Samarkand

The Golden Road To Samarkand has finally reached Samarkand.





The necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda was an option, with the alternate shopping, so I opted to think I was to see some morbid sights. But no, the necropolis was a collection of about twenty magnificant mausoleums


Inside the tiling can be spectacular.



I didnt realise that mosques and madressahs (Islamic Colleges) covered by tiled mosaics are so numerous, not just a famous few.






Registan Square. Best refer you to Wikipedia. Inside are markets for tourists rather than any remaining religious purpose.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registan


Day out in Samarkand. The bright clothing is the rule and worn by all ages.


Food market. Very colourful.



One of the trips was to Uleg Beg Observatory, a museum where in 1420 he built an observatory.
An underground portion of his sextant thingy he used to record position of the stars has been excavated (but doesnt make much of a photo so here is the modern exterior only).



First evening was to a meal with a fashion show. The ladies were told they could buy the coats on show and sure enough, some did.




The 21st century has yet to complete its journey to Samarkand. The hotel had a wonderful lobby but the rooms were pure Old Country Motel, except that the tv usually works in the motel. Hot water was available 6 to 8 am and 6 to 8 pm.. In between the cold was cut off as well at odd times. Still, there were no bed bugs so cant complain.
Breakfast by now had neither Aussie nor Euro style options, but fruit, sugary bread or meat of some type. Lunch and the evening meal were green salads, tomato salad and meat of some form. All of which came with the risk of, to use the polite term, tummy upsets.
Once out of China the tummy upsets started. Maybe the change of diet but more likely the food handling is not so hot. I certainly avoided the cold foods and salads which required handling.