Tashkent is a completely modern city, entirely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1966. There are high-rise buildings everywhere with shops at street level that look just like you're in New York (Victoria's Secret, Hugo Boss, Addidas, etc.). I knew the city would be modern, but what I saw today was even more so than expected. Another unexpected but lovely aspect of the city are its wide boulevards and lush green parks. I had thought we be in the midst of a barren desert.
Began our stay in Tashkent by receiving an email from Cliff and Cathy containing an utterly delightful poem (which I will quote in its entirety at the end of this posting). Their wishes for connectivity paid off; the Intercontinental has excellent WiFi. I have no idea what awaits us when we depart tomorrow for Samarkand.
This morning we visited the16th century (restored but lovely) Barakhon Medressa. It is no longer an active medressa; in fact inside are a variety of handicraft shops - another unexpected surprise. Bought a sweet (read crude) suzani. Next to the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi and to the Moyle Mubarek Library Museum where we saw the 7th c Osman Quran which was brought to Samarkand by Timur.
Walked around an adjoining neighborhood and made a (supposed) impromptu stop at a home. We had an opportunity to see the style of house that people live in and sample a sweet made during Ramadan (called the anthill). Tashkent houses are one story and have a courtyard in the center. Multiple generations live in the same compound. The youngest child has the responsibility of taking care of the parents.
As a nod to Cliff I will talk a bit about food. We've had lots of kebab and lots of wonderful soups, some of which have contained beets but not all. We're not sure we've had any food yet that is distinctively Central Asian - no plov, no horse meat (thank god although it's on the Intercontinental Hotel room service menu). A photo of today's chicken shish is attached. Will try to do better.
Afternoon spent visiting a variety of parks and monuments. One worth noting is a statue commemorating the earthquake of 1966.
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C&C's poetry:
To the Stans they went bravely
Searching for WiFi Daily
The pictures Courtney took with care
Remain on her cameras still there
The blog we wake up to view
Now can’t tell us of adventures so new
For the pictures by Courtney and Scott
We will wait for the scenes that they shot
While we wonder of the food they eat
Is the cooking spicy or sweet?
The waiters are they pleasant or grumpy?
And they sauces are they smooth or lumpy?
Till the next post comes through
We will give them their due
We admire their hyper activity
Wishing them better connectivity!
tashkent to samarkand
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