Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The weather was clear and cold at 3:30AM when the wake-up call sounded. The Golden Dragon Hotel had prepared a full breakfast for us and it seemed that the entire staff rallied for our departure.
It was only an hour and ten minute flight and with a time change, we arrived in Tashkent in just a few minutes after adjusting watches.
Flying over the mountains at dawn:
View From the Plane
Tashkent, which means place of stones, was a very pleasant surprise. It seemed like a modern, well planned upscale city. The Lotte Tashkent Palace Hotel was elegant and very comfortable. They served real espresso and cappuccino in the lobby.
Tashkent Palace Hotel
Tashkent was an impressive city with modern buildings and broad avenues.
City of Friendship and Peace
Typical Apartment Building
We checked into the hotel to freshen up and I walked across the street to see the park and the neighborhood.
In the Park Across from the Hotel
Might be a University
View From my Balcony
Our Golden Dragon Coach in Uzbekistan
Unfortunately, the weather was chilly and overcast and drizzled on and off during our one day in Tashkent.
Radio Tower
Monument
Museum
Lovely Park Over the River
School Children Posing for their Teacher
Eternal Flame with Mourning Mother
Monument to the Devastating Earthquake of April 26, 1966
Walk in the Park
Stork Statue
We walked into Tashkent Metro System to take the subway one station. It was clean and modern, but no photos were allowed.
Walking Into the Metro
The Golden Dragon Coach met us at the next station and drove us to the Tarona Restaurant for a delicious Uzbek lunch.
Entrance to Tarona Restaurant
Interior
Stage with Instruments
Fresh Uzbek Break
Yummy Stew
Across the street from the restaurant there was a school with an inviting playground out front. Unfortunately, school wasn’t in session.
Playground
Remembrance
One Book of Names
Romanov House
Craftsmen’s Home & Studio
Ceramics
Hand Painting
Tools of the Trade
Collection of Hats
Just a few words about Uzbek money: $1.00 equals about 2,388 Uzbekistani Soms so you have a huge wad of money in your pocket. The collection of 1000 Som bills below is only worth $50.00 Uzbek traders deal in dollars and euros and believe it or not were always honest in their dealings. They expect bargaining so the initial price is higher than they plan to take. If you don’t bargain, as I forgot to do once, they give a “discount.”
Uzbek Soms
Restaurant for Dinner