Taskent.

After three days in Tashkent, my sister (who met me in the capital on Wednesday) and I have taken a flight to Khiva, and ancient walled city which sits in the Kyzylkum desert in Western Uzbekistan.

Tashkent itself is a very odd place. At this time of year it is very hot, making walking long distances between its spread out ‘sights’ hard work. The best way to get around is to hail a taxi. Any car doubles up as a taxi, simply put out your arm and a car will instantly stop to offer to take you to your destination. A short journey of about 10mins costs 2000 som, or one pound.

The other way to get around the city is to use the metro system. Built in the soviet era, it is the only underground system in the whole of central asia, yet it puts the London Underground to shame. 20 pence buys you a ticket which takes you anywhere in Tashkent. The trains are very regular, at least one every 5 minutes, and, along with the stations, are very cool, even when the peak temperature reaches the mid-30s above ground. The stations are also decorated lavishly, as seems to be the habit in Soviet design of metro stations! (Travel on the metro in Moscow to get an idea!)

One of the most amusing things about Uzbekistan is the money here! As I’ve already said, a taxi journey, equivalent to one pound, costs 2000 som. The highest note they have here is 1000 som. Imagine the look on my face when I was given 80 pounds worth of som at the exchange booth! I have seen people walk around with wads of cash under their arms. Even the beggars end up with sacks of cash by the end of the day!

Anyway, Tashkent was nothing special, it was a large, hot, gritty city with few sights bar the odd bazaar or mosque and I’m glad to be out of it. Now i’m off to explore Khivas old town.

Oh, and R.I.P MJ. (Although no-one has heard of you here!)