Update
Across Kazakhstan we came via Aktobish, Kostanie and now we are in the capital Astana.
We were in Kostanie when we made our last entry, and while the bikes and John were sitting outside, he was mobbed by the local biker club. They were thrilled to see us and couldn't believe their luck. They helped us find some tyres through a guy called Roman (rom,arn) not sure how its spelt. Sorry Roman if its wrong. Anyway Roman was a bit of a character, he was Kazak motorcross champion 4 years running before being involved in a car accident while on a bike and broke about 8 bones. He cant ride now but still loves cars, has a garage, owns the local motorcross club and drive 'full gas' everywhere. Full gas was about the only english he knew so it was said repeatedly, and i can see why he learnt it. Probably the best way to describe his driving. We got by though as he knew a little German as do i and lots of arm waving does the job nicely.
So we got the tyres, and were taken back to Sergey's. A member of the local bike club where we were given a Banya. This envolves stripping off, getting in a red hot sauna, then being thrashed with leaves. Not everyones cup of tea no doubt but it was very refreshing and its rude to say no., We all needed the wash so was quite welcome. 1st time i've been beaten by a man while naked though, cant speak for John or Allen ;). Cant say as i shall make it a regular thing though.
Then it was beer and Vodka all round. Was a long night but a good one and we made some good friends in Kostanie.
So we left Kotanie earlyish one morning, but unbenokw to us the local tv cameras where there and we had to endure 2 hours of interviews. Everyone has 15 minutes, well i have had mine now and it was plenty. Quite annoying to be honest but there you go. On the plus side we did get a police escort from the city so no problems leaving that day.
One night in a field we had our first experiance of rain. So far the most rain we have had was about an hour or so back in Hingary, but that night it rained for about 7 hours and we had a little trouble getting out of the field the next morning.
We then made it to Astana, the Kazak capital. This is a nice city that is being injected with lots of money. Also here again we were found by the local bike club who insisted we stay at a place of theres. Another nice night with a roof over our heads, but again it was a late night of Vidka and beer. Still feel a little rough from it right now to be fiar but these things happen. Thank you to Sergey (again) and the guys who helped us here.
So tonight we are heading out of Astana for a place to sleep then on towards the russian border. Hopefully we shall be fine, im sure we shall, will post again as soon as we can.
some more pictures below.
See you