Pedaling from the Black Forest to the Yellow Sea
Random header image... Refresh for more!

Day 183 (Tajikistan): planning day in Khorog (keep your fingers crossed)

It was rest day and it really wasn’t. I spent the entire day organizing things over the web. The people in the internet cafe were not only helpful, but saved the day. I have to schedule an appointment for my visa interview, but you have to print all sorts of things and plug things into web forms, uncertain what you come up with in the end. The owner pulled out the non-functioning printer and together we managed to get it going. They also let me use their computer because I wasn’t certain whether I would be given a pdf and the like. But getting to this point was a bit daunting.

But here is where things stand:

1. Filled out form DS 156 - check

2. Passport pictures - check

3. Bring money - check

4. Bring notarized notice - check (on its way from the US)

5. letters of recommendation - check (on their way from several places)

6. made an appointment - check

I will now have an interview on October 7, 2008 in Bishkek. I will leave Tajikistan on October 2, 2008. Leave the bike in either Sary-Tash or Osh, head to Bishkek and apply for the visa there.

This took all day, so no pictures for today. You get one from yesterday.

At night, I was invited to Bianca’s farewell party. She is the friend of Bettina - and I happened upon Bianca in the internet cafe already. It’s a small place.

So, for the next 10-12 days there will not be any updates. There will not be any internet access and for the most part no electricity. Things are set up for the visa though I think, but do keep your fingers crossed at any rate in the meantime.

2 comments

1 Antoinette { 09.23.08 at 11:50 am }

Markus, That ever internal argument of “Do I love this or do I hate this”. The good news, one day when you look back on this amazing trip, you will love every bit of it. Even the bribbery and bureaucracy will be part of those crazy moments. I will miss your postings, but look forward to catching up when you are on line. Following your trip is stirring the urge to get on my bike and go off peddaling somewhere.
Stay safe. Looking forward to your ‘reentry communications’.

2 Jess { 10.02.08 at 2:28 am }

Sorry I’ve been out of touch…been hiding. But thinking of you & praying. I miss you & love you.

Leave a Comment

* Your email address will not be made public.
* Die Email-Adresse wird nicht veröffentlicht.