Wednesday, March 14, 2018Hot and humid day visiting the various temple sites around Anuradhapura. Humongous stupas, vast monestary complexes and palaces. Founded in the 4th century BC and the epicenter of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilization for 1300 years.
Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka
Monday, March 12, 2018 Spent the day exploring Colombo. Lovely hotel in the old Fort area walking distance to many sights. Dutch Hospital is a refurbished colonial-era complex which now houses trendy restaurants and shops. Also visited the Pettah area
A quick stop in Male
Sunday, March 11, 2018 Had a half day to walk around Male before heading to the airport for our mid-afternoon flight to Sri Lanka. Visited the National Museum and the old Friday Mosque – one of the few surviving mosques
Lots of fun in the hot, hot sun
Saturday, March 10, 2018 A half day of snorkeling. Took a speedboat out of Maafushi to visit 3 reefs. Plenty of turtles, gorgeous tropical fish and dolphins. Sadly, much of the coral was dead. Picnic lunch on a sandbar in
Scenes from Maafushi in The Maldives
Friday, March 9, 2019 Beautiful beaches and incredibly friendly people.
Speedboat Male to Maafushi
Thursday, March 8, 2018 After an entirely forgettable night at a hotel by the airport, we were ready to experience the Maldives that we came to see. Getting from the capital city of Malé to the island of Maafushi is
One flight left
Always great to be at Hong Kong airport. Means we’re almost home! Waiting for our last red-eye flight.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Farewell to Uzbekistan
Last dinner with our group. Flying to Almaty this afternoon.
Last Day in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Shakhrisabz
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More of Samarkand
More of Samarkand. Mausoleum of Tamerlane, The Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, History Museum, and amazing sound and light show at the Registan. See full post and pictures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.macie/posts/1401531106628364
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Drove to Samarkand today. Interesting visit to the ancient Ulug-Beg Observatory and the phenomenal Shah-i-Zinda necropolis of tombs, mosques and mausoleums. Fantastic tiles from the 14th century.
Yurt camp and camels
Off the grid for a day as we drove into the desert to a yurt camp near Lake Aydar and Nurata. Stopped to view petroglyphs and the ruins of yet another fort of Alexander the Great. Got to ride camels
Exploring Bukhara
A free day to explore Bukhara. Checked out a couple of museums and wandered the streets. Got to see the actual Bug Pit of Stoddart and Conolly fame. https://www.thoughtco.com/execution-of-stoddart-and-conolly… Did a bit of shopping then back to the hotel for
Touring around Bukhara, Uzbekistan
A long day touring around Bukhara. Way too many madrassahs and they all look the same! Also visited the last Emir’s summer palace, The Ark, a mausoleum, several mosques & minarets and markets. Finished the day with an ethnic music
Kyzylkum desert from Khiva to Bukhara
Today we drove across the Kyzylkum desert from Khiva to Bukhara. Hot and dry 8.5 hour drive. Got to pick cotton in the fields near Bukhara.
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Excellent day wandering through the town of Khiva. Beautifully tiled mosques, madrassahs and palaces. Traditional tiles are always white, blue and turquoise. Our hotel was a converted madrassah and we slept in an old study cubicle. Sunset atop a watchtower
Urgench, Uzbekistan
Flew to Urgench in the morning then spent the afternoon touring 3 of the Qala Forts of ancient Khorezm – Kyzyl Qala, Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.