Raul's invite started it all.

A good friend from Spain got hold of me and invited me to join him on a ride to Georgia, Armenia and up to St Petersburg. I had planned to stay home for  a year but opportunities like this you have to grab and run with it. 
After much deliberation I accepted and the trip was on.  Raul found a Trans Alp 650 2003 for me for 2000 Euros and has had it serviced and changed the tyres and a new sprocket and chain, got insurance and in my name.

Then I get a WhatsApp from him in the hospital and he had a heart attack ! So he can't  do the trip unfortunately so am on my own again. 
Am in Doha as I write en-route to his house in Alberite ,Spain too start the trip sto Georgia. Have decided to do the Stans instead of going up to St Petersburg and the Pamir Highway and Bhartong Valley and who knows where the road takes me. 
The flight from Cape Town was delayed and then missed my connecting flight so had to stay in Doha for the day, so am already a day behind.  

From left to right:  
Flip flops
Towel
Pillow
Silk sheet
Air Mattress
Sleeping bag
Puffer jacket
All my clothes : 3 socks, 3 underwear, 3 shirts, 1 long pants, 1 short pants, cap, 1pair shoes.
Tent
Tools in green bag by flip flops
   Doha museum 

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