This morning I got up at 4:30am to drive to Manas International Airport in Bishkek for my 7am flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Because of the crazy borders and a mountain range going by land would have been difficult. I could either buy a Kazak visa to take the bus from Bishkek to Tashkent or travel for two days to Southern Kyrgyzstan (again) and cross over in the Feranga Valley. In the end I splurged for the $136 flight, which only took one hour. And with the time diference between the two countries the flight was a wash.
My taxi driver was nice and told me that I really needed to learn “choot-choot” Ruskie. I know what “choot-choot” means, and a few more Russian words but I’m convinced that some deeply subliminal conditioning as a child growing up during the Regan presidency has blocked me from the ability to learn Russian. I’m getting by okay but not looking forward to learning money and non-foreigner prices all over again—I was pretty set in Bishkek.
So far everyone who has talked to me in Tashkent has asked me where I’m from and how much something costs (my hotel, my camera, etc.). I’ve sidestepped the police three times on the Metro today. When they call me over (to search me) I just wave to them, smile and keep walking. I’m not sure how long I can keep it up but if that fails to work I’m planning to look worried and shout “my moosh” (“my husband”) loudly.
I was tired getting in today but because I’m leaving for Nukus on Friday afternoon I went to The Applied Arts Museum, Lenin Square and bought a ticket for the Opera tomorrow night. Tommorrow will be filled with even more sightseeing. Don’t tell anyone, but I really like the Soviet archetecture that everone else complains about.
2 responses to “Uzbekistan: Day One”
As far as souvenir’s go I would buy a small hand carved walnut box from the Madrasa in Tashkent. The Madrasa is located to the left of the Oily Majolis(Parliment) building and shouldnt be more than 1,000 Soum from anywhere in Tashkent.
The Madrasa has about 30 different craft shops with a variety of locally made items.
Restraunts to try – 3 botchka, Aleko, and Bahor. 3 botchka has the best pork chops in central Asia. The home made beer isnt bad either.
Paka,
Anthony
I visited the Madrasa but it was late in the day and most were closed. I was a bit disapointed that there wasn’t more people working instead of selling. I did see someone carving a door though. I’m avoinding buying anything at all at the moment. I’d like some embroidery but my bag is literally bursting. I think I need a furry hat too! It’s a shame because those boxes would make great gifts.