If you’re reading this because you’re thinking about coming to Uzbekistan, here’s one thing you need to know: buy your train tickets 60 days in advance, on the very first day they become available. The fast trains fill up quickly. That’s how we ended up flying from Tashkent to Bukhara today!
The airport is super confusing and very few people speak English, but if we looked the least confused people tried to help us. I asked my Italian teacher if she had problems communicating when she came to Uzbekistan. She said “not at all.” But then she mentioned she speaks fluent Russian. Right.
Our kind Airbnb host offered to drive us to the airport. He had lots of questions about America, and I have to admit, I have many of the same questions about our own country right now.
Bukhara has always been an important trading center on the Silk Road, so it has always attracted tourists. Still, I was disappointed to see dozens and dozens of tour buses. I had really expected the city to be more picturesque and charming, so my first impression was a bit disappointing. It doesn’t have the trees and beautiful parks that Tashkent does. Outside the old town, the Soviet-era apartment blocks are poorly maintained, and some of the sidewalks seem to be made of more rubble than walk.
The old town is quite beautiful. There’s a lovely pond filled with swans, surrounded by a pretty restaurant. At sunset, music started playing and colorful lights came on, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Although I love birds, I found the noisy flocks of myna birds overhead incredibly annoying. The food, however, was delicious.
