Uzbekistan

Day 4 May 16, 2023 Tashkent Uzbekistan

We got back to the hotel late and we must get up early for a flight tomorrow so this didn’t get written. The internet was down anyway so we couldn’t have posted. We met in the lobby at 9 am and headed out in a very nice bus. The roads are usually quite wide and well maintained. Traffic is reasonably heavy. They drive on the right side and usually stay in the lanes. Left hand turns are a free for all. Surprisingly they rarely honk. The majority of cars are small, white and are Chevrolets. Other colors cost more money. Some of the major streets are separated with a park like strip with a walking path, benches, grass and lots of trees. In fact lots of trees and flowers line the roads. We don’t see any trash nor any graffiti. Numerous workers are out cleaning the parks and roadsides. Our first destination is the old town. First stop is a large statue of a man, woman and child dedicated to the earthquake that happened on April 16, 1966. Then we are off to a Muslim complex of schools, burial sites, prayer location and a copy of the Koran done on leather. Numerous tour groups and school children are in attendance. The buildings are beautifully decorated and colorful. The weather is sunny with a slight breeze but it still feels hot. The main house of prayer is called the Friday House because that is when it is usually used. The building can hold 4,000 people with their prayer rugs. The floor is carpeted with a pattern to include lines so everyone will be pointed toward Mecca. The mosque next door is still under construction but is going to be beautiful.

Next stop was the central market. It is quite large. Part is inside a domed building, some is under a cover surrounding the building and the rest is under tarps. The entire place is extremely clean and no flies. The food looks terrible. Everything is beautifully displayed. We stopped in the bakery for a few minutes. The were baking bread on the insides of round furnaces. They make thousands a day. The bread is round about the size of a dinner plate and not very thick. Eggs from the poultry farms sell for $1.20 each. Throughout the day the roadway between the building and the outside stalls is sprayed with water to cool it. Handicap access doesn’t exist.

A short walk takes us to the stairs leading down to the subway system. This is also very clean. The trains are old and very crowded. People are really quick to give up their seats for some of us old ladies. We rode two stops and got out to look at the decor. Each station is beautifully decorated with a different theme. This one is historical. Back on the train and two more stops. This one is Russian astronauts. We exited the subway and met up with our bus.

From there we went to a high scale restaurant. Lunch consisted of several courses starting with two salads and bread. Next came lentil soup with pretzels. You could add orange and cream to the soup. Next came kabob. You could choose chicken, lamb, ground mutton or vegetables. Lastly was a scoop of vanilla and one of chocolate ice cream. Everyone was so full.

Next stop was a museum that had originally been a house. Lots of textiles, dishes and household vessels. Lots of interesting items. Our guide observed that we were all dragging so the plans changed to include some sleep time back at the hotel.

In the early evening we went back out to Independence Park which is a large park with multiple water fountains. People are wading in one of them. The president’s offices are behind the park. One of the fountains has a large arch with huge storks sitting on top. Tourist police are numerous. Our guide told us we should be able to walk out any time of night and feel safe.

We went by our bus to the restaurant. It is located in an amusement park. They have cars, a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Most likely other things as well. The restaurant is small and we are about the only ones there. Once again the food is good just too much of it. By the way there are no McDonalds in the country.

Most of the group wanted to go back through the city to see the lights on buildings and above the street. The fountains were also lit with colored lights. By the time we got back the time was after 9 and we have an early departure tomorrow.