing in promiscuous poses. But you never know, half a mega-pixel camera combined with some photoshop and they may scrub up well enough to sell for scrap. Be mindful of this anyone who is looking to purchase a Russian bride.
Great roads today, lots of sand and fine gravel, but makes for soft and fast travel. This road has meandered through undulating permafrost grasslands. Lots of horses, foals, cows and calves. Very picturesque but funnily enough, not much worth stopping and photographing. More like you had to drive it to appreciate it. We did stop and have a cuppa stop which functioned as a good opportunity to take the piss from the Cooper Tyres commercial with Ron Moon in it. Hopefully we haven't jinxed it!
It may sound dumb, but we suspected there may have been another barge at some point, but didn't figure it would be today.
We're surprised how populated these areas are. We kind of expected 100's of kilometers without a town, but alas, there would be one every 30.
We got lost in a town today... with no possible chance of translating or locating it. We drove around for maybe half an hour trying to work out the turnoff. It functioned as a great tour of the place, but that was about all it achieved. After getting lost we had another Borsh for lunch. Borsh's are a lot like tom-yum soup. Wherever you go, it's different, but always good. And with Russia, every place has Borsh. It's a welcome change from 'niet' whenever you point to something on the menu or ask for something you can pronounce.
Sorry this post is a bit underwhelming as opposed to last nights, but I figure we'll be leaving the barge at ~9 tonight which is way too late to be typing, then the arduous task of uploading it over the sat phone. Anyone would think I was trying to attract lightening.
Dinner tonight might be stir-fry beef... with lemon mint & parsley cous-cous. Sounds a bit boring, but it is going to be weird preparing dinner on the barge.
Position: 12-07-08 15:46:55 +1000 +0000
http://maps.google.com/maps?&ll=62.63134,134.8284&q=62.63134,134.8284&z=16
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Thank you for the heads-up about the russian brides. I have now cancelled my memberships. LOL
ReplyDeleteIt appears you are both relaxing and taking in the experiences a lot more. Good to see.
ReplyDeleteAhhh gotta love dodgy local remakes of big western hits!
ReplyDeleteGood to see that you guys are getting into your travel groove and that you're connecting with people and enjoying the places that you visit (told you supermarkets were fun!)
It sounds like you are really getting into the groove now. Laughing at the sometimes crazy things the locals do. And really enjoying the experience.
ReplyDeleteI assume that you will be at or very close to the river crossing at Kyubeme tonight. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to hear how you get on!
The current is pretty strong, but if you can walk the shallow crossing heading upstream toward the ice, you should be all good! (Yep, ice...) The deepest bit was the first bit (last year anyway). I cant wait to see photos! And what you thought of the crossing.
What did you think of the drive through the mountains? The cliff road was a cracker last year! This is the iconic Road of Bones scenery. Again, I cant wait until the photos are posted.
Bolot posted your meeting on his web page askyakutia.com - your friends and relatives might be interested in checking that out. He is such a legend, helping out the various travellers.
From Sean Ardley:
ReplyDeleteWould someone please email Graham and Cassie of twomagadan.blogspot that there's tiny cafe and petrol stn 4km past where we met. Op 9a-10p? Forgot to.
-Sean's friend
Looks picturesque -living up to your expectations and more! Shame about the mozzies Cass, you'll just have to roll in mud like a water buffalo and all will be solved. Great photo opportunity. Hope you have noted the comment from Sean's stepmom and also Jons wonderful info chat. It makes us comfortable knowing he and Amanda are along with you for the ride. (Thanks Jon).Have you taken 'The Long Way Round' DVD with you? It would be interesting to compare and recognise some of the things they saw! Any way love always, safe travels. Love Mum D. XXXX OOOO
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