 Michael Smith - Burnley Mike | All Comments |
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| 7th November 2008 Cindea | almost arrested in the metro station - From: Bored in Tashkent - Chasing Visas and ‘Vodka-Beer’ Hi, I was in that small room for the same 30 minutes. The police insisted they didn't admit my visa copy. I told them I put my visa in my hotel, they could call the hotel reception, they knew me, and I came to Tashkent for a conference. The police said he didn't know how to call that hotel, for they didn't have telephone number. they asked me to write down my address, telephone numbers...I saw the victim's list---the book, planned to take pictures ^_^, of course he forbade me to take any pictures... and I didn't write my real address and phone number, either. He said he would send me to the headquarter of police station, but I'm not afraid of it, I hoped he could send me back to Taiwan directly. :=) I had my visa copy, even the invitation from the conference, but he still insisted...he called again and again, at last, an officer came, and signed a document, released me...not so exciting as I expected...haha My friend, a Tashkent teacher was there with me, she was very angry, but couldn't do anything, either. She said it's ridiculous...I knew i shouldn't go into the small room with the police, I heard they are notorious, but can we reject? I doubted... How can they attract the tourists? The government should think about it... |
| 28th May 2008 Andrew | ATM and Currency exchange - From: Bored in Tashkent - Chasing Visas and ‘Vodka-Beer’ Good article about Tashkent. Have been back here about 4 times over the past year for work. Regarding currency exchange - any of the hotel's have a good exchange place - normally open 24hours a day - apart from meal breaks - they will even provide a box for the bricks of cash they give you. The Dediman and Intercontinenetal are the best. Also you can exchange in the Bazaar's but obviously won't get receipts for your exit. Have never come across anywhere not having enough Soum - bucket loads everywhere - the sticky bit is the quality of the USD notes - too old, or marks onthem - and suddenly they have no exchange. For cash advances - The Intercontinental and Uzbekistan Hotel have ATM's dispensing USD cash using Mastercard - with a 1% commission. The Asaka Bank (Abdulla Kakhara Street) also does Mastercard cash advances for 1% commission - very friendly there - but a little out of the way (2000 soum taxi from centre). Visa card US cash advance is possible at the UZKDB bank (formerly UZDaewoo), next to Uzbekistan Hotel. They charge 2% commission. There are a few other banks doing Visa. The remaining ATMs' around town will accept visa but give soum notes - not sure of the maximum. One thing to be aware of is if you are using a visa or mastercard debit card - ie loaded up with cash. This is a fairly new way of carrying cash - and does not work in Uzb yet except at ATM's - not at the banks. Something to do with it not having any embossing on it. If you are short of things to do in Tashklent - particualry inteh summer - get to Bobor park - great food, entertainment and fun - lovely people - try the waterfall restaurant - ask at a hotel - this is one of the most amazing places to eat at the base of a man-made waterfall in the back streets of town; great western food at the J Smoker up near the university; and of course broadway (every taxi driver knows). |
| 23rd April 2008 Burnley Mike | Thank You - From: On the Silk Road at last - Samarkand & Bukhara Franco, Thanks for your comments on the Samarkand & Bukhara travelblog way back in Feb. Such a long time ago now. I'm back in England now. Unortunatley haven't had time to finish the blog off. May put some more photographs on of the rest of my travels back to England but I think I'm going to give up on the writing bit. How about you? Are you travelling anywhere at the moment. Forgive me if I've forgotten but have we ever met up anywhere on the road? Cheers Mike |
| 23rd February 2008 Franco | - From: On the Silk Road at last - Samarkand & Bukhara Great photos and commentary. Unfortunately was not able to rate photos or would have given you many 5 stars. |
| 5th September 2007 Burnley Mike | Whow - From: This is supposed to be Central Asia not Scotland - Kyrgyzstan Part 2 Whow, where did you appear from. Its been a long time. How are you all? |
| 5th September 2007 David Cummins | keep it coming - From: This is supposed to be Central Asia not Scotland - Kyrgyzstan Part 2 I have finally caught up, having read every word and looked at every picture. Keep it coming becasue you are making me very envious, and after the Tibetan bit, you are now getting to the area I am most wondering about what route you are going to take. Best wishes DC |
| 2nd July 2007 Frank | Dunes - From: Sand Dunes, Buddha Statues and Fresco's - Dunhuang Hi Mike, hope you are still fine. The Bus story sounds a little bit like a bus trip i did from la paz to Uyuni ;) several years ago. I'm fine, the weather is not that perfect like it used to be, but there's still Beck's in the fridge... greetz Frank |
| 1st July 2007 Hee | From Taiwian - From: Sand Dunes, Buddha Statues and Fresco's - Dunhuang With Hee's good, but not fluent Chinese....... hm........... Thank you Michael!!^^ |
| 1st July 2007 Hee | ^^ - From: Sand Dunes, Buddha Statues and Fresco's - Dunhuang With Hee's good, but not fluent Chinese..... hm..........Thank you Michael HAHAHAHA |
