When 2 become 1

What a joy to be in Iran, home of civilisation, and to have a Spice Girl's song ringing around one's head. Luckily, since I don't remember the tune, or most of the words (very similar to Ch-ch-ch-changes), it is not as bad as it might first appear.

Those of you who have been keeping abreast of Will's blog to get a more balanced view of our trip together will already have heard the news; for the rest of you this will come as a surprise (more so for some than others).

1100km of cycling, several days of buses, and almost bang on 2 months since we first met up in Delhi, it appears my unceasing wit and endless pertinent topics of conversation sprinkled with a few irrelevent observations have proved too much for the man. As we speak, his shiny metallic steed is speeding towards the greater Dublin area and he has decided to continue by bus and train.

He elaborates on the reasons and basic themes of his decision at his blog (you can find the link on the scroll on the left, immediately below the place where [should you desire] you can contribute money to the cause for which I'm raising money - plug done for at least another month; I'm appealing for the sympathy vote this time).

All that I will say is that I am indeed sorry to see him leave. It has been good to have a companion who has had the travelling experience that he has and has helped me ease into the cycling life. I aim to continue the trip (almost) as planned. The further north I go, the harsher the conditions will get and I will persevere only as far as I believe safe to do so. It may indeed prove necessary to again have to rely on public transport, but for the time being I shall be doing it on pedal power.

Once again, I am still in Shiraz. This digestion issue that we have both been suffering from is proving to be harder to shift than first believed. I am currently considering the drastic measure of antibiotics. We shall see. I am a firm believer in the body's natural capacity to fight infection, but a few more days of this, coupled with some gruelling cycling may leave me more like an extra in "Schindlers's List" than I care to be.

To help lift my spirits, I am considering shaving my so called "Jesus beard" and styling a hip and trendy moustache instead. This has nothing to do with the revelation provided from the Lonely Planet that full beards are perceived to "show an uncool affinity with the Islamic regime". If I go through with this, photos will soon appear on this blog, so watch this space...