The world we occupy is a place beyond description but more importantly its inhabitants are its best asset. So in this age of mobiles, internet, facebook and twitters – please, I implore you, every once in a while just throw them all away and get out there and just say “Hi”, cause they way we’re going the art of conversation and meeting NEW people is going to be lost.

The irony is that even though we are the Communications Age, the advances that are now thrust upon us have allowed us to function in smaller social circles and consequently insulate us from those we’re unfamiliar with. While I gave out about cutting off my phone in Iran, it was the best thing that ever happened. How do we expect to develop and become more open-minded as a society when the easy option is to read someones “I just got out of bed” pointless Twitter update rather than saying hello to the person sitting beside them.

And dont think you have to go somewhere mad to carry out this process. Maybe your neighbour would be a good start!?, or the person you meet in the shop, sitting opposite you on the train, or just salute people you meet on the road. You just never know where a simple small gesture might just lead to.

Once again I’m close to being verbose in making my point but hopefully you get my drift. Near and far there are loads of great people out there. Just go and meet them.

Firstly sorry for delay but been trying to acclimatise to real life. Admittedly woke up semi-dazed on my first morning back and thought “Where we off to today?” only to realise, “Oh, I’m home, no Betsy, no adventure today”. And to be honest it felt as if something was missing.

I can now see why people become “serial travellers” because it can be addictive. Will I become one of those?   Unlikely somehow. Think this trip is a bit like skiing. Great to do every 3 or 4 years but every year and it would lose its edge.

Now I have loads of thank you’s. Where do I start?

Andrew – brilliant website lad and more importantly thanks for helping to show me how to drive it. I have no doubt your business will thrive in the future if this is anything to go by. “Arkutech” web design, you hearing me people? You heard it here first and for what its worth I have put my money where my mouth is.

Tom Brosnan – read your last comment and it says so much that youre prepared to go back to Qurghon-Teppa to see how our ambulance is doing. An absolute pleasure to have met you and theres a pint waiting for you whenever you get the time to come back home. You are to us what Carlsberg is to the Danes – one of our finest exports

Next to my clients – didnt mention ye either in print or on radio all along but all I can say is that I hope I can repay your patience and understanding in my being unavailable for 5 weeks. Maybe some of ye just enjoyed the peace and quiet!!

To all those close to me who helped to get the show on the road in the first place. You know who you are so names unnecessary. To get to the start line within 5 weeks from scratch was one hell of an effort from all concerned.

To all who donated in any way shape or form, irrespective of size of donation. I forgot to mention that there is a kindergarten linked to the Sworde-Teppa charity so anything deemed too young for the school went there. Its nice to walk away knowing everything we have given is now giving something back. Times are tough at the moment for all of us and yet to see such generosity just reminded me that maybe post Celtic-Tiger there still lies good people who have managed to maintain the right priorities and balance in life.

And to you. I know I mentioned it before but your comments and support (especially from those who I’ve never come across), were a massive help at times. I just hope I conveyed some of what I came across (good and bad), and provided the odd smile or laugh along the way. Sure I only went out to the get the paper….

As for me, well it’s back to real life. I guess thats my 15 mins of fame done and dusted, even if I have stories and memories for a lifetime.  A few have asked where I’m off to next and to be honest I’ve no idea but I do know its going to be lazy and its going to be COLD!!  So if you’re reading this from the Ice Hotel in the Arctic Circle or wherever it is, then please book a room for one Mr R Roycroft. Cheers.

Roof of the World Rally? - well close enough for me.Apologies for the delay in these but Rich my "Tajik Vodka Cop Challenge" buddy had far better photos of the Pamir Highway than I and I held tough until I got them. Just hope they can convey how raw yet beautiful this place is.Doesnt need a caption to explain itself

Another Traffic Cop on the Take

Norak Resevoir

Norak Resevoir

Tajik Point to Point

Pamir Highway - Livestock Lane

Some eejit pretending he knows where he's going

See those houses? - Thats Afghanistan

Now thats a bridge!

Just in case you didnt believe me the first time

After you.... (Decided I'd act as site foreman for this one)

"And on our left we have... Afghanistan"

Boys with Toys, or whats left of them. - Remnants of submersible tank

Now thats a spot for lunch! - Shame the food didnt match the setting.

Suitably adorned for our classy finish!! - Faye, Jen, Sarah, myself & Rich

Qurghon-Teppa and a feeling beyond description

Myself, Tom Brosnan & a certain ambulance

Finish Reception in town centre

Sarah, myself & a few inquisitive locals

The Star of the Show

Part of Betsys Cargo delivery

Us with the Mayor

Just in case you thought I was bluffing

Me and the Doc - Ambulance Handover

Me & My Beloved Chariot

Nice & Comfy

Me in my element

My new pit crew

Betsy at her highest

Late Lunch

Us versus the Cops - Dushanbe

Leaving Dushanbe - Final Day

Weather Station at top of Anzob Pass

Kids at Weather Station

Glacier to your back door!!

Jen churning single handed

Our Hostel in Samarquand

Samarquand Show

Tajikistan!!

Betsy & her new passengers - just into Tajikistan

Northern Tajikistan - Rugged but stunning

Parked up in Urmquart Village

Meeting the Natives

More drawing silage - believe it or not theres a driver in there too.

Girls doing vodka with the natives - around half ten in the morning

And this was one of the better roads!

Well, fancy a swim?

We found Shergar!

Iran !!

Scene of the Petrol Crime!!

Xadollah and some clown in a blue shirt

Haji drinking and me?, well....

Tehran Bazaar (Market)

Fridge Delivery!!

Haji making "proper" kebabs

Rice Paddy Fields

Iranian Hurler of the Year

Dinner with my new friends in Iranian Customs

Stalin goes to Vegas - Ashgabad, Turkmenistan

Aleppo Mosque, Syria

Betsy & the Euphrates

Night at Syrian Truck Stop

Typical Syrian Houses

"Al Fresco" Sheep Transport

3 Amigos - Sheperds on Donkeys - sorry for quality

Spin to Iraq anyone?

Mobile Syrian Road Block

Market – Ankara

Turkish Golf

Salt Lake - Central Turkey

Kappadokya

Typical Room - Kappadokya

View over Kappadokya

Nomadic Farmers - with Satellite Dishes though!

Kavala, Greece

Bridge over Bospurous - Istanbul

Bospurous - Welcome to Asia

Greek Countryside – sorry about quality!

 

Sunflowers – Greece

Durres, Albania