Phespirit goes to Uzbekistan
tour     May/June 2006

MADRASSAHS - The Registan, Samarkand

Samarkand is the fabled city that, above all others, Phespirit had to see.

There was a fear, however, that it might not live up to expectations after the splendours of Khiva and Bukhara.

The fear proved unfounded.

MAUSOLEUM - Tomb of Daniel, Samarkand

Phespirit likes a nice Old Testament tomb, so he was well pleased to chance upon the legendary tomb of Daniel in Samarkand.

Inside, the sarcophagus is eighteen metres long, as its guardians reckon Daniel grows half an inch every year and that he will rise again when sufficiently lengthy. Bizarre.

MYNA - Bird, Samarkand

Enough of old buildings.

Here's a Common Myna perched on a kerb outside the State Museum in Samarkand.

They're common throughout Uzbekistan.