Last days in Tajikistan

It’s been eight days since we left Samarcanda, five of which have been spent pedalling along very difficult Tajikistani roads. They are so difficult that our equipment has started to notice the tear and wear as well as ourselves. Autumn is settling in and we can appreciate its presence in the light, the contrast in the intense colours of the landscape. At last we are, once more, in charge of our steps. High mountains can be seen in the distance and our souls are widening in the immense sky above us. We have become a part of the scenery. Slowly, very slowly, we are noticing the rough, uneven skin of the old mountain. Millions of years have moulded the mountain as well as the people who inhabit it. Nomads, continuously on the move, looking for a way to survive.
Dushambe, its capital is a large village. Here the urban dweller coexists with the farmer and the nomads who might descend from his village in order to sell some of the products produced.
We reach this small capital and the tough part begins. Expensive permits, Chinese visas that just do not come true and a consul who is presently in China.
We have asked for spare parts that will take too long to reach us, but what is time? What does being in a hurry mean? Aren’t we on the trip precisely to forget the hustle and bustle of our lives? Yes, but winter is coming and we cannot spend it in high mountains. Perhaps from these small drawbacks I will learn a lesson, I’m sure I will.
For the moment, all we can do is to spend a few days taking it easy in the company of two cyclists, Ana and Charlie. They also have stories to tell. Many.
Patience, health and peace for your souls. At the moment, I’m having problems with two of tem. Which two?