Day 101 Jul 19 Thu - Starlight camp to Shymkent

One of my favarite dish - big green chili filled with meat and veges inside served in a bowl of soup
Starlight camp with a small stream besides
Apple tree near the camp,only discovered the next morning

Road on our way to Shymkent
Noticed the ramp on the left , is for cars or trucks to check or repair
Before the climb to the Mashat Pass to Shymkent

Met a group of young road cyclists
Many of these exchange rate signboard for USD,EURO,RUR,SOM
This is the stall that we were conned even for sugar on the table is charged

Most of the road is rough and uneven

Today's Distance: 88km

Temp: 28 - 46c
Average Speed: 16.1 max:59
Time on Bike: 5 hr 25 min
Ave climb: 3% max:10%
Trip altitude: 647m max: 983m Today spending: 1545 T
Total Distance to date: 6754km
Total spending to date: 4770T

While we were in Taraz, people advised us not to come to Shymkent,the town is not safe for tourist,many flies & mosquitos,you will get robbed etc..etc...It was indeed somewhat regret not to listen to them. But we need to get on to the internet and Heather needs to send email to Australia,so decision is to stay in Shymkent. By 4.30pm,we were at the outskirt turning left to Shymkent,tired & exhausted having rode under very hot sun 46C, signboard say 6km to town ,but actual is 12km uphill with 2km of gravel road under paving. Narrow road,congested traffic.Took 2 hr to locate Hotel Dorsbik which is recommended in Lonely Planet for 17 USD double bed. However we were disappointed as the price has gone up to 75 USD. Hunting & asking around , managed to settled one with 50 USD, the room is very spacious , aircond , 29" sony TV,and a massage bathtub , paying 50USD is really valued for money,if you are a businessmen or real tourist , but I really need is a bed and shower. There is no budget or cheap hotel here cos' no tourists or backpackers will come here. The Hotel here only cater for those rich businessmen from the oil industries. Don't come to Shymkent if you are on a shoestring budget.