Despite being told that Samarkand is the true jewel of Uzbekistan, and that I will certainly love it the most, my experience there was soured for two reasons. Firstly, in my mind, it did not really match up to the almost mythical atmosphere one can find in Bukhara, and secondly, it was simply too cold […]
A Guide to Samarkand: A Tale of Conquerors and Mosaics Read More »
For all intents and purposes, one can consider Bukhara to be an oasis in the middle of a desert. Though this is less true today, it used to be the case back when caravans trotted their way along the mighty Silk Road. After an 18-day trip that involved me seeing Turkistan, Shymkent, Tashkent, Samarkand, and
In a trip that covered Shymkent, Turkistan, Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, it was the last one that managed to etch something that is impossible to erase in my mind. The beauty of Bukhara is difficult to explain, no matter the medium. If I were to return to any of these cities, and I really hope
A Guide to Bukhara: A Tale of Islamic Scholars and Caravansaries Read More »
You likely have not had the pleasure of reading specifically about the cemeteries of a country you may or may not intend to visit so far. Not many people seem to enjoy visiting and writing about these ‘creepy’ places, but I do. It is such a sobering experience that I try do it as much
The Land of the Dead: Exceptional Cemeteries of Uzbekistan Read More »
When asked what people think of Karimov, and why it seems like he is already old news, an Uzbek friend of mine told me that the “old king is dead, and now all hail the new king.” This blunt comment made me think about Uzbek politics more than I did up until that point. Despite
A Clash of Tamerlane and Karimov: Which Cult of Personality? Read More »
When I booked my tickets to visit Uzbekistan for the first time in December, I got some comments from my friends who questioned my decision to visit it at the dead of winter. I was hoping that they would be wrong about cold temperatures, dreadful winds, and even snowstorms. I mean, what can possibly go
Oases in December: Is Visiting Uzbekistan in Winter Worth It? Read More »
To those unaware of how easy it is to transit from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan by land, it may look like a daunting task at first. Fear not, as I will now go over how to do this trip, and in both directions no less! It is significantly cheaper to fly to Shymkent rather than Tashkent
Crossing the Border Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: Essentials to Know Read More »
Kazakhstan is not just any other destination for me, but a home in its own rights. Despite initially being foreign to these beautiful steppes, I spent the better part of a year here and will be spending the next 3 to 4 years living around the region as well. That is why, this article, which
A Foreigner’s Guide to Kazakhstan: Very Nice Indeed! Read More »
I did not go to Petropavl for food. In fact, deep down, I was worried about the dining scene out there. I mean, what could a small northern Kazakhstani town would have to offer me, a picky pescetarian? Well, apparently, they had some decent food to offer, and perhaps, even the best restaurant in all
A Most Welcome Surprise: Petropavl’s Finest Eateries Read More »
Petropavl, alongside Karaganda, are two of the best destinations in all of Kazakhstan for those who are interested in the country’s Soviet past. These places kept their Soviet spirits intact, and in fact, perhaps due to its proximity to the Russian Federation, Petropavl kept it even more alive than Karaganda, at least that was my
Petropavl: Kazakhstan’s Forgotten Soviet Mosaic Heaven Read More »