Goodbye to Almaty

Its bright morning sunshine as we make our way out of Almaty in the early morning rush hour. Only a short day today, 729km! We liked Almaty. It was quite a surprise to find such an old and estblished almost westernised city in Kazakstan. Our evening out last night was great fun and I am sure we found one of "in restaurants" to go to. Outside they had a trapease erected and normally dinner is served as you watch the high wire act. Last night was too cold for this and so we had a floor show inside. Must get back to my navigating now or we will be lost!

Thing's are looking up!

The ceiling at our restaurant.....  

More traditional Kazak dancing.  The costumes are fantastic.  Very vibrant coloured silks.

Its not all hard work you know!

We are just having dinner at one of Almatys best restaurants and this is the floor show. Food was superb a mix of Kebab and dumplings , soups and spices.  

Snow on the hills in Kazakstan

The marvellous Itala which is the same as the Prince Borghese 1907 winning car

Who' s idea was this?

We are now in our hotel in Almaty after aanother 540km day. The car ran fine after some fettling in Semey. A new set of points and condensor had it running on 6 cylinders again and we are still third. The cars in front of us are both seasoned rallyists and worked out, when we didn't, that you are against the clock from the off. We get it now but not nefore taking a 2 hour time penalty for sightseeing. Typical. You can cut the competitive atmosphere with a knife but nobody wants to appear that they care. Except me! We are gutted we messed up the instructions day one as we would be running very near best or a v close second! The other contestants are really very good company and we are having a whale of a time. Made quite a lot of friends but the Aussies are the most competitive. Where have I heard that before? Much enjoyement from everyone seeing the Aston. It seems Goldfinger reached these parts. Of course I am perfecting my Sean Connery accent and Adrian has been growing a beard even though 007 never had one. Servicing the car tomorrow before sampling what cuisine Almaty has to offer. Many cars have arrived on lorries and some could well be out if they cannot be fixed here. Adrian keen to find a car wash and me keen to change the oil. It is an awesome experience and quite unlike anything we have done before. Highly recommended but if you do it pick your steed carefully. Even the enormous La France fire truck of David Wenman broke its chassis! More tomorrow.