November 12, 2014 Bright sunny day – 45 – 55 F.
We met Sasha of Sasha & Son B&B. He told us we were the last guests of the season and the inn would close for the winter after we left tomorrow. After breakfast, our Golden Dragon coach drove us out of the central part of Bukhara to visit the Palace of the Moon and Stars, the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara.
Palace of the Moon and Stars
Interior:
Photos of the Last Emir of Bukhara:
Tourists
Chor-Minor 1806:
Back to Bukhara – we went to the USAID-UNESCO Handicraft Development Center near Lyabi-Hauz Plaza to hear several artisans talk about and demonstrate their craftsmanship.
Afterwards, we walked into one of the alleyways to visit the Jewish community center and synagogue which is the center of religious life for members. The son of the rabbi described the history of the synagogue and told us there were about 250 members. 70,000 Jews have left Uzbekistan since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
We had another good Uzbek lunch and celebrated the birthday of one of the members of our tour group with a beautiful cake:
Then the group had the afternoon free to explore Bukhara on our own. We had a great time shopping!
Sunset in Bukhara:
