Yesterday was mostly strolling around Bukhara, which, was rather good actually! Very very ornate and well kept Muslim architecture plus a great big fat fort called, 'The Ark' from the.....9th century was it? Anyway, old. Visited a fairly grim prison which had an interesting history and gruesome connection to Britain. They lopped off some of our chaps heads after an unpleasant incarceration. You know, back in the glory days when we thought we owned the place.
Lunch was excellent. My first taste of Plov. Aside from the unfortunate name, this slow cooked risotto like dry stew was exceptionally tasty and is to be highly recommended. In fact, I might try and cook it when I get home it was so good.
Anyway, Bukhara has been yet another little gem outside of ones usual sphere of knowledge. Stayed in a B&B after being picked up off the street upon arrival by the owner (that bit is carefully phrased to further worry anxious parents by the way). It served a rather good with a breakfast of many courses. Quick review below
B&B Sarrafan
Rooms - 3 Plovs
very clean and comfortable. Towels were a little....little. Bed was ok but a bit of a squeeze for a big unit like me.
Host - 5 Plovs
English speaking and couldn't really have done more to help to be honest. Very friendly with it too.
Facilities - 4 Plovs
Free wi-fi and a large, pleasant courtyard area. Pub on doorstep.
Price - 4 Plovs
$20 per night. Seemed like good value for around here.
Overall - 4 Plovs
I'd recommend it.
Left sometime after breakfast after a two night stay, heading for Samarkand. There are trains but only two per day, one early and one late and I didn't fancy either. So my laziness meant I'd have to find a different way to Samarkand. In the end this meant a mini-bus to a cab rank for an anticipated shared taxi ride but I got bundled out the mini-bus and onto a coach in about 2 minutes flat. Worked out fine as it happens. 25,000 Som plus another 8,000 for a taxi at the other end to the Registan part of Samarkand. Found a B&B after a few minutes and booked in. So another step along the way without too much drama.
One has to get ones visa stamped every night in Uzbekistan. Not good news to forget that apparently, so registration takes a while but has so far been accompanied by free tea and cake. So it's not all bad.
The Samarkand B&B, Bahodir, is $15 per night and the cheaper price is reflected in the accommodation on offer - but it seems ok. Samarkand is a bit more mental than Bukhara. Bigger and busier. Will put a pic or two up tomorrow.
Sorry, no crazy massage stories to share today. Just a bit of time sightseeing and on the road.
Breakfast in Safarran
Bukhara
Plov
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