Samarkand -- Day Three

On the morning of day three we headed by train to another major historical city in Uzbekistan, Samarkand.  Samarkand is a bit more spread out and definitely more touristy.  We (including boys) were a bit tired, so we got a taxi and saw a few of the minor, off the beaten path sites. 

The first thing we did at our new B & B -- naps.

Samarkand is one of six cities claiming Daniel's burial.  The story goes that Amir Timur (Tamarlane) was unable to conquer Syria, and he believed it was because Daniel was buried there.  He sent his troops to take Daniel and after a fierce battle was able to return his body to Uzbekistan. 



The story goes that he continues to grow something like half of an inch each year, requiring an extra, extra, extra long tomb.  See above.  (This experience was bizarre for us and smelled like feet -- everyone's shoes off to enter.)



We all loved this tea pot water wheel at a UNESCO traditional paper making factory.

The courtyard of our B&B.  (Antica B&B -- highly recommended.)

Playing in a dirt pile -- the boys' favorite part of the day.

Bukhara -- Day Two

Day two was still spectacular but so, so, so hot!

A new building for Bukhara, built shortly after 1800.

A shop owner's daughter sharing her pet with Seth.

Seth inside the Ark, a fortress occupied since 5th century AD.

The skyline



The jail near the Ark where British spies Connolly and Stewart were held in the bug pit.  A highlight attraction for Craig. 




Discussing the nuances of Bukharan bread.



Bukhara -- Day One

This past weekend the boys and I traveled to Bukhara and Samarkand.  It was OLD and amazing.  I'll post photos by the day to keep the posts a bit shorter.  If you are interested you can read here about the history of this 2500 year old city.

We happened upon a parade as we walked out of our hotel.  The city is famous for their puppets and puppet shows.

A lady making music with plates in the parade.

This is my favorite photo from the trip.  These girls in traditional dress were enjoying ice cream after the parade.

During Vic's nap, Seth and I read National Geographic in the courtyard of our B&B.

Uzbek pottery

Kalyan Minerate, built in 1127, spared by Ghengis Khan because he was so impressed.

You can make out Craig and the boys at the bottom, for perspective.

Entrance to a medrassa.

Seth tends to be shy when folks don't speak English but not at this moment.  Craig and I lost him for a moment and found him here, chatting with this store owner and sharing sunflower seeds.

A door his size.

Doors of a traditional home.  I like them.

Cherry Picking

A friend invited us out to her dacha (country home) to pick cherries last week.  The drive, the little house, the setting, all was great fun.  And Vic loved the cherries!

Outside the dacha

Seth found this box of cards about animals left from when our friends' kiddos were young.  He loved them.

Chasing an ant

Picking cherries

After a little cherry sampling

An old chicken coop turned into a playhouse



More sampling



He needed a cookie break after all the cherries.

Lickin' the Beaters

Yummy!