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I can't remember much about the trip from Merv to Bukhara as i spent it Iying prostrate on the back seat of the bus. The bug that was slowly working its way through our group had decided to take up residence in my body. The part i do remember is the exercise in patience, otherwise known as the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border crossing. Passports checks that reached double figures, 2 shuttle bus trips, about 500 metres of walking and all being done in 35+ degree temperatures. My personal experience was kneeling on the floor of the Uzbek immigration office clutching my bag and desperately trying not to faint, spreading fertilizer on an unsuspecting tree as i bent over clutching my knees and then hiding in the bushes behind an immigration building whilst i changed my clothes. By now I'm guessing you've got the picture and further details aren't necessary. All in all not one of my finest moments. We arrived in Bukhara, i hit the shower then the bed and didn't move for 14 hours. Bukhara itself is an amazing city. A major trading point on the old Silk Road and today a major centre for traditional Uzbek crafts. Embroidery, metal carving, rugs to name a few. It also retains many original mosques, madrassahs and market places. We were staying in the old city and in many ways life seems to go on as before. The people we have met in both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan simply bowl me over with their friendliness. From young children to teenagers and adults, they are only too happy to stop and ask where we are from, can they take our pictures, often selfies and simply have a chat. Border guards show immense pleasure at being able to exclaim "Australia" when they see my passport, quickly followed by "kangaroo", although one guy caught me off guard by saying "Canberra". Clearly he had majored in Australia geography. Wheeever we go we are genuinely made to feel welcome. Whilst Uzbekistan is a secular nation it is quite clear that religion plays a major role in the lives of the locals. Mosques and other religious sites are constant scenes of prayer for both young and old. If Bukhara is a sample of what Uzbekistan has to offer I'm really looking forward to the next few days.
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Lyn Cumming Great to get your pics and comments. A different world, hey!
Sue Hope you’re much better now Doug and ready to enjoy the rest of your trip with a much sturdier constitution immune to more bugs. Sounds like an amazingly different area of the world.