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Post by whothingie on Jul 1, 2017 15:33:38 GMT -5
If I recall correctly Leela, you have been to Uzbekistan and may have an opinion on yes, no or maybe and places that you found either special or worth visiting.
At the moment I'm nibbling around the edges of a decision to go to that area. It won't be this year unless my job disappears (which it may do) and I've probably left it a bit late to get visas and LOI's where needed.
Looking at maybe joining a small group tour as I'm getting too old and grouchy to be bothered with all the transport arrangements and I do have a minor mobility issue that can flare at times and makes carrying luggage longish distances a bit of an issue.
All advice or recommendations gratefully received.
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Post by leela on Jul 2, 2017 7:26:54 GMT -5
I loved Uzbekistan. We went to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and to a homestay in the Nuratau mountains. I'd have loved to have had time to go to Khiva, too, but we didn't make it that far.
Getting around the two of us travelled independently) was mainly by train and taxi, if I remember correctly, The sleeper train from Bukhara to Tashkent was very cool.
We expected it to be harder to travel around than it was. Things actually went pretty smoothly. People were lovely, and get excited about tourists. I had my photo taken by so many people!
There are a few oddities that restricted us slightly. Foreigners can only stay in places registered with the government for such. And you have to get a paper slip from your accommodation for every night you spend. And don't lose them! They have to be shown on leaving the country, to account for every night. And money is changed on the black market (something like 4x the bank rate) and notes are such low value that you need a carrier bag for them. It's no problem though. All you need to do is stand in a market with a dollar bill in your hand, and guys with carrier bags rush up!
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Post by whothingie on Jul 2, 2017 13:26:30 GMT -5
Thanks Leela. May be back with many more queries as time goes on. Sounds like I need to go back to the gym to build up muscle tone to carry the money.
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Post by leela on Jul 2, 2017 14:33:34 GMT -5
Ha! I have a great photo somewhere, of about $100 worth of Uzbek Som strewn over the bed.
We ran out of local money on the last day, and just needed a little bit to pay for a taxi to the airport next morning. I walked through Chorsu bazaar back to our guesthouse, and it was virtually deserted with the stalls all closed or closing. I took a $10 bill out of my purse, and just put my hand down casually to my thigh, and within five seconds a guy with a carrier bag was at my side! So funny. Changing money was one of the most fun bits of the trip.
I presume you still get a gazillion notes, but it's not out of the bounds of possibility that that's changed in the last three years
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Post by tinaja on Jul 5, 2017 8:01:57 GMT -5
Oh now I want to go.  |
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Post by mei on Jul 5, 2017 8:07:37 GMT -5
travelling through the 'Stans is one of my dream trips. One day....
(I have been to Kazachstan, but for work and only in one specific place so no useful advice to add to this thread!)
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Post by lillielangtry on Oct 4, 2017 7:58:38 GMT -5
Reading a book about the Silk Road and now I want to go too!
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Post by mei on Oct 4, 2017 12:06:19 GMT -5
what are you reading lillie? (because that would probably be a good one for my reading list too!)
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Post by lillielangtry on Oct 5, 2017 1:19:42 GMT -5
what are you reading lillie? (because that would probably be a good one for my reading list too!) (actually listening to the audiobook) Colin Thubron's Shadows of the Silk Road. I don't know much about the Region to be honest, so can't really judge how good it is, but it's interesting. |
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Post by sprite on May 5, 2019 10:44:14 GMT -5
hmm...
trying to plan a september holiday, and we're now thinking maybe the Stans.
whereever it was that Leela had that horrid border crossing, i'd like to miss out.
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