Update: Charlie Boux will be going on an International Bike Tour!

It’s been quite a challenge figuring out a path from Germany to Uzbekistan: There are visas, war zones, Mountains, crappy roads, and all kinds of unknowns waiting for us. 

Luckily, I may have found a good path for us through Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, a flight to Kazakhstan, and then a Silk Road route to our new home.

No visas, well traversed routes, and some beautiful countryside and a chance to immerse ourselves in new Culture! Also, flights on Ukraine Airlines are quite inexpensive. We'll probably fly into Almaty (the former capitol of Kazahkstan), enjoy the city for a day, and then decide how best to proceed considering recent news:

As of this morning, there was sad news that 3 cyclists from the EU and US had been attacked (fatally) along the Silk Road by a small group of ISIS sympathizers. Not sure the motive. Don't care. The Tajikistan government responded quickly and reached out to the families. As I understand things, the leaders of these republics are sympathetic to the US, Anti-extremism, and have a zero-tolerance policy towards shenanigans like this. I believe the suspect was fatally shot upon arrest - not sure. The details are still N/A until the families are all made aware of the situation.

Regarding CB and her enthusiasm: She really doesn't know what to expect. She seems to like the new carrier and I've been taking her out to get used to it. It has a capacity for animals up to 16lbs (she's only 6.5lbs) so she has plenty of room to snooze or watch. It's also airline friendly. I found a "pizza rack" that has a nice, large, rectangular base on which the carrier sits. It ties down nicely and provides a great deal of ventilation - maybe too much. I may build a little doggy windshield/fairing for her, but we'll see. 

Regarding her licensing: I was able to make an appointment with a vet in MI where we'll be visiting next week to see family. She'll get a checkup, rabies and microchip confirmation, and will provide info for a long, form (in German) that we'll need to get into the EU. After this appointment we'll go to Lansing, MI where her certificate will be sealed/approved by the USDA for export/import. This will allow her to get an EU Passport once in Germany so that she can freely travel between most countries without hassle at borders, etc. Thanks to Long Haul Trekkers for helping with this and donating a checklist they have for sale on their site! So much work! So many time constraints! However, with some planning it's not terrible nor is it very expensive. 

Countdown: 24 days! 

-Adam