Exploring the walled city

At breakfast I told my host that I wouldn’t need breakfast tomorrow, since I had a flight around 0930. He suggested a small breakfast at 0700 and leaving in his car for USD10. I hesitated at the price and he suggested a small taxi for around USD6. I knew it was still a little pricey but with him organising it, it would be easier in case of a taxi no-show early in the morning.

I headed out around 0830 intending to explore the old town. But the B&B was very near the market and it was starting to liven up. I took a look and it was much more interesting than old bricks and mortar and stayed a while people-watching and also observing what they had for sale.

A couple of women were fighting, pulling hair and all. Several other women were pulling them apart and eventually shoved one of them back into her house.

There were some people begging in the market (and around Uzbekistan). Usually, they have a resemblance in facial features and dress to the gypsies begging in Europe. I know Uzbeks have a wide variety of appearances but those begging seem to have a particular look.

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The sightseeing “proper” started later. I wanted to go to the high viewpoint in the Kuhha Ark in the afternoon to catch the light on the facade of many buildings. But I saw a large group of elderly locals going into the Ark, all dressed in traditional garb. I decided to tail them in, in case I could get some good shots of them. Sadly no. And the photos from the viewpoint weren’t that great as a result of the light coming at me.

I then continued to Islam Khodja Minaret, the tallest in Uzbekistan for a view of the city.

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I returned to my room for a rest only to start feeling hungry. I headed out again soon after and grabbed a couple of pastries from the stalls nearby.

Once filled up, I was ready to explore further afield heading beyond the city walls. I headed for the Isfandiyar Palace built in the early 20th Century to find a lot of builders hard at work. I guessed it was closed.  I continued to the Tash Khauli and the supermarket where I got some water and an ice-cream (UZS1500 or USD0.19!!).

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It wasn’t a terribly successful outing and I returned to my room again to cool off before heading out for a general wander in the late afternoon before changing into longs for dinner at Terrassa (again). There’s no harm repeating the same venue when it is so atmospheric! Tonight was even better as I was there earlier and watched the sunset.