Silk Road - 2 June 2009 - Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan

Tamerlane in own square - built 1996
Center of activity in town
Tamerlane
Me in Front of Statue of Tamerlane
White Palace constructed by Tamerlane
Description of White Palace
Remaining Tile Work
Remaining Tile Work
Tile Work
Best Remaining Tile Work
Another View
People Climbing to the top
Description
Tile Work at Mosque
Blue Dome Mosque
Tile Work Near intended Tomb of Tamerlane
Intended Grave of Tamerlane
Remains of Tomb intended for Tamerlane
Me in Front of Blue Mosque

After we finished sightseeing in Shakhrisabz, we had lunch at a local restaurant. The only negative thing was the flies. The food was all right; I just can’t seem to get enthusiastic about Central Asian cuisine the way I did about the food in Egypt and Jordan. We then got back on the road to head to Bukhara. Bukhara has a population of about 300,000 and its symbol is the “Flying Camel”. Bukhara is believed to come from the Sanskrit and means Monastic City. Bukhara tends to be hot in summer and cold in winter.

Comfort Stop on road to Bokhara

We checked into the Hotel. I was mildly disappointed that Internet was not available in the hotel, but there is a nearby internet café. We had dinner in the outside back garden and it was delightful. They played gentle music and I sat with Peter, Bette and Kathy which was a pleasure. Tomorrow, we start sightseeing in Bukhara. Apparently the hotel is right in the heart of the tourist district.

After dinner, I went out to find the local internet café. It took two people to help me find it. The second young man I asked just about took me by the arm and walked me there. The people here tend to be very friendly and helpful unless they are trying to sell you something. In general, they ask at least twice as much as the going price.