From the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this is my first "round-the-world" tour and the first time I am traveling alone. It's also the first time I am NOT the leader of the group. This will be a huge adventure for me, one that tests my patience (smile), stamina and my ability to adapt. I can't wait!
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Count
So.....we did a survey if all our family members on the truck. Collectively we have visited 180 different countries...and we aren't done with the tally. Pretty darn cool.
Onward to Tashkent
An early start took us through more fertile agricultural plains. It was a bit cooler today and everyone was excited to get back on the road.
The wind had picked up and the sky was full of dust. It was apparent that this was a consistently windy area by the permanent slant of the trees. We crossed siSeveral small mountain ranges. On the higher meadows honey vendors lined the roadside, each with their stands of quart and gallon jugs of gold...and an abandoned car used for shelter. Amusing!
If you look at a map you'll see that the main highway between Samarkand and Tashkent crosses over a small top of Kazakhstan. We were getting a not concerned ad we got closer knowing none of us had visas. Apparently the two countries did z little land exchange a whole back. As z result we had to do a detour from the main road around the new international border. Just odd!
About three hours out we stopped for lunch at a really nice truck stop serving tasty Lagman and grilled chicken with drinks worked out to about $2.45 per person!
We arrived in the capitol city around 4pm and checked into our hotel. A cold beer and some down time was followed by a group meal. Good to be in a city with an ATM. Only thing left to be seen is if it works!
The wind had picked up and the sky was full of dust. It was apparent that this was a consistently windy area by the permanent slant of the trees. We crossed siSeveral small mountain ranges. On the higher meadows honey vendors lined the roadside, each with their stands of quart and gallon jugs of gold...and an abandoned car used for shelter. Amusing!
If you look at a map you'll see that the main highway between Samarkand and Tashkent crosses over a small top of Kazakhstan. We were getting a not concerned ad we got closer knowing none of us had visas. Apparently the two countries did z little land exchange a whole back. As z result we had to do a detour from the main road around the new international border. Just odd!
About three hours out we stopped for lunch at a really nice truck stop serving tasty Lagman and grilled chicken with drinks worked out to about $2.45 per person!
We arrived in the capitol city around 4pm and checked into our hotel. A cold beer and some down time was followed by a group meal. Good to be in a city with an ATM. Only thing left to be seen is if it works!
On the road to Samarkand
Another campfire beer bust had most of us pretty lit so the late morning in the yurt camp was welcomed. We went to the lake once again for another swim and then back to camp for a fried fish lunch.
We were on the road by 1pm and heading to Samarkand. The drive was hot. We mostly napped, and we arrived at dusk. The hotel is top drawer and a welcome to a long day on the road. We'll be here for three days. Tonight it's burgers and fries. Yippee!
We were on the road by 1pm and heading to Samarkand. The drive was hot. We mostly napped, and we arrived at dusk. The hotel is top drawer and a welcome to a long day on the road. We'll be here for three days. Tonight it's burgers and fries. Yippee!
Nurata
We had an early start heading east from Bukhara. We were gifted with bright blue skies and a cool breeze as we once again ventured into the Kyzylkhum desert (alias, irrigated and fertile farmland).
Wheat fields became foothills of scrub and rock as we neared the mountains. Climbing higher scrub turned to multicolored grasses and red poppies. The Nurata mountains now in full view.
Our destination today was Nurata, home to the Nurata mountains and famous for it's old circle patterned Suzani (embroidery) which sell for thousands at auctions.
Dating back to The Bronze Age we discovered a town full of tenth century mosques and the place where the Chashma Springs are formed.
We arrived in Nurata andase lunch below the mosque, spring, and fortress of Alexander the Great. Another two hours into the dunes found is at our yurt camp. We unloaded and headed to the lake for a "Frenchy" dip. It was amazingly cool and the swim was grand!
We enjoyed a traditional dinner in the yurts and a small concert by a local musician. A small kitty joined us for dessert.
Wheat fields became foothills of scrub and rock as we neared the mountains. Climbing higher scrub turned to multicolored grasses and red poppies. The Nurata mountains now in full view.
Our destination today was Nurata, home to the Nurata mountains and famous for it's old circle patterned Suzani (embroidery) which sell for thousands at auctions.
Dating back to The Bronze Age we discovered a town full of tenth century mosques and the place where the Chashma Springs are formed.
We arrived in Nurata andase lunch below the mosque, spring, and fortress of Alexander the Great. Another two hours into the dunes found is at our yurt camp. We unloaded and headed to the lake for a "Frenchy" dip. It was amazingly cool and the swim was grand!
We enjoyed a traditional dinner in the yurts and a small concert by a local musician. A small kitty joined us for dessert.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)