Bukhara

Train from Samarkand to Bukhara. Four hour train journey and I paid extra 40000 som(ething)s for a slightly better carriage.

Arrived and spent a night at the trips-off-the-tongue named Historical Caravan Sarai Mekhtar XIX century Hotel. Very old feel on the first floor. Photo from the door of my room shows the hexagonal nature.

Had an evening explore of the city - a very nice relaxed vibe. a confined old city. Much less spend out than Samarkand. Met up with Dana at Bella Italia.

Had to move hotels to the Hotel Al Imran the following day. Very nice hotel with ac, tv etc at the cost of about £12 for the night. I had booked for 1 night initially but ended up staying for 4 while I waited for my Tajik evisa to arrive.

Spent a few days doing some gentle exploring. Too hot to do really during the day so had to do in stages. But this city is amazing for its sights. It does genuinely have the appearance of walking back in time... If it wasn't for all the tourists. However, it's not too crowded. And again everyone is extremely friendly and hospitable and it feels so safe here. The only danger would be the interesting approach to lane discipline that some of the traffic has. There are zebra crossings across two lane dual carriageways and it feels like you are taking your life in your hands but generally the cars do seem to stop.

Highlights are the Arc which is a large fort, the 12th century minaret tower which apparently for some time was the tallest structure in central Asia and the template for the blue tiling on mosques which is now ubiquitous.

September 1 was Independence Day. Again too hot to go out in the heat of the day but ventured out in the evening (after Liverpool had defeated Man U 3-0) and it was very busy and fun out.Leggi altro