Intrepid Journeys - Tajikistan (Lynda Topp)

I think I'm about maybe three or four kg lighter.

– Lynda finally finds relief from constipation

I'd even have a cuppa tea with Rodney Hide right now.

– Lynda gets lonely in the mountains and never-ending space

It's got to the point where I just want to get home. I just wanna go home.

– Frustration and homesickness sets in

This country has got seven million people in it...where the hell are they?

– Lynda starts to feel alone on the road

In the middle of nowhere and, uh, toilet facilities are non-existent. I've been travelling for four days, had seven flights, applied for three visas, been in two taxi rides, four van rides, and we've been travelling for five hours today since we left the airport. And we're still not going to get to Tajikistan tonight.

– Lynda runs through her exhausting itinerary

If we're apart for three days, we actually become physically sick sometimes.

– Lynda Topp discusses the bond between her and her twin sister Jools Topp

Quite shy, and I think that is quite a part of this culture. The women seem very shy. But, they were very welcoming. They just said come on in, basically. Sit down, and start chopping carrots with us.

– Lynda makes friends with Strawberry

At that point, sadness had elapsed and courage had taken over. I was prepared to pretty much do anything to get to Dushanbe.

– Desperation on day 13

I know that there are places in the world where it’s not accepted, and I think Bishkek is probably one of them.

– Lynda talks about discrimination against gay communities

She'll be with me all the way, hopefully.

– Lynda hopes her sister Jools will be with her in spirit

I had my reservations about Tajikistan — anything with a 'stan' in it 'round here seems to be in trouble. But, you get offered things and you go "Yeah, I'm gonna have a go at that."

– Lynda at the end of her journey

Maybe one day I'll run into somebody…a Frenchman or a German or something who's ... travelled over on a bike, and go "Yeah, I've done that. I did that, mate. Yeah, yeah. Long time ago. Yeah, I did that."

– Lynda reminisces on her trip

I'm crossing my toes as well, matey!

– Lynda travels across an area where 22 armed escaped convicts are said to be hiding out

I'm not quite sure what's going on here, but this is the closest I've been to two men in a long time. Maybe ever.

– Lynda and her guide Sergei and driver Slava share a vodka at the highest point on the Pamir Highway