CROSSING INTO UZBEKISTAN
Crossing in Uzbekistan and the train to Bukhara. After a questionable breakfast, my driver collected me, and we made the uncertain drive to the border. Leaving a country is usually easy, just a passport stamp and ensuring you haven’t overstayed.
WELCOME, YOU’RE THE FIRST TO HAVE A VISA ON ARRIVAL HERE
Turkmenistan checks for Turk carpets and antiques, making me nervous about my drone, but they only asked and didn’t search my bag. I was waved straight though and towards the immigration officer.
WHERE IS THE UZBEKISTAN BORDER?
TURKMENISTAN BORDER
The officer was happy to stamped me out but he wanted to see my visa for Uzbekistan. The Turkmenistan officer needed to see my Uzbekistan visa to ensure I wouldn’t have to return and reapply for a new visa.
Anyway I had the presidents decree at the ready and after airdropping it to him he wished me a safe journey and off I went.
THE FIRST EVER VISA ON ARRIVAL
Entering Uzbekistan felt vastly different, as if I’d traveled 1000 miles instead of just 500 meters by taxi. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, it made me realise that Uzbekistan could well be the highlight of this trip and something I would be seeing a lot more of.
The immigration officer came straight to me and said not to worry about the immigration form and that I should come straight to the front of the security queue. He was loving the Irish passport but I was slightly nervous about my drone when they wanted my bag opened. That was until they saw my famous packing cubes and let me on my way.
NEW PLANS
Then it was the immigration where I was apparently the first person to take advantage of this new visa policy today. I still couldn’t believe my luck, I could just as easily be going back to Ashgabat airport! I changed all my plans to visit Bukhara, but the lack of Wi-Fi in my hotel made confirming them difficult. My driver however was keen to help and took me to the nearest hotel.
Uzbekistan has suffered of late and was frequented mostly by Americans. However since 9/11 all that changed and many locals believe it was down to their country having the syllables “istan”, similar to Afghanistan etc.
KHIVA
I planned to spend a few hours in Khiva, take the night train to Bukhara, and stay a night there, in Samarkand, and in Tashkent. This still leaves me having plenty of time for my flight to Bangkok before going to Bhutan.
I didn’t have much expectations of Khiva because I didn’t know what to expect but it was stunning and a place that remained relatively untouched. There were countless weddings and the guests were getting the bride to look towards my camera as opposed the her own photographers!!
FRIENDLY LOCALS
The driver waited before dropping me at the train station, where I’d be arriving in Bukhara in the middle of the night. I was sharing a room with 3 other locals who seemed to get the fright of their life when I white guy walked in.
They were very kind, and the experience humbled me. One offered me a seat to chat, though only one spoke limited English.
SHARINGS CARING
They shared their food, despite me bringing nothing. They even kept my green tea cup filled! It goes to show that although you might not be able to speak the same language as someone but you can always find a way to communicate. At home there’s no doubt everyone would be on their phones – me included.
WAKING UP TO A SAUSAGE
After examining my passport stamps, I walked around the train but was often stopped by friendly locals for a chat. Got talking to a fella called Bec and after hearing about my steak ordeal in Turkmenistan he offered to meet me in Tashkent and make amends!
Back in the room, I noticed the locals asleep and decided to sleep too. Fifteen minutes later, they got up and started eating. They continued to offer me food and drink – it was the offer of a stick of salami they shoved in my face that had me in fits of laughter!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Incredible people in this country and a sign of things to come!
NEXT UP
Bukhara. Click to read
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
129/229
This post is part of the Central Asia Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.