I am not sure I can take in any more Madrassahs or Mosques as we have seen just about everyone there is in Uzbekistan. Not entirely true but in 2 weeks I reckon I have been in over a hundred Mosques and Madrassahs. Khiva will be on foot today, no buses or coach or taxis. Founded 6th Century BC by a shepherd who found a spring where the water was so sweet he praised it Khiva (water so sweet) and here starts the tale of much history to the city of Khiva. A city or town is not recognised unless it has a Friday Mosque so that makes a big difference.
Got the e-mail from Darryl today which I am as pleased for him as he got the job in Calgary which I know he really wanted. Hoping that I will get to see him next week and, of course, Lisa. Man United also beat Fenerbahçe 5-0 which sounds like it was a bit of a thrashing.
This evening I spent waiting for the sunset over the city whilst sitting up on the battlements of the wall. I sat by the west gate just parallel to the Kuya Arh, all the professional photographers were up the watch tower. They obviously planned it all very sensibly so that they got the vantage. I was on my lonesome ‘in Khiva’. A real problem with this holiday is that as it is all organised this includes the meals and so to be force fed almost 3 meals a day it’s noticeable. The meal structure is incredibly similar with a salad to start made up of beetroot, coleslaw, yoghurt, nan bread and usually nuts. This is followed by a meat soup, clear with a few noodles. They always sever you before you have finished the salad. Water accompanies the real ‘Nestle’! As the spoon hits the bottom of the bowl it is whisked away and replaced with rice plour or another meat stew. The accompanying wine usually from the Ferghana Valley is on the tart side and one glass is easily enough. Not often is there a pastry dessert but on all occasions you get ripe red water melon and gala melon dependent on the restaurant/teahouse. Anwar and John have just arrived at Lolitas and it looks like we are in for a party tonight with red wine and a bottle of vodka both of which have been put into the fridge in Reception. The receptionist desperately tried to help a phone call from someone in England who clearly wants to book but he couldn’t really understand so both parties have agreed to call back and speak in 30 minutes so I hope the English speaking girl is here if not, Anwar will need to do it. Turns out it is Tim’s wife calling at a prescribed time.
One of the endearing sites here in Khiva is the kids happy and shoeless as the old city residence is where the poor people live and outside the city walls is where the rich live. Prior to the Soviet invasion the residency was reversed with rich on the inside. I may have a fan as one of the girls standing by the door for the kitchen watching the group keeps laughing and smiling with her sister I am sure it is aimed at Anwar but I always catch her eye. She is very young and pretty and obviously a bit of a flirt. She must be no more than 18 or 19.
Each time I catch her eye she waves and disappears; now I know it is me and to be honest it is a little embarrassing. Her way of getting a bigger tip I expect but in any case maybe she is Lolita!