A Travel Friday on the way to Bukhara (and a short update about our trip in Uzbekistan) – Travel Friday

Last Sunday evening at 4am, I landed somewhat dizzily on an Uzbekistan Airways plane at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, named after the country’s first president, Islam Karimov (who was elected in 1990, shortly before the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991). Now, six days and jet lag later, I feel full of new knowledge and billions of different impressions. I can say again that traveling works as a kind of ‘fix’ for me. Since time is short and there are many points in our program, I thought I would quickly report on the trip. Get involved!

A trip Friday on the way to Bukhara (and a short update about our trip in Uzbekistan)

#1. My traveling companion

The trip is a press trip with journalists and bloggers from Sweden and Norway. Sweden is represented by Peter and Helena FreedomTravel (who are Sweden’s official tourist ambassadors for Uzbekistan), the journalist Helene, the writer/reviewer Magnus and me. From Norway we have Merete/World with a suitcase and Lena/Lots of luck in the world in place. The day after we landed a Frenchman arrived and yesterday we were suddenly joined by four journalists from different Spanish newspapers (we seemed as surprised as they were when we were herded into the minibus). Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish, French, Uzbek and Russian are spoken at the dining table. We travel around the country meeting new local guides in every place we visit.

In other words: we are a wonderful mix on site. Some are here to make fun videos to sell on, others will write reports on women’s issues in Uzbekistan, while a few others will report on the trip in blog form. What we all have in common is that we Real loves to travel!

#2. The capital Tashkent

Our first stop on the trip is Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The city suffered extensive damage during a major earthquake in 1966 and was later rebuilt with the help of the Soviet Union, which ruled the country from 1924-1991. The city has about 2.5 million inhabitants and is not exactly the most beautiful city I have seen in my life.

Of course there are also gems here. The metro is really cool (think Moskva light) and the famous Chorsu Bazaar marketplace is worth a visit. Another place that impressed us is the newly built Islamic Civilization Center in all its glory.

#3. Nature experiences in Zamin

A good trip includes both culture and nature. I think so. After the days in Tashkent we take the train to Dashtobod, from there it is about 40 minutes by car to Zaamin National Park.

I really looked forward to these views and had a blast with this setting of about 8,000 feet from start to finish.

#4. Wow factor in Samarkand!

Before our visit to Samarkand, I surfed the UNESCO website to read more about the city and its attractions. The first headline I came across was “Samarkand – Crossroads of Culture”. I spontaneously think that this particular arrangement must have been quite simple. Who could ever object to this city being included in the World Heritage List? Samarkand was an important crossing point along the Silk Road (yes, I will talk about this in the future) that ran between China and Europe.

Here the historical sights with all their beautiful mosaics replace each other. As you might guess, all these places become desirable backdrops for various photo shoots. We are met by this beauty and her Russian photographer, among others. Considering all her poses, I’m guessing it was a fashion shoot or something, but what do I know?

#5. I’m looking forward to Bukhara (and remain fascinated by Asia)

After a few days in this colorful melting pot, I am currently on the night train between Samarkand and Bukhara, another historical pill of joy. I’ve heard that Bukhara is a smaller and more manageable (and therefore walkable) version of Samarkand. We still have a few more days to explore the city before it’s time for me to fly home to Sweden and have some long-awaited birthday celebrations.

That said, I feel far from done with this part of the world. It is almost rude to lump all these cultures, peoples and nationalities together under one label Asia – but I’m certainly not the only one who uses that term. After two trips in quick succession to South Korea and Uzbekistan respectively, I’m already starting to think about whether Sri Lanka or Vietnam will be my next trip after (or maybe even under?) our planned trip to Thailand next year. This pleasant reflection can end my Travel Friday in the very best way. Have a nice weekend!

For those who are curious about more scouting, tips and weekly overviews, you can find these under the category Travel Friday week by week. (Cover image of Zaamin National Park.)