Samarkand

One of the oldest settlements in central Asia founded 5th century BC and a key city on the silk road. 

Arriving for our first night, most of us went to the wine museum for a tasting. Would we finally find some decent wine, drinkable would be nice!  After trying 7 extremely sweet wines, 2 harsh cognacs and another spirit I would say no although some of the guys did buy some!

Next needing food, Beck our guide took us to a restaurant that was extremely busy and  lively with music and dancing and of course we had to join in the fun. 

The main attraction is the vast Registan square complex with mosque and madrasahs. Just stunning and I'm speechless (hmm)! Blown away by the sheer size of this place and the amazing architecture

Bibi-Khanym Mosque is 41m high, built for Timur  by his favourite wife, legend states that the architect would only finish the mosque if he could kiss Bibi. When Timur returned he found a mark on her cheek and from then on decreed women should wear veils.

Another night out, this time at an Armenian restaurant for 9 of us, a much quieter affair except for a local  lady who insisted we got up and danced with her. She even put her arms around Simon to take his kebab off him - Don't eat, dance!  Now Simon does enjoy his food and by gosh these kebabs were huge!

Tried out the local bus the next day and wanting some time on my own, I headed towards the older part of the town to visit the old beautiful mosque, this is a functioning mosque so off came my shoes and I covered my head before venturing inside. The minaret is very small inside and dark and not wanting to get stuck I stayed on the ground to take in the views of Samarkand. 

The avenue of mausoleums  known as Shah-I-Zinda (Tomb of the Living King) again is an impressive sight with ceramic tiles  in the traditional white, blue and turquoise colours each building very different inside, domed roofs of marble or painted plaster.