When you will read this article, I hope to be in Iran already. Preparation is going as smoothly as possible but took far longer than expected. You know how some things are not so easy and straightforward in Dubai.
The only company that operates ferries between UAE and Iran moved 3 weeks ago without giving an address and changing all their phone numbers. It would not have been a problem if they have had a website… I managed to track them down this morning; they are now in a container-like building at the far end of Sharjah port where the road gives way to a dirt track, just two guys in a little office with no company name on the door.
Pretty dodgy…but at least I know where to buy my ticket now. So one more admin problem solved with the car insurance for Europe with the coverage starts at $25 per month, the travel insurance, the international documents of the car and the visa for Iran. I just need the visa for Azerbaijan and I am good to go.
Regarding the car and the equipment, the Defender has now reached the 2000km mark with no breakdown or sign of weakness. So far so good!
I just need to complete my list of tools and my pharmacy, buy a few more things, but nothing that cannot be found in Dubai. I am also waiting for a new remote for the winch, shipped from the US. No point to take such a heavy and expensive piece of equipment if I cannot operate it when I need it. I will spend the next few days to load the car and try to fit everything in. Another challenge!!
As I could only get a 3-month visa for Iran, the plan is now to go Iran-Naxcivan-Iran-Irak-Turkey. And I will re-apply for a visa once in Belgium. Otherwise I will have to rush to get back to the Iranian border by mid-October and rushing is not really the philosophy of this trip.
But enough talking about the preparation, next month article will be sent from the wild with trip stories and more pictures. I still hope to reach Bandar Abbas before the end of the month. I prefer to avoid spending 5-6 hours to clear the customs on the first day of Ramadan, but I honestly think that is wishful thinking when I sum up all the small tasks I still have to do.
My blog is now ready. The main criterion for the title has obviously been the availability of names left on Bogspot. But it still reflects quite well my desire to travel slowly to remote places. You can follow me on : http://slowlanetonowhere.blogspot.com/ and you are welcome to drop me a line on slowlanetonowhere@gmail.com
I’ll keep you posted !
Patrice
