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TEAM CAA Welcome to my site. Thank you for following me as I participate in the Mongol Rally. I will do my best to post updates from the road. Update: Unfortunately, my...
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 1st July 2012 at 19:32
Update: Unfortunately, my teammate Zach has had to pull out of the rally due to urgent circumstances that require his continued presence in New York. I've changed the name of the team to reflect that, and have decided to understake this journey by myself. Onward. -CAA
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 12th July 2012 at 17:06
Received the car at the port of Southampton and drove it to the Shirley Garage. They are doing a full mechanical checkup before I depart for Goodwood tomorrow. I will camp there tomorrow night before heading off on the rally on Saturday.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 11th July 2012 at 10:08
Landed at Heathrow. On a coach to Southampton.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 11th July 2012 at 02:13
Huge thanks to Seth and Tracy for the donation. Really appreciate it!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 11th July 2012 at 02:11
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=331770556910671&set=a.331724810248579.80268.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 22:24
Zero hour is here. I'm going out for a drive.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 18:07
Huge thanks to Nicole Rousseau for the donation. Really appreciate it!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 16:46
Huge thanks to Robert Groshon for the donation. Really appreciate it!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 16:17
Big thanks to Daniela Kelley for the donation! As the fundraising gets under way, I want to draft all of you as my ambassadors: During the journey, I won't be able to ask people to give, so I'm asking each of you to please spread the word on my behalf. Ask your family, friends and colleagues to donate. It's a really dumb trip for a really great cause.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 15:25
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151101227908338&set=a.10151101376893338.496496.23136188337&type=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 10th July 2012 at 13:29
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151101227908338&set=a.10151101376893338.496496.23136188337&type=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 9th July 2012 at 12:29
Last day in New York. Final touches: Securing an international phone data plan, signing the European car insurance paperwork and heading to the dentist. Can't believe how much I've done (and how many hurdles I've had to clear) to get to this point. Hopefully it'll be smooth sailing as I move over to London.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 8th July 2012 at 20:14
Here go the equipment shout-outs: Bags from Millet - Mountain by Experience, tent, sleeping bag and pad from Mountain Hardwear, outerwear and boots from Barbour, satellite beacon from SPOT GPS Messenger, clothing from Double RL, watch from Hamilton Watch Official page, cameras from Sony, computers from Apple Inc., auto parts from Sears and Yakima Racks, driving gloves from Hermes, and hats from Borsalino. Very special thanks to Tent and Trails, Backcountry.com, Eastern Mountain Sports, REI, Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan, and to the old dude who made my dog tags.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 8th July 2012 at 19:25
Turns out that the most time-consuming part of planning for the rally is putting together the playlists. Decided on Springsteen's "Born to Run" as my launch song. Also bringing a lot of unknown music -- I'll see if I can expand my musical horizons on this journey.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 8th July 2012 at 17:05
Please donate!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 12th July 2012 at 22:48
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=332444120176648&set=a.331724810248579.80268.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 12th July 2012 at 23:10
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 13th July 2012 at 17:32
Hey hey only just seen your post! Soy I've been in Manchester all weekend! How did the weather shape up cos it was really nice down here :) the festival good? X
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 13th July 2012 at 22:27
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=332823176805409&set=a.332820923472301.80594.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 13th July 2012 at 22:26
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 13th July 2012 at 22:25
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 14th July 2012 at 09:56
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 14th July 2012 at 11:39
Was chosen to be interviewed first on the stage of the Festival of Slow. Honored.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 14th July 2012 at 13:59
Minutes away from the start of the rally. Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. I really appreciate your support. Tally ho! Mongolia's in my sights!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 14th July 2012 at 19:35
Making the English Channel crossing by ferry. The tunnel would have been faster, but this trip is all about romance.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 14th July 2012 at 21:50
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 02:53
Camping at a rest stop near Cologne. The police drove by and didn't say anything, so I'll take that as permission. The no hotel rule I set for myself just became very real.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 10:29
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 10:12
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 14:21
In need of some supplies, but everything is closed on Sunday in Germany. Trying to space out my travel to make sure I have access to a major city tomorrow before I head to the Czech Republic.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 14:17
Just left Frankfurt. On my way to Nuremberg and then on to the Czech Republic.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 23:23
So my car needs a name: Since the team name changed I can't use the original one. Please post your ideas.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 15th July 2012 at 23:06
So my car needs a name: Since the team name changed I can't use the original one. Please post your ideas.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 13:04
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 13:00
Finally have access to high-speed wifi and get to post the photos taken with the high-def camera.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 13:25
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 13:08
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 13:38
Day three is a rest day in Klenova that ends with the Czechout Party at the castle -- which should be absolute mayhem. Tomorrow I head to Budapest and on towards Odessa, Ukraine.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 16th July 2012 at 14:36
It's been raining since I left London. Could really use a sunny day.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 11:39
My GPS tracking beacon has died a bitter death. I am switching my location updates to my backup -- Facebook updates from my phone. I may not be able to check in as often, but I'll do my best.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 16:37
First police stop: Czech Republic/Slovakia border. Got off with a warning. Now it's officially a road trip. Heading to Bratislava and then on to spend the night in Budapest -- the city where my grandfather was born.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 18:20
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=334158780005182&set=a.334154356672291.80934.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=3
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 18:19
Please donate! I don't want to have suffered through this much rain for nothing! Thank you.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 17:55
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 21:18
Big thanks to Anastasia Roark for the donation! I really appreciate it!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 21:17
Big thanks to Allison Prescott & Todd Flournoy for the donation! You guys are the best!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 17th July 2012 at 21:17
Big thanks to Randa Mudarris for the donation! Really means a lot!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 19th July 2012 at 22:07
In Chisinau, Moldova for the night. Spent the past two days driving through Romania. Too much good stuff to share here, but I'll do a big post when I get an Internet connection.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 03:34
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 03:30
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 03:21
Billy Groshon -- big thanks for the donation. I really appreciate it.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 03:21
Huge thanks to Jerry Damons for the donation. I can't tell you how much it means to me.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 10:09
Shared a video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151089894861348
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 17:00
Many border crossings today. Finally in Ukraine. Rest day and oil change in Odessa tomorrow followed by the drive to Istanbul the next day.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 19:59
I owe a proper blog, so here it goes: The first part of the journey -- from London to the Czech Republic -- was uneventful. I stopped and camped near Köln and tried to eat a lot in anticipation of the coming difficulties. In Budapest, I was joined by two guys from Seattle and we caravanned through Romania and Moldova into Odessa, Ukraine, where I am right now.
