Film Clips
INTRODUCTION
Meet the team as we introduce ‘Tracing Tea, The Preview,’ and talk through our plans. Thrown in at the deep end this was our first try at filming and editing, you will be glad to note that our standards improved!
AUSTRIA AND THE CRASH
Austria
Mike’s own pilgrimage, to Schubert’s old haunts on the Danube, is cut disastrously short by an Austrian post-lady dozing at the wheel. Taken from a campsite by the river as the team await the results of the taxi’s reconstructive surgery.
SERBIA AND BULGARIA
Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria
Anxious to catch up time the team are forced to drive from Au to Belgrade in one hop, the longest single distance of the entire trip. With only one legal driver it’s no mean feat, so the team take some time in a couple of national capitals to recover.
ISTANBUL
Turkey
The team take some time to explore one of the world’s truly great cities and are joined by their college friend (and licensed driver) Pete.
THE TURKISH WILDS
Turkey
Reduced once again to three people the team head east into the bleak lands of Eastern Turkey. They visit the ancient Armenian capital of Ani and take a quick rest in Dogubayazit in the shade of Mount Ararat before diving into Iran.
INTO IRAN
Iran
The team’s first major beaurocratic challenge, crossing into Iran, is handled without difficulty and they explore the ancient sites of Persarmenia before heading to the Caspian coast and the tea plantation/tourist resort of Lahijan where they make a new friend.
TURMKENISTAN
Turkmenistan
An insight into the ancient and fascinating culture of this little-known country.
SILK ROAD STEPS
Uzbekistan
The team rejoin the trade routes, and the tourist trail, to visit the historic cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.
SOVIET CITIES
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Back in the present the team take a look at Soviet city planning in perhaps its most perfect form, in Tashkent. A quick hop through the flatlands of Kazakhstan takes them to Bishkek and a rendez-vous with the International Ataturk Alatoo University.
KARAKOL
Kyrgyzstan
The team visit the old Russian town of Karakol, which proves to be a highlight of the trip, along with everywhere else in Kyrgyzstan.
TREKKING TO ALA-KOL
Kyrgyzstan
Some R+R for Mike and Andrew…
YURTS AND PASSES
Kyrgyzstan
With winter closing in fast the team tackles the Torugart Pass, the quickest way to China, but also the biggest beaurocratic headache of the trip.
KASHGAR
China
The team spend a week in this ancient trading hub and even find some time for sightseeing in between negotiating with the vehicles department.
THE KHUNJERAB PASS
China, Pakistan
The worlds highest border crossing, he physical and symbolic summit of the trip. Its all downhill from here…
THE TWO BRIDGES TREK, PASSU
Pakistan
A bit more R+R, this time set to Bangra music.
PAKISTAN’S NORTHERN AREAS, PARADISE FOUND
Pakistan
The team visit the ancient kingdom of Hunza, one of the worlds most beautiful valleys and reputedly the inspiration for ‘Lost Horizons.’ Next up is Gilgit, capital of the Northern Regions and home of the sublime Medina Guest House, as luck would have it they arrive just in time for the Polo.
ISLAMABAD TO DELHI, THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
Pakistan, India
Emotions run high amidst governmental turmoil and sub-continental chaos, then, just as things start to look up the taxi breaks down, possibly for good. A strained team report to you from Islamabad, Lahore and Amritsar.
A EULOGY FOR THE TAXI
India
A quick look round the injured beast.
THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD
India
Commitments at home for Fi reduce the team to just two. Andrew and Mike tackle the considerable stresses of the Grand Trunk Road to Kolkata, crossing the country in five, very long days.
KOLKATA
India
For Andrew and Mike Kolkata will always be remembered for its Byzantine customs department. We spare you that misery for a lighter glimpse at British India’s greatest city.
ONE LAST PUSH ...,
India
A stark view of what 17 straight hours on Indian roads can do to a man…
DESTINATION DARJEELING!
India
We made it, and it was good.