Unwanted Souvenirs

I’m a light packer. I learned how to pack light the hard way. In 2003, I took a large rucksack and a sizeable sports bag with me for a three plus month tour of Mexico. Within a week, I’d ditched the sports bag. And, obviously, a sports bag worth of stuff. Travelling light is a …

The Swamp

Regrets, I’ve had a few. But then again, too few to mention. Except this one regret, which I shall mention. I loved New Orleans. I went with Mrs P last November. It’s a lot of fun. I loved the history. It’s a photographers delight. I rode on a paddle boat down the Mississippi. I ate …

Feeling Yellow

I took this photo today, on my daily walk. I don’t normally come this way, but I had to pop into Eurochange to pick up some Croatian money. This is a historic photo. How so? I’m stood on Bath Road, just along from the Royal Bath Hotel, both so named because once upon a time …

Nostradumbass

If I could go back in time, where would I go? I could sneak back to 1889 and smother baby Adolph, I suppose. Do the world a favour, possibly. Or nip back to November 1963 and train my zoom lens on the sixth floor of a certain building in Dallas, just top sate my curiosity. …

The Silk Road ‘22

The trip to Samarkand from Tashkent is a journey back to the 15th century. Courtesy of a 20th century Soviet rail network. Aboard the speed and luxury of a 21st century Spanish bullet train. Any sensible tourist these days will use the train to get about Uzbekistan. They’re so reasonably priced, you’ll quite possibly treat …

Tashkent Calling

Tashkent sounds exotic. Mysterious. Far away. Exotic. And yet, does the name conjure up any specific image? It didn’t for me, and I suspect I’m not alone. So Tashkent was a journey of discovery, which is the best type of journey in my opinion. How best can I give a brief overview of what I …

Uzbek Impressions

Most visits to Uzbekistan will usually start and finish in the capital, Tashkent. You’ll fly into a modern airport. You’ll catch a modern taxi, most likely a Chevrolet. You’ll drive down decent roads with plenty of sturdy looking buildings on either side. That’s how our trip started and that was my first impression of Tashkent. …