Here's what I've learned: As the quality of life goes down, the happiness quotient tends to go up. My sense is that the trend will continue farther east and the conditions get progressively worse.
Another thing I learned is that the only consistent thing across all nations is douchebags in beemers. Always the same guy. Always the same car.
I learned that Romania has some really terrible roads, but also some of the best roads on the planet. The second half of our drive through Transylvania was quite simply the best driving experience of my life. Camping in Romania was also fun -- the pictures show the amazing view and sunset that saw us to sleep.
But the highlight of Romania were the people: Some old men at a bar who bought us two rounds of beers and engaged us in an odd and amazing conversation.
Finally, what I've learned most is that -- while I began this journey alone -- having found good people to share it with has made a big difference. My new friends on this caravan are really good people from disparate cultures who share a basic framework: They don't see doing something for others and doing something for yourself as mutually exclusive. They find ways to do both. And when you get there -- as we have in this rally -- the abiding satisfaction and deep joy that is produced is quite simply indescribable. -CAA
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 20:19
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335310769889983&set=a.335310609889999.81291.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=5
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 20th July 2012 at 20:15
I owe a proper blog, so here it goes: The first part of the journey -- from London to the Czech Republic -- was uneventful. I stopped and camped near Köln and tried to eat a lot in anticipation of the coming difficulties. In Budapest, I was joined by two guys from Seattle and we caravanned through Romania and Moldova into Odessa, Ukraine, where I am right now.
Here's what I've learned: As the quality of life goes down, the happiness quotient tends to go up. My sense is that the trend will continue as I move farther east and the conditions get progressively worse.
Another thing I learned is that the only consistent thing across all nations is douchebags in beemers. Always the same guy. Always the same car.
I learned that Romania has some really terrible roads, but also some of the best roads on the planet. The second half of our drive through Transylvania was quite simply the best driving experience of my life. Camping in Romania was also fun -- the pictures show the amazing view and sunset that saw us to sleep.
But the highlight of Romania were the people: Some old men at a bar who bought us two rounds of beers and engaged us in an odd and amazing conversation.
Finally, what I've learned most is that -- while I began this journey alone -- having found good people to share it with has made a big difference. My new friends on this caravan are really good people from disparate cultures who share a basic framework: They don't see doing something for others and doing something for yourself as mutually exclusive. They find ways to do both. And when you get there -- as we have with this rally -- the abiding satisfaction and deep joy that is produced is, quite simply, indescribable. -CAA
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 03:00
Shared a video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=335417516545975
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 02:39
Shared a video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=335404936547233
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 03:17
Shared a video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151091531486348
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 03:16
Shared a video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151091520591348
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 09:44
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 10:29
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 10:15
Back from the car inspection by my crack Ukrainian mechanic team: Was told the car is in good shape, and that I should change the oil in Tbilisi, Georgia. Tomorrow I set off for Istanbul through Romania and Bulgaria.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 21st July 2012 at 18:37
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 09:23
Just ran into Daryl Hannah in Odessa. Nice to get some American encouragement. On to Istanbul!
