Tashkent

By Paul Bryers

Approximately half of the flight duration from Istanbul to Tashkent was in daylight. Following the Caspian Sea, the landscape below transformed into an expanse of desert, persisting until the outskirts of Tashkent, where verdant areas began to emerge.

Numerous arid riverbeds and vast reservoirs were visible, including the one pictured, located in Kazakhstan.

Upon arrival, I noted the small airport, which exclusively accommodated planes belonging to Uzbekistan or Uzbekistan Airways.

The Shahar Hotel is very charming, with my bedroom featuring traditional lattice woodwork and tiling.

I met the owner of Medji Tours and some group members at breakfast, finding them to be a nice, well traveled bunch.

In the afternoon, I went out for a short exploration and tried out the metro from my hotel to Uzbekistan Hotel.

The Uzb Hotel was a Soviet area monstrosity.

Metro stations were spectacular and I planned to explore them more tomorrow.

In the meantime, enjoyed a local beer in Uzb Hotel Lobby Bar.

Met up with some of the other guests for a beer and then to dinner at local restaurant which was wonderful.