Another day riding along the Panj river that forms the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Our view for lunch, Afganistan!

More friendly people and amazing scenery all day.  I’m quite struck with the reception we’re getting, it feels like we’re in a parade and the crowd is continuously waving at us as we pass. Genuine, happy, big smiles from everybody – even the old ladies!

All the little girls smile shyly and wave, and the boys run out on the road at full speed wanting to high five us as we pass.

Smily children holding out their hands to be slapped!

We slow a little and high five them back, which actually hurts through the glove sometimes, and I see them in the mirror jumping up and down and waving some more.

Never ending smiles and waves

We were planning to camp tonight on the river but there are many more settlements on the Afghan side here and so I’m a little unsure about wild camping, plus there isn’t much space out of the view of the road, so we ended up in a guest house instead.  Funnily enough this guest house is the same one Paul and I stayed at in 2010, total coincidence!

An Afgani village

Tomorrow we leave the border area and head towards the capital Dushanbe, on a road we’re told has some bridges missing, and therefore we have some deep water crossings to make, that should be great fun!

I can hear thunder outside now so maybe it’s good luck that we’re not in the tent tonight…

Hopefully we get another dry day tomorrow though.

xoxo