J134 – 4/30/2006

The altitude is decreasing and the temperature is increasing: 41° Celsius in the shade.  At kilometer 41 Serge turned on to route 314 in the direction of Artux, then Aksu.  So he left Kashgar 20 kilometers to the South, which will be our stopping place.  On this four-lane highway, Serge passed some donkey drawn carts on which some men were resting.

The mood is very good and it’s 80% goofing around for Serge with Ben and Jean-Marc, who are spending their last day with us.  Serge even took the video camera to film his feet and the surroundings while he ran.  During that time, Laure was in Kashgar with Rémy, our guide.  On the program: fill the gas bottle, repair the flat tire and stock up on food.  At 18H00 she was patiently waiting for the team, who still had some 50 kilometers to cover before reaching Kashi.

Now for a flashback: Ludo, Daniel, Thomas and Francois embarked yesterday at the beginning of the afternoon at Roissy.  Zette, as is the case each time a team leaves, was at the airport to bring the food which we had ordered and ensure that there is no excess baggage payment.  For the first time they wanted 1300 Euros for a 30 kilo surplus.  After packing, unpacking and repacking the different bags, the girl at the check in desk gave in and the baggage went through.  Zette can have a bit of a rest until the next rotation of followers, which is planned in about 50 days, because for her it’s a race between shops and the bank.  The new team, after a change of airports in Shanghai, and a connecting flight in Urumqu, arrived in Kashgar more than 25 hours after their departure and with a 6 hour time difference: They have the right to be jet lagged.

Welcome to the Trans-Eurasia.