Uzbekistan

Fergana

We had an early rise and a last breakfast in Kyrgyzstan before heading to the border near Osh. We did a few quick money exchanges, then loaded with an abundance of cash (Uzbek money only comes in very small denominations!) we said our goodbyes to our brilliant local guide from Kyrgyzstan, Ilya, our 2 drivers, and poor Nico my fellow crew member, who we will catch up with again in Baku, Azerbaijan. Even in destinations such as these, Ebola is affecting our lives as Nico, being a South African citizen, has been refused a visa for Uzbekistan apparently due to the risk of him carrying Ebola (despite the fact that Ebola is not affecting South Africa, and he has not even been on the African continent for 6 months!!)

It took us two and a half hours to cross the border and by eleven we were out and on the road to Fergana with a very welcome introduction to Uzbekistan by our new guide, Bek.  This afternoon we had free time. Most checked out the markets and wandered the streets.

Tashkent

Nine am was our meeting time in the lobby as 5 Cobalt cars were waiting for us to take us to Tashkent over the Kamchik Pass. It is officially closed to all vehicles that can seat more than five people. So spread out in luxury with 3 to a car we started the day with the first stop still in Fergana at the Silk Factory and then a ceramic pottery factory where Dani and John purchased a rather large plate (good luck getting it home guys!). Time flew and before we realized it, it was a late and a much needed meal of plov waiting for us at a restaurant. At the top of the pass we had a photo opportunity of the spectacular mountain scenery. There was a dusting of snow on the top of all the mountains. We arrived in Tashkent at eight thirty in the evening and made a quick dash to the grocery store for a bite to eat before we jumped into our much desired beds.

Silk factory

Pottery

The Kamchik Pass

We had a day for all to explore Tashkent. Bek took some of us in taxis to the Mui Muborak library where a copy of the Koran dating back to the 7th century is kept. Then we had a walk through town to the Chorsu Bazaar, where everything is available for purchase, from clothes to food.

Later that evening we all met for a game or two of ten pin bowling. It appears we have a few with skills necessary to strike it, one being our overall winner for the evening Michelle, who blisted it in style with her little run up and dainty throw of the bowling ball, well down Michelle!

Chorsu Bazaar

Samarkand

This morning we had a packed breakfast ready for us to take on exit from the hotel, loaded onto a mini bus for a short trip to the train station and boarded the very new sleek train to Samarkand. In style yet again, we arrived two hours later after a 230km/hr train ride through the countryside of Uzbekistan, scenery being a little flatter than our experiences in Kyrgyzstan.

Arriving at our hotel a decision was made for a lunch date at the Samarkand Restaurant. With only one English speaking waiter, only two English menus with no prices and the only menus with prices written in Uzbek local language it was a task to order and an even bigger task to pay. But as we were leaving the one English speaking waiter told us to please come again. So we can’t have been too much of a nightmare for him. The food was scrumptious and the setting nice and relaxed, we will be back!

That afternoon was spent by most at the post office and DHL trying to post all our little and yes huge newly purchased ceramic plates and souvenirs home.

Today was a very full day of sightseeing around Samarkand. Starting with the paper factory, the Observatory & Memorial Museum of Ulugbek, the Afrosiyob  Archeological Site, then a lunch break and then beautiful Registan Square and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. By five pm and loaded with information we divided off for the evening for dinner.

This morning we met Bek and did our last little bit of guided site seeing at the Mausoleum of Bibi-Khanum, then had the afternoon to explore further or chill.

The train to Samarkand

Registan Square

Paper factory

Samarkand restaurant

Samarkand traffic jam!

Observatory

Lisa

Paolo

Samarkand walking tour

Michelle in traditional wear

Artisan

Musical instruments

This guy sells hats

Marjo

Bukhara

Today was a day for exploring Bukhara with our guide, Bek. We were all really impressed with the Old City.

We went to a puppet workshop and lots of old buildings – minirettes, mosques and madrassas.

The atmosphere in these old cities makes it perfect for drinks outside in the sun.

Bukhara

Puppet maker

Khiva

Today was a drive day through the country side of Uzbekistan from Bukhara to Khiva. In 3 cars and a minibus we left at ten am and arrived at six pm. There were a few bad roads and we had a stop to look at and feel some cotton from one of the many cotton farms that have almost finished their harvest.  A few hours in Lisa realized she had left her phone back at the hotel in Bukhara, but thankfully the staff were holding it at reception for someone to claim, and our trusty guide Bek has arranged for it to come in a car tomorrow with other tourists travelling this way. Fingers are crossed!

It was nice to wake to the lovely sites around Khiva this morning; however the weather could have been a bit better for a guided walking tour. Mid tour we all ran back to the hotel to layer up.  Tonight we’ll have a group dinner and a chat about the next week of adventure: Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea crossing. Tomorrow is out last day in Uzbekistan; a free for all day before our border crossing into Uzbekistan.

Cotton picking

Khiva

View from the minaret

Marjo

Nice hats!