May 20 Shakhrisabz - on the way!

Our journey to Bukhara took us via Shakhrisabz in the region of Qashqadaryo. There we were to visit Amir Timur’s birthplace. We found a large mosque complex and surrounding wall in ruins but in the process of being repaired - quite magnificent. Plonked at the end of the complex and set in beautiful gardens is a huge statue of Timur, the giant. He is much revered. Seeing the mosque in its current state brought home to you its age and the passage of time. 

Entrance to the memorial centre honouring Amir Timur

Earthquakes have severely damaged the beautiful tile work

A towering stature of Timur gazed out over the complex

There were large leisure gardens attached to the complex which was all very new and designed as a place for families and tourists alike - fun rides for kids, cafes and stalls, fairy floss, family and wedding parties there for photo shoots. I shook hands with dozens of boys all keen to try out their English greetings (some in Russian - we are mistaken often for a Russians or French). Young girls addressed us in French mainly.  It was the place to be seen! Glamour and glitter everywhere and everyone dressed to kill. 

This is a favoured spot for wedding photos. It's all very western fairytale!

Fairy floss!  I was tempted to buy some but resisted.

The gardens were beautifully laid out

It was one of those extremely touristy spots. We lunched and then hit the road again bound for Bukhara.  

Talking of roads ....... they are a minor version of the Gibb River road! without the remoteness and Aussie scenery. They are ‘paved’ but extremely rough, badly broken up with huge wash outs and potholes. Cars drive all over the place to avoid holes. It was a bouncy but rather lovely ride as the driver was playing Uzbek classical music. We reached Bukhara in one piece!