Arriving in Istanbul represented the end of my Silk Road adventure and it was an incredibly emotional experience for so many reasons. I first travelled to Istanbul ten years beforehand when it was my first time in the Middle East. That was an overwhelming visit where I was mesmerised by the incredible history and architecture of
It was the morning of my border crossing into Turkmenistan, the last ‘stan’ of my Silk Road travels. I was leaving the dazzling blue tiled cities of Uzbekistan behind to head to the land of dictators, bizarre architecture, and one of the strangest countries in the world! My guesthouse in Bukhara had arranged a taxi
Have you ever wondered how to get an Iranian visa in Uzbekistan? Perhaps not, which is understandable and not surprising. But for a handful of travellers it might well be exactly what they’ve been trying to find out. I know first hand how difficult it can be to find up to date and relevant information
Ancient cities where brilliant aqua domes push towards bright blue skies, exotic and colourful markets, shared taxi adventures, cashless ATMs and black market negotiations, a fascinating history and locals who greet you with a gold-tooth smile. This is Uzbekistan and it is one of the most unique and unusual countries in the world. In September
The markets of Central Asia are colourful, fascinating and bursting with life and the markets of Uzbekistan are some of the best in the region. The fresh produce is astounding. From the famous pomegranates and melons to dried apricots, stuffed dates, nougat, halva, dried cheese and bread, bread, bread, and more bread. The markets of
Two days in Khiva is the perfect amount of time to explore what is often described as a museum city. This is my account of how I spent two wonderful days in this charmingly preserved Silk Road City. Travelling to Khiva In the desolate far western deserts of Uzbekistan stands the third and final Silk Road city
Buildings the colour of pale sand are clustered in the centre. The occasional facade covered in detailed and dramatic tile work of azure, cobalt and turquoise add a striking contrast. The afternoon light is golden. This is Bukhara and it is full of magic. The great caravan city of Bukhara was once the capital of
Samarkand is perhaps the ultimate Silk Road city. A city that once sat at the crossroads of multiple trades routes leading to exotic locations such as China, India and Perisa. A city whose name is full of magic, wonder and romance. A city where brilliant aqua domes push towards clear skies. A city with some
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is not known as a tourist destination and most people usually spend only a day or two visiting the museums and/or market. So when I started planning what to see in Uzbekistan I’d originally thought I might miss Tashkent all together. It was therefore quite ironic that I ended up
I think most travellers would agree that overland border crossing days always make them slightly nervous. For me crossing into Uzbekistan was no exception and I have to admit I was more nervous than normal as Uzbekistan has a reputation for being quite bureaucratic with border requirements that are quite particular with respect to a