Astrakhan - east meets west.

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Arrived about noon after 450km jolly from Volgograd 5hrs, stated early before heat, bike says 39C. Now 5000km on clock, over halfway to China. Mix of cultures here, more Muslim as U go into Kazakhstan.

Road here was good - few potholes, with little traffic early Sunday, but countryside is flat and bare, towns very few, fuel stops every 50ks but wizzed past (500k range on Safari tank), 2..3 lakes or is river Volga, but water level well down, 2..3 herds (not many for distance covered) of sheep or cattle pushed about by shepherd - some lose on road too.



Stay Park inn, tall so easy to find, not cheapest £60 one night, but did print my stuff and map to Iran consulate instantly, good view from 9th floor, with strong internet link, might get video upload going.



'Sweet' shopping centre opposite hotel, has all shops U could want, over 5 floors with AC. Poor countryside areas have very little, but money and nice goodies (big flat screen tv & design clothing) are all available in big cities.

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Photos

astra-empty
Few cows, but not many given space, little else, big blue sky, actually was fair qty high cloud which helps.

astra-oil
So is this the first oil well 100km north Astrakhan.
Use item given huge distances to travel here.

astra-shop2
Bright lights lots of Chic, think local stuff would be cheaper.

astra-super
Big super market, no shortage of food here, all cheap too.

astra-park
Easy to find big tall hotel, do use online booking for better deal, £34 double room with big pool in Volgrad.

astra-cows2
Volga river - level looked 20m down on bank, with more cows. Bit sandy off road track down bank, was OK on my now slick rear tyre, new one waiting 300km away.