| 10th May 2007 Mary | - From: Saigon - Where Motorcycles Rule Great blog Mike. Soooooooooooooo jealous of everything you are seeing and thinking about. Especially as I sit at my desk, eating my lunch from a tupperware container adn looking out at the grey manchester sky. Oh well at least I have a window that doesn't have bars on it or looks out on a brick wall......Keep writing and inspiring us! Mary |
| 9th May 2007 Craig | Wots Up!!! - From: Saigon - Where Motorcycles Rule Finally read through all your blog, very informative, though anyone would think you hate the US, better be caferful i f I get my Dual Citizenship I will have to come kick your anti yank ass!!. Got your postcard thanks. Looks like your having a great time. Where to next? And where next in the world, Everest, Norh Pole?? Take it easy and have a beer on me (only the 50c kind as I can't afford any more than that!!) Take Care mate. Craig |
| 4th May 2007 Frank | Beer in a Container - From: Saigon - Where Motorcycles Rule Hi Mike, hope you are still fine. Beer in containers sounds like carrots in tubes or bread in tins ;) Guess there are beautiful places at the see, remember any Bond Movie with this rocks near the beach. Vietnam? Life here is still the same (lots of sun, beer (bottled) and good humoured people). Take care Best wishes Frank |
| 3rd May 2007 Burnley Mike | Email addresses - From: Phnom Penh - The Royal Palace, Poverty and the Killing Fields Sean, Lorraine Send your email addresses to my hotmail account. As for Leeds, where did it all go wrong. Local Derby with Doncaster to look forward to next season!! |
| 3rd May 2007 Burnley Mike | Regret? - From: Phnom Penh - The Royal Palace, Poverty and the Killing Fields Tuk Tuk Not quite sure where you are coming from with "did you feel regret" Did I wish I had not gone? Not at all. Its an interesting country to visit with some fabulous things to see and interesting people to meet. |
| 29th April 2007 Sean Pickles | don't go to Leeds - From: Phnom Penh - The Royal Palace, Poverty and the Killing Fields Hi Mick Everything looks fantastic. You're a lucky lad seeing the things you have and are. They're can't be many places in the world left to see now. One place not to go though is Leeds, trust me - or more precisely Elland Road, not that you'll have any need to now. Anyway get on with your travelling and keep your head covered, you've got less up there than me! |
| 29th April 2007 The Pickles | Your trip - From: Phnom Penh - The Royal Palace, Poverty and the Killing Fields Hi Mick! It all looks and sounds amazing. Thanks for your postcard. Where are you going to next? Congratulations on the arrival of your new nephew, hope your family is well. All is well here. Keep on blogging! x |
| 29th April 2007 Tuk Tuk | Your feeling - From: Phnom Penh - The Royal Palace, Poverty and the Killing Fields Did you feel regret when you visited Cambodia? |
| 21st April 2007 Tony | - From: Angkor Wat Stunning |
| 20th April 2007 Michelle | - From: Angkor Wat Wow |
| 20th April 2007 Michelle | Looks wonderful - From: Finally the trip begins (1st Stop Thailand) Hey Mike, I've never been to Thailand, but it looks beautiful, maybe that will be our next trip. Keep on Keepin on. |
| 16th April 2007 Louise | - From: Angkor Wat Looks amazing! |
| 12th April 2007 Burnley Mike | Cambodia - From: Southern Laos - 4000 Islands Cheers Frank, in Cambodia now which is good. Need to update the travelblog sometime. Will do in the next wee or so. Post card bought but not written yet. Will get round to it sometime Mike |
| 11th April 2007 Frank | - From: Southern Laos - 4000 Islands Hi Mike, hope you are fine right now. I like the countryside especially the hills. Laosbeer sounds good but i prefer Becks.... Good luck in Cambodia. Frank |
| 5th April 2007 Burnley Mike | Thailand v Malaysia - From: Finally the trip begins (1st Stop Thailand) That's not entirely correct. I didn't tell Tony to miss Malaysia. I just told him Thailand was better. Still both are very nice. Take care. |
| 4th April 2007 V | Fly over Malaysia - From: Finally the trip begins (1st Stop Thailand) Hey Mike, good luck with your travels. Will try to keep up to date as much as I can. 1st stop Thailand? Sounds like another one of your 'go to Bangkok then fly over Malaysia and miss it completely' advice you gave Tony! :-). See you in a few months...V |
| 2nd April 2007 Greg | nowt really - From: The Whitsundays - Sailing and Diving Got some good pics here smiffy, though not sure about the audition from "Madness". Think baggy trousers has been doen, but nice to see you recreate it from the side of a boat. Glad things are going well and look forward to the next batch of pics. Not much changed here and Eng still in the WC at the min. Over |
| 1st April 2007 Burnley Mike | Diving - From: The Whitsundays - Sailing and Diving I dont know. Stage diving looks good although never tried it. Forgot your postcard from Loas. You'll have to settle for one from Cambodia. Cheers |
| 1st April 2007 Burnley Mike | Haze - From: Lao People's Democratic Republic The haze is quite bad in places. Certainly not the best time to visit to see spectacular views of the valleys from the mountains/ hills. Most of all its very hot. |
| 31st March 2007 rob | haze - From: Lao People's Democratic Republic can you tell me what the haze is like right now |
| 29th March 2007 Frank | Nice dive - From: The Whitsundays - Sailing and Diving Guess its better than any stage diving ;) greetz from Berlin |
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