Well, if you're here you'll know the tale. My wonderful uncle John died at the end of March, and his widow offered me their ancient Fiat Punto. The same day, I sat opposite the wonderful Emma Fayers at a Latitude dinner, and she said she was up for a driving trip. So we signed up for my friend Attila's epic rally across the Stans: London to Bishkek in just over 3 weeks. It seemed an unmissable shot at a trip of a lifetime, a great way to remember John and his mad sense of adventure, and to raise money for some causes closest to his heart. If you're reading this then I guess we made it: and you owe us some cash. So - read on