I want to travel to Tashkent After reading briefly about this post I have doubts of my travelling to Tashkent.
http://www.ayurvedaways.com/
http://www.biofantasy.com/
Uzbekistan tours Travelling is my passion: an unforgettable experience, positive emotions, meeting new people. I heard a lot about Uzbekistan, and really wanted to visit this country. On the internet a lot looking for Uzbekistan tours and agencies. But I liked only one agency. In fact very much advise you to visit this site, there are many different routes, and very importantly - the prices are reasonable.
Sadriddin Ayni I know him more as writer then poet. Hi wrote: "Maktabi Kuhna"(Old School), "Dokhunda"(...), "Odina" (name of a pure guy Odina), "Margi Sudkhur" story like Onore de Balzac's "Gobsek".
Thanks Hi Heather, Thanks for your kind words. It's always good to hear that someone has actually read a blog. You do sometimes wonder if any one actually reads them so it was nice to hear from you and your message made me feel that it is worth the effort sometimes!!
Keep up the good work with the dirty-hippies.blogspot.com
Mike
Wow, I LOVED your Russia post and photos! I've always wanted to go there but have yet to make it. I learned SO much from reading your post! My blog is looking for travel photos, reviews, commentaries, etc, to share. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email me at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com. Continued fun with your limited time there, and good luck adjusting to life back home in England. I know how difficult that can be.
Heather :)
Tashkent Hi, I have been to Tashkent and lived in Zarafshon for a while. Uzbekistan is a wonderful place and I can't wait to return.
Just obey the rules.
almost arrested in the metro station 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...
ATM and Currency exchange 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).
keep it coming 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
Dunes 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
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
Wots Up!!! 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
Beer in a Container 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
Email addresses 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!!
Regret? 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.
don't go to Leeds 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!
Your trip 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
After two years working and living in Australia I am about to set off on a six month trip back to sunny Burnley in the UK travelling overland as much as possible... full info
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amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!