Phespirit goes to Uzbekistan
tour     May/June 2006

METRO - Mustaqillik Maydoni, Tashkent Tashkent Metro stations have extravagantly decorated interiors, each one with a theme, some even incorporating chandeliers. Alas, subterranean photography is prohibited. Beware the Metro Gnomes: police who use the 'no photos' rule as pretence to demand ID from tourists, and subsequently cash.
MINARET - Islam Khoja, Khiva This is Khiva's tallest minaret, Islam Khoja, 57.5m, 1908-1910, as seen from the top of its next tallest - and oldest - minaret, Juma Mosque, 33m, 10th-13th century. Observe Hotel Asia where Phespirit stayed in Room 1 (where the finger points).
MINARET - Kalta Minor, Khiva Kalta Minor was originally to have been the biggest minaret in the world until a dispute, that may or may not have culminated in the architect being hurled from its top, curtailed the construction work. Whilst intended to be in excess of 70m tall it was abandoned at a still-impressive 29m.