Help in Atyrau
Kind of an early start to the next town / village. Thing to mention: a) the small towns have no paved roads so all just dirt roads leading of the main road. With the recent rain its a mud fest, b) no matter how dusty / muddy you see women on the side of the road all dressed up - skirt, tights and high heels. Mad…..
Stopped to get something to drink and started talking to two Kazak guys. They invited me for a second breaky. Really nice. I mean talking with hands and feet, but hospitality in these places like Turkey and Kazakhstan is amazing.
Little drive into Atyrau. Two things I wanted to get done - register my visa and check emails. After an unsuccessful drive down main street I asked somebody western looking. Expad Oil Industry. He didn’t really know either but said I should go to the Hotel Chagala. So I did and what a good thing I did. Was sitting in the lobby on their computer checking my email when Andy walked by and asked if I was doing “The long way round”. “Yeah kind of” I replied. He asked if I was staying in the hotel and I told him no, because they had quoted me something like 110 Euro. He asked for my contact number and he would make some calls to see if somebody could help me out. So I finished my internet business and went to the bathroom. When I came back the receptionist calls me over: “Mr. Marko, you should stay in this hotel.” Puzzled face on my part. “You work for such and such company?” “Hm, I guess I do.” I said. I met Andy later in the parking lot while unpacking my bike. Its sorted. His company has a special deal with the hotel and they would pick up the bill. Amazing. Big thank you to Andy.
He also called Greg who had ridden a bike all across Kazakhstan to meet me. Greg gave me great tips on which roads to take and which ones are complete crap. Also he hooked me up with phone numbers of people all across Kazakhstan. People that could help me out or who can point me into the right direction. Great stuff - have to say thank you to Andy and Greg again.
Went to another hotel for a few drinks. The Guns & Roses Pub was full of Expads and Kazak women. Little bit of a mad place. So second day in KZ, so far so good.
Day 31
16. May 2009
Start: Near Zhanbay, Kazakhstan
End: Atyrau, Kazakhstan
Miles today: 91
Miles total: 4320
Odometer: 10576
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