I think airlines are the best way of acquainting oneself with the country you intend to travel to. Uzbek Airways was my chosen airlines and my first port of call – Tashkent. I would have expected Aeroflot but was pleased to find Boeing 737. Safety – checked.
In fact, Uzbekistan proudly showcases its purchase of Dreamliner and investing significantly in tourism by increasing its routes.
The airline also gives you the first glimpse of the people, how they look and where do they borrow their facial features from, their language, how they dress – conservatively, fashionably or comfortably. Once inside the aircraft, I was keen to read the local newspaper and watch the local movies – I watched an Uzbeki movie: A gift to yourself from yourself. It was about 2 young men – one tired of city life, the other tired of village life whose lives are to change forever because of one life-changing incident.
I was surprised to find that the Uzbeki language sounds more Turkish than Russian even though the script is Cyrillic. I later learned that indeed it was more Turkic and there is close ties between the two countries. In the past, Uzbekistan was called Turkistan. Since the Soviet era, Uzbeks learn Russian, Uzbeki and a 3rd language – English, German, Hindi or other.
There was a bunch of young travellers who were eagerly exchanging stories from their visit to Malaysia, Australia or other places they had visited. It was very sweet to see that. One of them had beautiful long hair and I could see how it would look braided in the traditional Uzbek style. The facial features were very interesting. Personally, I find Turkish people, (barring Indians), the most diverse in the way they look, and Uzbekis come a second close. They appear Nepalese, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Mongolian, some even Bulgarian.
Along the way, we passed Phuket and I could look down on its azure blue waters and the reefs. From Thailand, we went up north and then into India before going further north into Tashkent.
Tashkent Airport is a small. Immigration was quick. Not much interrogation on bags or nature of travel. Baggage delivery was a little slow but not too bad. And then it was time to explore the old Silk Route.
My dear… Im just looking through your Uzbek pages dreaming again! Lol. So you flew singapore direct to tashkent? Or is it only from KL you can get the long flight? And one more question which is super embarressing after all this time of “blog friendship”… what is your name? I dont know it! Lol 🤣🤣🤣
Hiya – it’s maddie. ♥️♥️♥️
Hi Maddie! Sorry I probably should have asked before!
I do hide behind my pseudonym Anna so partly the fault is mine to have refrained from revealing my name. ♥️
Usually best to not use too many details online! It’s why I won’t post any pics of my daughter. At least I now know it! Kind of felt weird just saying “hey you!”. Lol
I flew in from KL but I think the return was direct. Singapore (I think) purchases LNG from UZ so they do have a flight connection though on the way in, the connection was better via KL. I may be wrong about the direct connection back to Singapore though Anna. Went there in 2017 and I am excited you are looking at my old blogs considering going there yay! I could be their cultural ambassador. It is such a beautiful country.
Thanks for that! I think my two options are either via singa/kl or Dubai. I might have enough points by then to go to Dubai but would be nicer to go through singa (and definitely stop in and say hi!!)
Yay! Rooting for SG. I once flew with a Canadian last many years ago who had a pen friend in Brisbane and was flying down for the first time to see her in 50 years. I had a pen friend in Japan many years ago. I am already (cautiously) excited.
And if you will fly via Singapore, I hope we can meet. Tall ask but 🤞
Maddie! How are you!? I am looking at your old Uzbek posts again because i am finally going next week! Whoo hoo! Flying through KL, a shame not through Singapore. Anyway i am getting inspiration from you (again). Hope you are well!
There must be telepathy Anna because I have been checking on your blogs to view your travelogues of UZ. I can’t wait to read them. You will have a fab time. It is a very very beautiful country and so much to explore. Please make sure you eat their melons. They are honey sweet. The seeds apparently travelled to Rome and the Vatican has melon drawings in its ceiling frescoes.
Also, Expect tons of comments for me. Apologies in advance for spamming your blog. 🙏🙇♀️😊
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Great minds think alike! I was meant to have gone in July but my grandma died 5 days befoee i was meant to leave. It was a nightmare to reorgnise and i have lost some money etc but its back on!! I leave sept 22. I dont make posts while travelling and i am super slow, so dont expect heaps of posts until maybe the xmas holidays when i have time! 😂
Sorry to hear about your grandma, Anna. 🙏 Sep is actually a better month to go as it will be cooler. I am gonna be waiting even if it takes until Xmas Anna. I want to read everything you will write and your perspective. You are a wonderful writer and blogger.
Awww you are too kind! Thank you! Any travels up your sleeves coming?
It’s been slow, Anna. I did go to Brisbane and Sunshine Coast and it was beautiful. You have a beautiful country to call home. A trip is set for Friday to visit Xian in China. Keep an eye out for the blog and wish me inspiration.
Oh I am sure Xian will be very interesting! I look forward to your views on it! Safe and happy travels! X