We had brunch in a local restaurant and I have to say the food was absolutely delicious and very plentiful.
A few of the souvenirs on offer.
Ornately carved walking sticks.
I thought these were special hair detangling combs, but it turns out they are for stamping patterns on breads.
Handmade wooden chess sets.
There are lots of silk scarves for sale, as you'd expect given Khiva is on the Silk Road. But also a lot of cheap Chinese fake silk and if I remember rightly from our trip to China you have to set light to the fabric to test it. Although real silk will burn, it stops as soon as you remove the flame source, whereas fake will continue. But I didn't think the stallholders would take to me setting fire to their entire stock.
In the middle of this very dry city is a little oasis of green planting.
This lady was making bread.
The flat uncooked dough is pressed against the side of a large clay pot with a fire inside it.
Chugurma hats have been worn throughout central Asia since ancient times. One of the main advantages of this headwear is that a special microclimate is created under this often light hat so in summer, a chugurma protects from overheating and in winter from the cold. It also once indicated the social status of the wearer, eg. a chugurma made of astrakhan fur or karakul fur was a symbol of belonging to a high state or religious office.
These are obviously cheap imitations.
But still seem popular with the youngsters.
I think this is the first time I've ever seen a Bactrian which is native to the steppes of Central Asia. There are presently around 2 million animals, mainly domesticated.
Our local guide showing us this intricately carved Koran stand which can be opened in about 10 different ways.
We then went into the workshop and had a demonstration.
Quite why anyone would want to stand a book in so many different ways is beyond me, by there's obviously a market for them.
Ian is "relaxing" on a Tapchan - a large, solid wooden square or rectangular frame, usually layered with hand-tufted carpets, richly decorated blankets, and thick, square floor cushions. It's typically found outdoors in gardens, courtyards, or under shaded pavilions, making it an ideal gathering spot during the warm summer months. And judging by the pained look on his face it's jolly uncomfortable.
All the Uzbek people we've met so far have been delightful; this chap was really keen for me to photograph his child.
A very young but cool dude!
Farik, our guide, who is very sweet but reminds me of a WWII sailor when he turns up his hat brim.
