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!
Monday, May 13, 2013
A change in the menu
We four Aussies ventured out on to the street for something different and settled on a Korean spot with yummy photos. A picture of local water wet our palettes followed by some beautiful dishes. We went next door and bought draft beer and brought it back to the restaurant. With Imodium at our bedsides we drifted off into blissful sleep with smiles on our faces and garlic on our breath.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
On my own
It was nice to wake up early and sober for a change :-). Today was one of those "first time days" when I went out on my own for the whole day. I seldom travel alone and even less go out in a big city without a companion. However since this trip has so far been one first-time experience after another, I decided to add one more to the list.
As with every other day in this country, my to do list started off with a search for cash. Although resigned to the fact that it isn't happening, I still kept my eye out for an ATM with US dollars.
With bus routes and city map in hand I set out. The busses are roomy, modern and clean. My new look drew a lot of stares.
I got off in Independence Square where I sketched a statue of the country's patriarch. I toured the photography museum where they had a marvelous exhibit of photos of Uzbek women, and walked around the government house with its storks on the dome.
A local family whose 11 yr old spoke English stopped me for a chat and invited me to join them for lunch. That was really special!
Next I visited parliament park with its massive fountains and a memorial to Mary and Jesus. I thought that odd being Muslim country and right in front of the parliament house.
At the history museum a women asked if I would tour the faculty with them and speak to her kids in English. That was do much fun and the kids were really cute and SO-O-O respectful.
I was so jived by now that I walked the three miles back to the hotel and settled in for the day. Today marks one-third of my trip. Can't believe I have two and a half months to go. Yippee!
As with every other day in this country, my to do list started off with a search for cash. Although resigned to the fact that it isn't happening, I still kept my eye out for an ATM with US dollars.
With bus routes and city map in hand I set out. The busses are roomy, modern and clean. My new look drew a lot of stares.
I got off in Independence Square where I sketched a statue of the country's patriarch. I toured the photography museum where they had a marvelous exhibit of photos of Uzbek women, and walked around the government house with its storks on the dome.
A local family whose 11 yr old spoke English stopped me for a chat and invited me to join them for lunch. That was really special!
Next I visited parliament park with its massive fountains and a memorial to Mary and Jesus. I thought that odd being Muslim country and right in front of the parliament house.
At the history museum a women asked if I would tour the faculty with them and speak to her kids in English. That was do much fun and the kids were really cute and SO-O-O respectful.
I was so jived by now that I walked the three miles back to the hotel and settled in for the day. Today marks one-third of my trip. Can't believe I have two and a half months to go. Yippee!
Yes, it was one of those nights...
So...Alex's going away party started off in perfect order. Nice dinner. Quiet waterfall in the background-all the appropriate stuff. Then to honor Alex and the Swissies, we hit the local bar called "Elvis," I kid you not.
What happened next is documented in pics only. The band was great and when the bar finally slowed down a local fellow we had befriended convinced us all to head out to another club. He hailed cabs, gave each instructions, and off we went. Each in a different direction and each to a different club. Ha-ha!
We learned the next morning that only half of us made it to the right club. The others gave up and went back to the hotel.
What happened next is documented in pics only. The band was great and when the bar finally slowed down a local fellow we had befriended convinced us all to head out to another club. He hailed cabs, gave each instructions, and off we went. Each in a different direction and each to a different club. Ha-ha!
We learned the next morning that only half of us made it to the right club. The others gave up and went back to the hotel.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Prowling the big city
We slept in and began our wandering by walking a few miles to the nearest metro station. The system was built in the 70s during the Soviet Union occupation and each station was uniquely designed with chandeliers, arches, exotic tiles, etc. no photos were alloeed and security was high. Google "Tashkent Metro" to see pictures.
We went to the north of the city and toured the Chorba market, a huge open air market of everything. We ignored the the no photo signs and got a few good shots of people and interesting foods.
Next we walked another 100 miles to a mosque and mausoleum from the 15th century. Guess we are jaded by now because we all thought the tiles are just so-so :-).
We then jumped on the train again and headed for independence square where once again all the banks and hotel ATMs were out of cash. The wallets are getting thin since none of us have been able to access cash for almost two weeks!
We stopped for a "gambuger" and a Uzbeki burrito. Walked around the square taking forbidden photos of government buildings and then walked back to the hotel. Six hours of walking. Exhausted!
We went to the north of the city and toured the Chorba market, a huge open air market of everything. We ignored the the no photo signs and got a few good shots of people and interesting foods.
Next we walked another 100 miles to a mosque and mausoleum from the 15th century. Guess we are jaded by now because we all thought the tiles are just so-so :-).
We then jumped on the train again and headed for independence square where once again all the banks and hotel ATMs were out of cash. The wallets are getting thin since none of us have been able to access cash for almost two weeks!
We stopped for a "gambuger" and a Uzbeki burrito. Walked around the square taking forbidden photos of government buildings and then walked back to the hotel. Six hours of walking. Exhausted!
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.
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