Tashkent

At our hotel, BL got talking to one of the ladies on the staff.

This morning was a tour of Tashkent.  A street in the old city.

Khast Imam Complex (I think).

State History Museum

And another statue of Emir Timur.

Then we went to the Arts and Crafts Museum.  I don't usually take pics of museum pieces, but this embroidery was lovely.

 Close up.

A yurt. The ultimate mobile home.

And inside it - lots of decorative dingle-dangles.

Samarkand to Tashkent by train.

Tashkent Railway Station.

Inside the station

On the train.

Injourney info.

Railway equivalent of "Flightpath".

Catering.

  For Sale

Arriving at Tashkent

Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is 80km south of Samarkand, over the mountains, at an elevation of 622m.  It's claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Emir Timur (aka Tamerlane).  Buildings old and new are being developed along this theme.

Originally known as Kesh, this city was one of central Asia's most ancient cities, founded more that 2,700 years ago and part of the Achaemenid Empire (Persia) from 6th to 4th centuries BC. (This info thanks to Wikipedia).  It was an important part of Sogdiana.  Timur regarded Kesh as his home town and planned it eventually to be the location of his tomb.  However, during his reign, Samarkand rose in prominence, and that was where he ended up.

All that remains of Aksaray Palace.  This is just the gate.  According to our guide, just enough renovation has been done to enable it to retain its UNESCO status. 

Close up of tiling.

Emir Timur himself.

The whole area was being developed into a huge park and fairground area.  There were preparations for a carnival in the next few days.  Still no clouds.

And Tamerlane's (empty) coffin.

  And entrance.

And a mosque.

And lunch - three salads, soup and main course.

Over the mountains to Shakhrisabz (Shuck ree saab)

Today was a road trip south, over the mountains, to Shakhrisabz.  Buses were not permitted so we travelled in a fleet of cars - Chevrolets of course (they have a factory in Uzbekistan).

Why Shahkrisabz? More of that later.

The cars.

This was ours, driven by Oscar.

Seen on the way.  There you are Pete, you could have fitted more hay on your truck!

At the top of the mountains, there was a market.

I have seen this once before in China - it is dried yoghurt.  Very convenient

And a close-up.  Smelled a bit rancid, but what can you expect?

People

And random shots of the rocky mountains.  Still no clouds.

Samarkand - Food and People

Our lunch place.

The menu.

My lunch - they called it "mantu". Big steamed dumplings with a delicious beef filling.  Surprisingly good.

After lunch we went to a market.
This was sugar.

Selling bread.

Sometimes locals want to pose with tourists.  Here are some of our group.  Our guide told us that visitors with dark skin, such as from Africa, are much more popular!

 The lady in black was the main organiser behind the photo shoot.

And note the other group behind this one.

Waiting to be organised.

And yet another wedding!