Tashkent, you surprised me (and why I’m definitely coming back)
Truth be told, Uzbekistan was not a priority in my bucket list. However, there are infinite possibilities that happen and a work-related trip to Tashkent was suddenly placed by the divine on my calendar. (I actually even volunteered to stay behind when our project team began planning for the mission there but perhaps it was really meant to be.)
Before taking you along with this journey, I’d like to share this image of the scene I saw outside the window as our plane flew over the East and Central Asian mountains. At first, I thought I was dreaming. Except for the need to lower the resolution, this photo was not edited so the colors are exactly how I have seen them. I was already fast asleep and suddenly woke up to this magnificent view. For a few seconds, I really thought it was a dream sequence so that I looked around me, checking if I am where I am supposed to be. As a photography enthusiast, I especially enjoy looking at and taking photos of the wispy and playful clouds during flights; waiting for and recognizing the different shapes that they form fascinates me. But this one is the best I’ve experienced so far. I fell asleep again, comforted by the mesmerizing and dancing colors of the night that spoke to me in whispers.
And again, I woke up to this expanse of beauty.
Blue and white mountains, as far as my eyes can see. It is as if the universe and Mama Earth decided to give us their best views ever. I was literally and figuratively in the clouds, experiencing the stillness and the peace. The reminder of hope and the depth of bliss.
Back to mundane. It was time to land and I was surprised that our group was ushered to what could be a special section of the Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. I am mentioning this because for first time travelers to Uzbekistan, it is recommended to get a local SIM so you can download Yandex app. I’m telling you–do this! Yandex is so reliable and efficient that it made my plans to see some bits of the city workable. (As you will understand, a work-related trip does not usually allow much opportunities for sightseeing.) Anyway, I realized we were not in the usual arrival area. (I assumed that business or first class travelers would typically be ushered here so do take note, this is not where you’d be able to buy a local SIM.) There were few shops and people in that section of the airport and the only shop that sells a local SIM does not carry the most recommended network and the only variant available was not really suitable for short-term travelers. Fortunately, I saw a group of airline crew and one of the stewardesses directed me how to get to the actual arrival area. Looking at my luggages (and maybe of how tired I looked), she advised me to take the short-cut as the usual route to the other side of the airport is actually a long walk.
Thank you, God-universe, I said to myself. Just on Day 1, and I’m already greeted by the legendary kindness of Uzbek people. I followed the kind lady’s instructions and voila, I found the ‘real’ arrival area and saw a kiosk that sells local SIM cards. The gentleman who assisted me also kindly installed the SIM and even downloaded the Yandex app. What a great trip this is turning out to be, I said to my guardian angels again! Upon arriving at the Holiday Inn and meeting one of my colleagues the next day, I realized I did the right thing. Because all of us took business class seats, they were also ushered to another area of the airport so that they didn’t have the chance to buy a local SIM anymore. To make the long story short, no one has Yandex except me. This means it was tougher for them to get around the city in the evenings. I offered to book them whenever I can and for the last evening of the meeting, three of us simply decided to hang out for dinner. (One booking instead of three = better!) And so, Yandex is actually the reason why I was able to visit some of the best spots of Tashkent. As you might imagine, with a work-related travel, the only “free” time for sightseeing is the evenings. In my case, I also had a day to spare because my flight was leaving on the Saturday after our meeting. Therefore, again, Yandex is the key! 😉
On my first evening, I was able to eat outside immediately. I went to a mall near Holiday Inn (I think it’s the Tashkent City Mall) as I also needed to buy some toiletries. The distance is actually walkable from the hotel but I wanted to get the hang of using Yandex as well as save on time. One thing that I already began noticing was how gracious and kind Uzbeks are. Sure, I read about it online but it is still refreshing to experience the ‘real deal.’ There was also a very touching experience with a Yandex driver, which I already shared in my Instagram. (I’ll update this post soon so I can also share it here.) Suffice to say, I fell in love with Uzbekistan–not just because of its rich heritage and culture but more importantly, because of its warm, helpful, and kind people. (I also met someone from a cafe near the hotel–we still get in touch with one another until now–and it is truly a gift to encounter strangers who could eventually become our friends, isn’t it?)
I’ll be dropping some photos here from my quick trip there but I think it’s better that I write separate articles for the places that I visited. In the meantime, I just want to say: thank you so much, Tashkent! You surprised me with the beauty and richness of your heritage and old world charm, with the care and mindfulness in creating a modern city that is still green, inclusive, safe, and walkable, and most importantly, with the graciousness, warmth, and kindness of your people. You were not a priority in my bucket list but now, I am excited to say that I will certainly be back!
The Hazrati Imam Complex, located in the Olmazor district of Tashkent city, Uzbekistan.
The Minor Mosque, located on the bank of Anhor canal.
The Chorsu Bazaar, located in the heart of Tashkent’s Old Town.
The iconic Hotel Uzbekistan.
The Tashkent City Park.
I will update this blog soon. Please visit again!
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