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 10:22
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335902019830858&set=a.335310609889999.81291.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=1
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 10:20
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New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 10:44
"Nobody ever needs Perrier." - Elias Rothblatt
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 20:32
The Romanian border guards heard about my plight, expedited my process and offered me a campground. So amazing.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 22nd July 2012 at 19:51
First bad border experience at the Ukraine-Moldova border, despite the fact that it leads to exactly two kilometers in Moldova before the Moldova-Romania border: Ukrainian cop trying to impress one of the female border guards decided to search my entire car, only to drop a pen cap into my engine compartment (which took forever to get out). I don't usually wish people ill, but I'd be okay with bad things happening to that guy.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 23rd July 2012 at 12:05
Just crossed the Danube by ferry from Romania into Bulgaria.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 00:30
Camping in the middle of nowhere in Turkey. Just had dinner, now telling jokes and drinking a bottle of Jack. Life is good.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 12:26
So happy to be in Istanbul. I have dreamed of visiting this place for a very long time.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 15:01
Just had a great scrub and massage in a hamam that's been open since 1481. I love this place.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 19:34
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336786539742406&set=a.336786459742414.81782.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=16
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 19:24
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336784726409254&set=a.336784523075941.81781.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=5
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 19:22
Accidentally posted a journal entry from Romania on my personal page. Figure I should repost it here:
Sitting at a Romanian gas station waiting for my caravan -- they ended up taking a different border crossing and getting held up even more than I was. There's a stray dog here, and I shared my sandwich with him. He now seems to trust me and love me and fear me -- all at the same time. I've named him Ernest. He is now sleeping beside my car.
There is a strong wind tonight. And there are trucks and cars and good lights that inspire a sense of safety, while young men on scooters and bicycles come and go, seemingly transacting drug deals and making that feeling go away.
I hope the caravan gets here soon. I'm running low on energy and the thought of building a tent and getting myself settled is becoming more difficult to grasp.
It was a hard day: Terrible roads and terrible borders and terrible pauses. I'll be very glad when it ends. But it's not over yet. I have to see it through.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 20:06
It's a sad day as the caravan splits up and every team heads off on their own. Tomorrow I will leave Istanbul and head towards Tbilisi, Georgia: A journey that could take as long as two and a half days of driving. And I'll be on my own.
It was really good to ride with the guys. Nice to develop relationships of trust with new people, and to feel like somebody has your back on this crazy ride. I'm going to miss them.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 19:52
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336790753075318&set=a.336790663075327.81783.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=18
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 24th July 2012 at 20:44
God bless American deodorant.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 25th July 2012 at 09:53
Late start today: Tried to catch up on some sleep last night. Leaving Istanbul and heading towards Tbilisi, Georgia.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 25th July 2012 at 19:31
Camping above a rest stop in central Turkey. A very warm night and the mosquitoes are out, so I'm hunkered down in my tent listening to opera and drinking tea.
Hoping to make it to the Georgian border tomorrow, even though that will mean a very long day of driving. Not sure if I'll cross it -- for safety reasons, I'd rather camp in Turkey tomorrow night.
I really hope it cools down tonight. At the moment, the tent feels a bit like a hamam.
Good night, my friends. I hope everyone is well.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 25th July 2012 at 20:02
Just heard a call to prayer in the distance. I think I'll say my prayers before I go to sleep.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 26th July 2012 at 12:22
My challenge to cops: Spanish-speaking Dominican guy with Afghan beard and American attitude traveling on a Hungarian passport while driving a New York-registered Smart car on a Monaco license with French insurance. If they can write the ticket I will happily pay it.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 26th July 2012 at 12:51
Just got served köfte by the woman of my dreams. She doesn't speak a word of English, so I'm going to mime my proposal. We'll see how it goes.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 26th July 2012 at 15:46
Just had a gun aimed at me for the first time in the rally by a Turkish border guard! Things got heated, I (naturally) told him to go fuck himself, and he pulled out his pistol and started waving it around.This is getting interesting... Everything is fine, though. On to Georgia.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 26th July 2012 at 16:07
Just finished the border crossing into Georgia. Now driving hard to Tbilisi to catch up with some of my caravan mates.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 26th July 2012 at 16:56
War in Tajikistan... Recalculating.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 27th July 2012 at 01:05
Drove for fourteen and a half hours to get from central Turkey to Tbilisi, Georgia. Feeling good about myself, and very proud of the car. Tomorrow: Oil change and service, and a half day of driving to (or near) the Russian border.
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 27th July 2012 at 01:34
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337626452991748&set=a.337625922991801.82007.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=8
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 27th July 2012 at 01:47
Shared a photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337630476324679&set=a.337629176324809.82009.277778602309867&type=1&relevant_count=15
New update on Facebook Team Page
Posted by Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos at 27th July 2012 at 11:32
Slept eight hours, which felt like three after the day I had yesterday. The car is now in for service in Tbilisi. Had to pay a taxi driver to lead me to the shop. I paid him in British pounds, but he didn't know what they were, so I had to have the owner of the shop explain that he did very well, an should be happy. I also gave him a packet of cigarettes to soften the blow of the helplessness.
Once the car is done I'm heading up to the Russian border, where I expect to grow old in wait. The good thing about arriving in Russia is that I can finally begin my audiobook of "War and Peace," which I have decided can only be listened to while I'm in Russia.
I saw some of the guys from the caravan last night in Tbilisi. They were drunk and in top form. I told them about my gun incident with the Turkish guard, and how I had responded as I hoped I might, and they told me of waking up to surprised farmers in Georgia.
They're gone now -- off to Baku and Tehran. I hope to meet them again in Almaty, but planning such things is impossible.
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