Bicycle Touring The World: In Aktau, Kazakhstan
My latest bicycle touring update, cycling around the world in Aktau. Well, I was hoping to be on the road today. But I found out last night that you must get your passport stamped by the local police within five days of entering the country. Or be shot! Not really, I think it’s just a fine. Unfortunately, the man who gives out the stamps wasn’t there today, so I’ve got to try again tomorrow. Everything seems really long-winded and has to be done at least twice! But it is what it is!
I asked at reception earlier what there was to see or do around here, and the reply was nothing! After having a wander, I think they’re right! Although I have noticed a couple of things. The streets here don’t have names, just micro districts and numbers! All very different and challenging! It’s all very Stalinist and ex-Soviet Union, which it is, of course. And people’s faces have changed so much. It’s only a relatively short distance across the Caspian Sea, but they look more oriental now.
I decided to get a haircut this afternoon. Not that I really needed one, but it was something to do! After my haircut, I retired to the hotel bar. All the girls seem to want to pick me up! Or is it just wishful thinking on my part? It reminds me of Thailand.
Tour Information
It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:
- Photos: See my photos on Flickr
- The route: View my journey around the world
- Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
- Tour page: Ride overview
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If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. For a look at the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my “Life at 10mph Guide.”