Realising that we could continue on the white road and
loop back to the main one saving ourselves 5 km but taking no doubt
twice the time. A good decision. Saw these ladies cutting either
thistles or a crop. 
Taking a short cut we ended up entering the
village from the back.
Came across this guy with unique guttering.
Running the water down these joined plastic bottles to tanks.
Very
friendly guy that told us stuff for 5 mins without us understanding a
word!
Drove
through the town and were balked at the bridge until we got out and
checked the “lack of road” for strength. One side was a bit dodgy
so crossed closer to the other side. All good.
The houses are made of dry stacked rocks then rendered….
Around
the other side of the lake and back through a check point then onto
the main road again. A nice detour.
Saw
a couple of Ruskies on bikes. There is a bit more movement in the
landscape than the last week or three. Stopped at a river for a lunch
and to soak our feet in the very cold water.
Just
before Termez we stopped to visit the Buddhist Monastery of Termez.
Very different and interesting.
Gold foil left by Japanese Buddhist delegates
Several groups stopped us for photographs... Feels a bit like China again.
Then
we ventured into “old Termez” wow what lovely gardens. We
wondered around enjoying the gardens then entered a mausoleum. There
seemed to be other buildings and a museum but we did not know what so
we decided to move on.
It was still over 40℃.
We
stopped at a gas station and asked for diesel not here. A friendly guy
in a car said follow him. We followed him to two gas stations and
found diesel 600som/litre put 40 litres in. Now we can explore the
region comfortably.
We
dropped by Kyrk Kyz fortress even though it was after 6pm and we
assumed closed but no the gates were open so went for a wonder
around. Has had some restoration so we can see what it was like. Nice to have the place to ourselves.
All
of the buildings have been in mud brick and after a while they just
dissolve back to mud.
Heading north we pulled off and camped over looking a lake. The internet aerial was just behind us but we had poor reception. It seems we can have 4g 5bar but still have not enough through put to make a call.
A
quiet night and a romantic full moon.
260km
260km