July 6 Istanbul, Turkey


A very long night on a full plane. The service from Turkish Airlines was great. They served breakfast almost immediately. I probably got about 3 hours sleep on the 5 hour flight.

We got a shuttle to the hotel. Took about 40 minutes. Lots of traffic. Interesting as the van got pulled over by the police. They counted the number of seats in the van after checking the driver's license. Not really sure what was going on. The policeman apologized and said he would not be long.
Got to the hotel, but unfortunately the room not ready. But they gave us some amazing Turkish coffee. I am very happy. Staff at Aquarium Hotel are very hospitable. They gave us breakfast even though I am sure it was not included today.

We got cleaned up in the restaurant, bags open all over the place! Fortunately no one else around! And we headed out to explore. The hotel is about 5 minute walk the the Aya Sophia, our first stop! What an amazing place. We are tired but still going. I am finding it cool! It is only about 25 degrees! All relative.

Then a walk down to the harbour where we had lunch with many locals and tourists. The 'fish and bread' which is apparently a must do! And that is all you get. It is very good even if the fish is mackeral.

A short walk through the spice market. The smells are amazing..... too bad I can not send the smell through the blog!

Caught the train back up the hill and checked into room for a nap.
Went out for dinner along the main street. Turkish fast food. Lots to choose from. Many dishes of chicken, minced meat, or eggplant with mashed potatoes on top. Quite good.

Then off for a walk around. The park and squares were packed with people as today's fast has ended. 1000s of people everywhere. Even a band marched through and ended up on a big stage that has been set up. So different from anywhere else where there was no one around.


July 5 Tashkent - sort of -

5 hours spent on the bus to get back to Tashkent. Roads not too bad.
Stopped briefly a couple of times to look at the storks nesting on top of the power lines.
Went for coffee and spent a little time just wandering around the squares for the last time.
Went out for dinner for the farewell dinner. The food was excellent. Shared a beef and lamb dish in a mushroom sauce with scalloped type potatoes on top. It arrived at table in a shallow bowl and a hot coal underneath to keep the dish hot.

As our flight was at 3 am we left the hotel at 11.30 to head to the airport. Actually got 4 of us in taxi. Tina was on the same flight as us to Istanbul. It was a very tiring night.

The last day in Uzbekistan! Not the end of the Silk Road though, as there are a few days in Istanbul.
This trip has been amazing - we covered over 7000 km in 26 days! Some tough days but the people, sights, and landscape changed constantly. And just got better and better. Sad to leave, but time for some new things! And of course looking forward to some Turkish coffee and not Nescafe!


July 4 Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Started the day with a walk by the Registon, the main Central square. It is closed for the festival practices.
Walk down a boardwalk to the Temur Mosque. Another huge complex. This one dedicated to his wife Bibi. Her mausoleum is across the street.

After waiting for an hour, we final got in to the Registon. These are 3 very large madrassas (schools) facing the central square. These are the signature of all Central Asia. Registon means sandy place. These buildings were built in the early 1400s on a sandy hill. Much like where the Necropolis is now.

Some of the buildings have been restored but there are still sections that have not. Strange as now all of the study rooms are shops selling souvenirs.

A short visit to the necropolis, where Mohamed's cousin has a tomb. Only very famous people are here. This site was started by Temur and several people close to him are buried here. Including his wet nurse.

Out for dinner to local family's house for pilaf, the local dish of meat, rice and carrots. This is prepared in a large bowl. The food was excellent, but way too much. Started with salads, at least 4 kinds, 2 types of samosas and then the pilaf.