Getting started.

Well. Things are moving slowly forward. Everything, that is, except the departure date, which seems to be galloping towards us at an alarming rate.

In our minds, though, (well, mine at least) the ideas are formulating, clearing and settling nicely into something that might one day actually resemble a plan.

A rough idea of dates and where in the world we will be when has definitely emerged, the website is now live, and this weekend some serious work is being done on Bernard. Surely that must sound like progress to everyone? I'm not going to deny that we have lots to do in a rapidly reducing time, but, as the proverbial wise man once said, all journeys must begin within a single step. And we have taken that.

Apart from the work on Bernard (more on that in due course), the highest immediate priorities are getting visas sorted and then getting some sponsorship. The idea of the trip is all very nice, but seriously if there is no cash to keep Bernard on the road once he gets to Taj, the whole thing will have been little more than a grand day out. So if any readers can help with sponsorship, or know anyone who can help, please get in touch.

The visa application process for central Asian countries can be convoluted to say the least. The key elements in the whole thing seem to be filling in forms and parting with cash. For some countries we need a letter of invitation (which we have to buy) before we can apply for the visa (which we have to buy). Are you getting the idea?

Of course, if we don't get certain visas, Iran for instance, then the whole thing changes significantly. My idea is to get Uzbekistan first, as it's complicated but not difficult, then Iran for the reason just stated, then Turkmenistan - the daddy of all difficult ones. Krygyzstan and Tajikistan we can worry about once the others are in the bag. So the next few weeks will be slightly worrisome to say the least. And all this is not really helped by the fact that one third of the team is out of the country and unlikely to return before the big departure. Fun and games ensue.... We'll keep you posted.

More anon.


G