Spoffords Travel

Day 5 May 17, 2023 Tashkent Uzbekistan to Khiva Uzbekistan

We are to meet in the lobby at 5 am for a bus ride to the airport. Other tour groups are going too so the airport is crowded. All bags are x-rayed as you enter. Check in is slow so now we know why we had to come so early. Then bags are X-rayed again before entering the waiting area. The hotel gave us box lunches which we ate while we waited. Everyone is bused out to the plane. They load from the front and rear of the air craft. The flight is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When we departed the plane, the air was cool and windy. Very nice change.

The bus ride was about an hour through small towns and farm land. Lots of cotton is grown in this region. People are out tilling the fields by hand. Looks like tough work. The further we got the worse the roads became. There are more holes than asphalt. Vehicles drive from one side to the other to avoid as many holes as possible. These are two lane roads but all kinds of vehicles pass just about any time. The bus bounces all over. Then the terrain becomes more desert. Very little green and no farms. A few times we saw small carts pulled by donkeys going to town with products. Many if not most of the houses are made of mud bricks. The bricks are larger than the bricks at home. Most houses are small. A few had garages. None had trees, grass or flowers.

Our first stop was an old fort that looks more like a rock outcropping. It dates back to sometime in the late BC through early AD. Nothing has been visibly done to preserve it. A group of fifth grade students were visiting also. Could have talked with them longer.

Then on to another fort in better condition. It has been partially restored and the remainder left in original state.

Back to near the airport with a stop for lunch in a museum like place to honor the early settlers here. After lunch we toured the facility. They had a few yurts set up which they described. Interesting how they came apart. They had various other items of daily life and some photos. Then a few animals to include a five day old baby camel, it’s mother, a two month old camel, a baby goat and mother and a ram that liked to but his head on the feed trough.

About 40 minutes further we reached our hotel. It’s across the street from the walled city of Khiva. We got a couple of hours of free time before going for dinner. Dinner is in the walled city. We passed several small stands selling souvenirs of various kinds. Several hotels and restaurants are also there. We finally reached our restaurant which is obviously set up for tour groups. The salads were very similar to all the other meals. The main course included green noodles which are a specialty in this region. Unfortunately they didn’t have much flavor. The added bonus was a short entertainment by musicians and dancers from the region. They performed traditional music and dance.

The return trip to the hotel was very pleasant. Many of the buildings were lit on the outside and the temperature was cool. We were wishing we could do the tour then.

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.

Day 3 May 15, 2023 Istanbul Turkey to Tashkent Uzbekistan

Well the flight to Istanbul was very uneventful thank goodness. The sunrise view from the plane was gorgeous. Unfortunately we were over the wing so our pictures weren’t all that good. The ladies behind us talked the majority of the trip and the college age girl in front of us kept trying to get comfortable by pushing on the seat. The couple across the aisle also talked most of the time and then the occasional screaming kid. Amazingly the flight landed and parked in time to get to the next flight. Not much time to spare. On the walk between gates we met another Gate One couple. This flight had a minor medical emergency. Not sure what happened but a man was on the floor on the other side of the plane. Several guys helped him up and walked him to the back of the plane. We took a very long walk to passport control. The staff told us any line even though the labels said otherwise. We made it through there in reasonable time. Then we had to wait a long time for our luggage. It must have been on the last wagon. Good news is that it made it. We didn’t see the other couple nor any Gate One signs. We headed out after asking a couple of folks. They let us by pass the luggage X-ray. Now it is outside where the temperature is hot. One more person to ask and then we finally saw the Gate One sign. Turns out the four of us are it for this flight. A twenty minute drive brought us to the hotel. A brand new one. Time for a quick shower and short rest before going to the tour orientation. Turns out this is a discovery tour so there are only nine of us. Four from New Jersey, two from Los Angeles and one from Miami. We all got a small thank you gift. I got a doll and Rob got a very colorful baseball cap. So colorful that he probably will not wear it. Dinner is at 7 in the hotel. We had salad, bread, fish, steamed veggies and potatoes. Not sure what the pastry was that we had for dessert. Also had a little local wine. Quite good.

