Central Asia

From the middle of the KyzylQ’um Desert in Uzbekistan. A lunch stop in endless hot plains where the summer temperatures are in the 50°+ range. Today is about 36° The ancient camel trains of the Silk Route traversed these desert tracks from China to Türkiye. We were on the road today through this for 7 hours moving from Khiva to Bukhara. Have a fabulous weekend. Peace and good health to all xxx

16th century Mosque in the historical UNESCO heritage old city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It has fantastic wooden pillars. It is one of the few ancient mosques which now is used as a mosque. Despite Bukhara being such a crossroad of religions, learning and trade for 2000 years, the Russian occupation closed down all of the dozens of mosques and madrassas in the country. Uzbekistan’s major religion is Islam, but it has returned after Russian occupation with a very open, light touch. Many are very secular Muslims, some in name only. It is a delightful country. I feel so lucky to be exploring it. Have a fabulous week, everyone!

At the yurt where we stayed at the high altitude Song Kul Lake, the pieces of wood you see are not only a washing line, but a visual and virtual fence for the herders’ dogs to keep the cows, sheep and yaks behind this line. And away from the yurts. For a simple reason…so you do not step out of your yurt and step in a large pile of animal dung. It is a remarkably effective fence…outside it is thick with animal dung and urine. The place is very remote and hard to get to, at 3,600 meters. Quiet, still and exquisite. The herders spend summers here with their animals, before retreating down before the -35° of winter. Best wishes to all for a great weekend

This is at 4600 meters on the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, heading towards Kyrgyzstan. China has a border fence stretching for hundreds of kilometres here…this razor wired masterpiece is part of it…..we travelled alongside it for several hours today. We have been in very remote places and I have a few hours of internet tonight in Osh in Kyrgyzstan. Very best to all…Will catch up when I get home after more mountain caprices ❤️

Xinjiang, China. In the Old Town of Kashgar, an ancient Silk Route city in the desert. A Uighur food market….with chicken simmered in saffron, rose petals and jujubes. And such a pretty sight too! Happy Monday to all.

A giant black bee on wildflowers in Tajikistan. I have not seen a black bee before! Happy Thursday….❤️

Kashgar ‘old city’ in Xinjiang, China. A view down a side street…. Have a fabulous Friday, and a really wonderful weekend!

In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan on the Silk Route heading from China, the huge remains of a fifteenth century caravanserai still stand. A safe haven against robbers, wild tribespeople and villains, traders took their caravans of pack animals into the safety of these thick stone walls, and stayed within the chambers inside. Also protection against the bitter night cold at these altitudes.

In Kyrgyzstan in the mountains. A summer grazing camp with the family’s yurt and ex-Soviet caravan which is their summer home. Our driver stopped to buy the National drink…kumiss..fermented mare’s milk. A bit sour for me! Enjoy a wonderful weekend, all!