TAJIKISTAN

We are on the road from Dushanbe and we spent some time talking to new friends. We have eaten so many apples we think we're going to turn into one (Stephanie is getting more rotund) but of course couldn't refuse!

Bukhara then beautiful Samarquand!

How beautiful is the architecture here! Stephanie says that when she gets back to Quebec she will teach her fellow beavers how to build dams just like this!
I am sad to hear her talking about going back to Quebec. I seem to have some feelings for her....I wonder what she thinks of me....?
Cioppo

Camel on road to Uzbekistan

On our way to Bukhara in Uzbekistan we met a nice camel. It's lovely to meet a real one. There was a toy one in our box at home and I never realized that they were this size in real-life! I thought they were about the same size as a cat!!!
Cioppo

Tabriz

Another day on the bus and we got to Tabriz.

Stephanie is a bit of a secret Facebook addict and is annoyed she hasn't been able to get her FB fix - the Iranian government restrict accessing any social network.

She has spent a bit of time geeking out online though and has created this map of our route so far!

Unfriendly dogs!!!

Still traveling through Iran.

I know I am a toy dog but I would still have thought I would be able to make friends with real dogs even out here. But these ones weren't too friendly at all. Maybe they didn't like the idea of me traveling with a beaver.

Hair worries

This is an extrordinary place. They are very proud of their facial hair and so have taken a lot of interest in Stephanie's long and lovely hair. I am a bit embarrassed about my hair because it isn't real. I confessed this to Stephanie last night but she was very nice about it and so I don't feel as bad.

NEW FRIENDS

100km into Iran and it is getting dark. We stopped and asked for directions : we soon get invited for dinner by this Iranian family and got a bed for the night too. What great hosts!

Wow - it's Iran!!

Amazingly we are in Iran. It feels a long way from home out here. We are feeling a bit uncomfortable taking photos out here so we only took a couple when there was no one around.

This is the house we stayed at - with a very nice family - even though they couldn't understand anything we said! I am glad Cioppo is here with me - I don't think I could do it on my own.
Stephanie

PEP TALK

Iran next. Come on Stephanie, don't be scared. You can do this! Just think, how many beavers get to leave Canada and make such an exciting trip?

TURKEY

We got through the Turkish border late last night. Then we traveled on through the night so we arrived in Istanbul by morning. As you can see it is bright and sunny. Istanbul is amazing.

SLOVENIA

Hmmm, we're in Slovenia here but you wouldn't know it, would you? Stephanie was stressing out about her hair going frizzy because of the rain so we stayed indoors most of the time.

MOVING ON

Cioppolino's feeling much better now (still moaning a bit) but it's time to check our equipment and transport and make plans for moving on.

Cioppo's ill

Hmmm not sure what's up with him. He reckons he is "a bit ache-y". I think he just had a little too much wine!! Still I get to play nurse. S

Stephanie is a bit of a thrill seeker.


I prefer to cook.


And read.



How embarrassing! Stephanie must have slipped these ones in!

...and the Italian adverts.

ITALIANO

This is our first night in Milano! It really is the city of romance. Stephanie's fur stood extra on end when she saw the beagle signors.

CHOCS AWAY

We are planning a trip abroad. A quest of kind. We've carefully planned it online and now we're getting itchy feet. We want to go now!

INTRODUCTIONS

Hello, we're Stephanie and Cioppolino.

I am a French Canadian beaver from Quebec and Cioppolino is a beagle breed of dog. He has the softest ears I have ever come across. Cioppolino is a family name - his older brother is called Cioppolo.

Here we are at home amongst our books (we are both very keen readers). Cioppolo is a bit cross as he thinks I am obstructing him in the photo - I told him I can't help it if my magnificent fur stands on end.