Uzbekistan – the heart of ancient Sogdiana, Timur’s goal and the last frontier of the empire of Alexander the Great. In ancient times, here were born and extinguished the empire, there was a brisk trade and passed the ancient knowledge; Uzbekistan today – is the heart of Central Asia, which attracts tourists with its cuisine, historic monuments and, of course, people.
The best time for travelling in Uzbekistan is the spring, when it’s not yet too hot, or in the autumn, when the heat has abated, and there is a great number of local fruits and vegetables in the local markets.
The main attraction of the country – it is certainly the people: open, kind, hospitable, hardworking and helpful. The biggest problem with them: to refuse their hospitality, because it is sometimes too much, especially when there’s a wedding, you will be invited for sure, even if you know them for two days! In difficult situations, you can ask support from the locals, which are always happy to help: they will hold a free tour, help with the bags and escort where necessary.
For vegetarians it’s a paradise, especially in summer and autumn: fruits and vegetables are not only cheap, but really delicious. However, in the restaurants, the phrase “meat-free” means bad: even Bukhara pilaf with dried apricots and raisins is brought and decorated with meat. However, as assured by the cook all the ingredients for it are cooked separately, so separating the meat from the other ingredients, you can get pure vegetarian dish)
Uzbeks are not only a nation of hardworkers, but also of businessmen. Therefore, you can bargain everywhere, even at the entrance to the museum. So, with the active discussion, the price can be brought down to 30 – 50%. One of the locals favourite story is about a guy named Timur which was insisting on passing for free to the tomb of Tamerlane, citing his unwillingness to pay deep blood relationship with the Emir Timur. This “audacity” in our view, in Uzbekistan is seen as a game with their unwritten rules. Dive into it is equivalent to the adoption of the surrounding space without expectations and claims. Perhaps this is the true meaning of any journey – be dissolved in an endless kaleidoscope of changing images, cease to expect a miracle and understand that this kaleidoscope and is a major miracle and the highest award of any trip.
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