Tashkent

  Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Wednesday, June 7, 2006

And so, on June 7th I headed to the capital of Tashkent, my mind and heart already on the airplane back to my Barika. I spent time doing the usual things I end up doing in big capitals - getting my hair cut, splashing out on fabulous Korean food, getting my legs waxed, and days on the internet trying to update my travelblog :)

There isn't much to write about Tashkent. Its a Russian style town - nothing special except for the Chorsu Market in the north west (fabulous), the subway (efficient and clean), and the theatre - fantastic. For $1.50 I got to see ballet, and then $2 the next night got me a ticket to the opera :)

A lovely relaxing 3 days in the city to mull over my last 3 weeks in Central Asia, and 2 months away from my Barika.

Iran, as you all know (or should!) I loved - for its hospitality and its people. The small glimpse I have had of Central Asia, I have also 'loved' - for its silk road romance, beautiful buildings and the relaxed atmosphere. I just wish I'd had the time to check out Tajikstan and Kyrgyzstan!! Next time...

It has been a hard 2 months by myself on the road, but I am so glad I did it. I now have such an incredible feel of achievement - if I can travel by myself through Iran and Central Asia, there is NOTHING I can't do in life :)

Altogether now I have spent a total of nine months travelling - Africa, Iran and Central Asia. And without a single doubt, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Even the bad times have been good times! I have done everything I set out to achieve, and have gained so much more than expected along the way.

It has been the best nine months of my life. But now I am ready to stop and settle down and to enjoy the next stage of my life - back home and with a lovely LOVELY partner :) I

Anyway, enough of that! As always, I would like to end this with a few of my favourite photos - these are my best from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Enjoy :)


...and the lovely people :)