Uzbekistan

Day 11 May 23, 2023 Samarkand Uzbekistan to Tashkent Uzbekistan

Sorry this is so late. This was a very long day that combined with the next day. It has taken several days to get back on the correct time pattern.

We started with a visit to a tourism complex where they made silk paper. The silk was not from silk worms but the bark of mulberry trees. Some of the work is done by using water wheels to grind or pound but most is done by hand. All very time consuming. First the bark is stripped from small branches. Then soaked in water for hours. Two women then scraped the bark to get the part they wanted. Now back in water to prepare for boiling. The boiling takes more hours. The pulp produced from this goes to a person who uses a mesh to separate the pulp from the water. Once the water has drained, the pulp is put on a stack of alternating paper and pulp. The stack is then placed under a heavy rock to force out more water. When ready, individual sheets are placed on a board to finish drying. Lastly they are scraped smooth. Somewhere in the process they pound parts for hours. Their gift store had lots of items made from the paper to include clothing. Really interesting process. At the same location they use another water wheel to grind various seeds to make liquid that looks much like soy sauce. This is used in cooking. They also roast lamb to be served at banquets. The workers live in houses surrounding the complex. The intent is for more crafts to come and be sold.

Then off to a very large former Masada that is now a giant bazaar. This is a large complex with domes and minarets. The inside of one is very beautiful again. In the bazaar we watched a man who does calligraphy on leather that is stretched in a frame. Another craftsman does mosaic tiles and dinnerware. So glad they are keeping these traditions.

We took a long walk to another market where nuts, spices and other goods are sold. We wanted some of the sugar coated peanuts but ended up buying sugar coated almonds. They are so good. At this market were at least two women with babies begging. They do leave when you say no. Our guide says they are gypsies.

Lunch was the usual salad and soup. The entree however was a chicken leg and vegetables wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked. We should try this on the grill at home.

Then off to the train for a two hour ride to Tashkent. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Only thing it was closer to three hours. During the bus ride to the hotel we saw a hearse with coffin and mourners. The hearse is much bigger with glass on three sides.

We got to the hotel about 7:00 PM. A farewell dinner was at 8:00 PM and the airport bus leaves at 11:30 PM. Only time for a final pack, shower and very short nap.