Itchy Boots

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It's possible she got advance permission to enter the country. The Taliban are politically savvy too and perhaps wanted some good press. She is famous enough that if she had assured safe passage, they would make sure it was safe and trouble free.
 
SMSW said:
It's possible she got advance permission to enter the country. The Taliban are politically savvy too and perhaps wanted some good press. She is famous enough that if she had assured safe passage, they would make sure it was safe and trouble free.
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And the purpose?
Oh yeah, the likes and views.
 
In this case she is not there to support women. Maybe more to appease the taliban
 
amorley said:
I am also certain that she has already left that country now that the e-mail she sent and the first video has gone live.
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I would tend to agree with you, her comments on today’s episode would be a bit risky if she was still in Afghanistan.
On another tangent, the conditions of the roads she’s been on are astonishing. I would be thrown off my bike many a time on those roads…I do admire her skills.
I’m curious what she will encounter in China, I’m assuming that’s where she will be heading next.
 
If Noraly goes through China, the only way permitted is with a guide on a tour with a support vehicle. Not her normal style though she did go with a guide and a group across Myanmar in season one. It is a "long way around" through Russia to get to Japan without going through China.

Another overland couple, Sean and Emily who are two up on a GSA 1300, are about to enter China via the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan on their Round-the-World tour.
 
amorley said:
If Noraly goes through China, the only way permitted is with a guide on a tour with a support vehicle. Not her normal style...
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She also paired up with that guy with a pickup for the trip across the desert - was that earlier this year or late last year? She is no dummy and does what she needs to do to accomplish her goals.
 
amorley said:
Another overland couple, Sean and Emily who are two up on a GSA 1300, are about to enter China via the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan on their Round-the-World tour.
https://www.youtube.com/@SeanandEmily
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Yeah, they're great. That road along Tadzik/Afghan border is among the most amazing ones in the World.
The constant dialogs making it even more interesting. They aren't shy talking about prices on hotels, meals, etc. Very down to earth keeping at the same level with viewers.
Oh, and no silly intros, no "good morning (faceless) internet" and no begging for likes and subscriptions. Deserve full respect.
 
IB was a week or two ahead of the deadly flash flood in Pakistan, and now about a week or two ahead of the recent Pakistan/Afghanistan border fighting and subsequent closing and bombing in Kabul. No planning here, just luck!
 
I've had my mind expanded, watching her riding through the Middle East this season.
Fighting, conquest and bloodshed has been a part of their history more than any other region in the world, but even Yemen (who knew!) was actually very attractive, in what she showed us.
We have a young man in Yemen who works remotely for our company, and from time to time the government just shuts down the internet (huh? what!?) and he is unable to work.
Afghanistan... some cool spots, but the Taliban checkpoints? Pfffttt. Not interested, no thank you.
Even dealing with border crossings is more than my inclination or my patience could handle, on most days.
Four different native folks, pointing in four directions when she asks "Visa...?" to get her permit.
It's obviously much more involved than "Here my passport, now let me go."
I love that about the USA as a citizen... state lines don't slow us down, no "Show me ze papers!" every 100 miles.
Do you know how good we have it here?
Do you realize how blessed we are as Americans?
I try to remember that, when I'm experiencing my trivial little first-world problems.
 
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I have been lucky enough to ride in several countries in that part of the world. It is not as intimidating as you might think although having someone along who speaks the language is a big plus. If you:
- are polite and respectful
- remember that you are a guest in their country
- things happen at their own pace and that may not be what you are used to
- have your paper work in order. Border crossings are measured in hours usually, not minutes.
- brush up on the customs that you should be aware of
- etc.

it goes fairly smooth. Most people want to interact with you. Asking where you are from, where you are going, etc.
I carry small flag pins that I hand out to kids I run into and find that really helps get through to the adults who are nearby. The stony faced man, with an AK-47 slung over his shoulder, even breaks a smile when he sees his child light up.
Something that really attracts people's interest is big bikes travelling in a group. That is a rare site and never fails to attract attention. There were times it was a little scary as cars woIt uld come right up next to you in order to take videos. Even on narrow, winding, 2 lane roads.:redface-2x:

It really does help you realize what you have and be appreciative of it.
 
drrod said:
Interestingly enough, that doesn't happen as much as you would think. In fact, I don't recall ever being asked that.
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Well, maybe they "grew up" now, but even in the US I had been asked this question few times at a gas station by people from those regions.
 
I can hear the sighs of relief across the board.
My only experience of young lads carrying machine guns, was when I was traveling through Germany and Italy in the late 70’s when the Baader-Meinhof crisis and Red Brigade were a big threat. found that stressful.
The adventure continues…..
 
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