alt 2210m
I arrived in this town on 16th, last Thursday, was exhausted and wanted to have a break. Applying a new visa there seemed to be a good idea. I could rest while waiting, and wouldn't have to hurry on the rest of the way to Dushanbe.
After asking around in the town, I went to an office in the big state building on Friday. I applied for my new visa, and was told that I'd probably get it by next Tuesday or Wednesday, 21st or 22nd, though it would usually take much longer. The man in the office sounded positive. I felt relieved, and relaxed in the weekend.
On Monday, I went to visit the office. The man said his boss was supposed to be there in the evening. He would give me the permission of my visa.
On Tuesday, I went there again. The boss hadn't been there yet.
On Wednesday, today, the boss finally came. But he told me I should go to Dushanbe and apply for my new visa again! Because it would rather take longer to wait in the town. The permission was not given by him but by the foreign ministor in Dushanbe, and it would usually take long time till they reply, yet it wasn't certain if I'd get it. I'd better go there and ask them directly, then it would go quicker. etc.
I couldn't believe what was going on. I believed I was in an office handling visa, but it was mere a travel agency.
I have no other choice but have to rush to Dushanbe. It's about 540km away. The road is bad for 200km. There is a high pass which hight difference from the bottom to the top is about 2000m. They told me in the office that I could be late for three days. Could I trust their words? My visa is expired on 28th. The misistry is closed at 17:00. I must consider that's the deadline.
I don't want to go by car which takes more than 10 hours and costs more than 50$, for one way. It's too much after wasting so much time and money already. Besides, coming back by car and going back the same way again by bicycle is boring. I'll just go with my bicycle.
22 Oct 2008, Wednesday, Chologue, Tajikistan, 9089km