Day 2 May 14, 2023 New York JFK Airport to Istanbul Turkey

We set a wake up alarm for 7 am but an emergency vehicle went screaming by at about 6 am. Then we could hear the birds and the early morning smokers. Our room was on the third floor but that is really only two stories up. The first floor is actually in the basement. We got ready and went down for breakfast. We didn’t expect much which was a good thing. The choices were hard boiled eggs, waffles, bagels (no cream cheese nor peanut butter), two bite muffins, white grape juice, lukewarm tea, and strong coffee. Price was right though. We chose the shuttle bus leaving at 9. They have a nice new van that has the first step over 2 feet off the ground. Connie needs a boost to get in. Rob knows where and how to boost. Most people were having trouble. Supposedly there is another step but no one knows how it works. They take everyone to Federal Circle where you can catch the Airtrain to the various terminals. The airport is undergoing major renovations so we had to switch to a shuttle bus. We didn’t have much trouble finding Turkish Airlines and were able to check in. Amazing thing was you couldn’t have any ropes or straps on your checked bags because a luggage belt may get caught and shut down the whole system. The international terminal is the oldest. The renovation plan is for 20 years. We got to our gate in plenty of time. By the way a small bag of M & M’s cost $16.00. The airline has queues for business class, seats 11-27 and seats 28-53. Seats is what the sign said not rows. We got in line a few minutes before boarding time. Then came the announcement that the flight was delayed. We ended up standing in line for over an hour. Hopefully they can make up the time or we will miss our next flight.

Day 1 May 13, 2023 Boise to New York JFK Airport

We had to get up at 3 am to be to the airport timely for a 5:30 am departure. We must overnight near the JFK airport in New York in order to catch the flight tomorrow. No way to get from Boise to JFK in time on the same day. We flew from Boise to Minneapolis and then on to JFK. Both flights were timely with very few bumps. Our hotel had a free shuttle so we caught that for an early check in and a much needed nap. The flights tomorrow are on Turkish Airlines. First to Istanbul and then to Tashkent (capital of Uzbekistan). We will be joining Gate One Tours again.

October 26, 2022 Day 17 Heyburn Idaho to home 183 miles

The day starts out without precipitation but lots of clouds and wind. Before we get the car packed it did rain a little. Well this morning the car would not start. Not enough power in the battery. We knew it was getting old. Rob hooked up the starter gadget he got in Hershey. It turned over the engine but now it is too wet. After various tries we had to resort to a pull. Luckily someone came along soon. After a short pull it started. Off to the gas station for a fill up before heading off. Well as you might guess the car would not start again. We had to get another pull. This time behind a pickup pulling a flat bed trailer. Only took a few feet to start. Never thought that the tow strap was going to bean essential item on the packing list. We are finally off. Mostly back roads again today. We did see a few snow flakes to begin with. Lots of dark clouds around. We passed a sugar beet processing plant. Several trucks are coming and going from there. We pass farmland, pasture and sagebrush. Lots of head wind so we don’t go very fast. You have to be ready to avoid the tumbleweeds. Traffic is very minimal. Nice to avoid most of the semis. We ate lunch at a little cafe in Shoshone. A small snow flurry went through while we were eating. Around Mountain Home we encountered a brief flurry of small hale. Glad that wasn’t too big or too long. We got home about 4:00 o’clock. Sure feels good to be home.

October 25, 2022 Day 17 Evanston Wyoming to Heyburn Idaho 233 miles

Today is mostly cloudy with snow in the forecast. The wind isn’t blowing much yet so it doesn’t feel as cold. We decided to try driving and see how it goes. A stop for gas and then onto the freeway. Doesn’t seem to be as many semis today. Maybe we just got out earlier. The view ahead looks ominous with snow or fog. The oncoming traffic all have their lights on which could also mean bad weather ahead. For a short distance we had a light mist but nothing sticking to the road. Lots of construction between Evanston and Ogden. Lots of the freeway is only one lane. Rob pulls over when he can to let traffic pass. Unfortunately there aren’t many places. The wind was never as bad today so we made much better time. We stopped for lunch at a little cafe in Snowville Utah. Busy place. They have one cook and one waitress. Both were moving constantly. We took the backroads to Heyburn and decided to quit for the day. Snow forecasted for tomorrow but we hope it won’t be much. If all goes well tomorrow we should be in our own beds tomorrow night.