Uzbekistan travel guide

A name like The State Art Museum of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, named after I.V. Savitsky (more commonly known as the Nukus Museum) may not be the most public relations geared moniker. But what the museum lacks in naming finesse, it more than makes up for in all other ways. What makes the museum special is the 82,000+ pieces of Soviet era art. Some may think, "Soviet era art?". It's true. Although the powers that be at the time attempted to destroy the art community, it somehow found refuge in this tiny town in the middle of nowhere. The museum is wonderfully well designed and run. It is rare to have such a great opportunity to see collections of art that simply should not exist.

Tashkent is a sprawling city with no particular centre. The boulevards are wide and the urban space is an odd mix of green parks, imposing aged government buildings, and apartment blocks, mostly of the Soviet architecture type. But since this is Tashkent, it's often done with a twist of eccentricity. Take for example Navoi Park: a huge park with an artificial lake, where there also are a sandy beach, a fairground, some statues, and just weird buildings. But Tashkent also has a more traditional side where vibrant bazaars and beautiful mosques stand next to dense neighbourhoods of mudbrick houses. Tashkent might not be pretty nor exciting, but it's easygoing.

At first, the soft-spoken Uzbek people can seem a bit reserved, but then one breaks the ice by asking where you are from (most likely in Russian) and the others join in, eager to know whether you like Uzbekistan. They are always polite and easygoing, never in your face. Even the militsia (police) will leave you alone these days. Though a bit shy, a smile will be returned by a smile, often golden since gold-capped teeth are in fashion. As people of the Silk Road, the Uzbek are welcoming and friendly. It's very likely you'll be invited for tea, shots of vodka (they are also easygoing Muslims), or just some of the juicy seasonal fruit. There are of course a few entrepreneur taxi drivers and shop owners who think it's their duty to heavily overcharge foreigners. No matter whether you tell them that you know the right price or are walking off, they don't lower their price. Just give them a smile like an Uzbek... and then pick another taxi or shop.