タグ: Silk Road

                            by David Parmer/Tokyo

Well if plastic tourism, where visitors move like sheep through phony destinations, is not your thing, and the existence of a yet another Starbucks Coffee shop causes you to see red, and you consider yourself a “traveler” and not a “tourist” then maybe your next trip should to the heart of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan. All reports suggest that Uzbekistan will not disappoint you.

 The country of 28 million people (60% rural) seems to have the same growing pains as its Central Asian neighbors in making its transition from Soviet-style society to 21st century democracy. The country faces problems such as human rights, economic stagnation and the question of presidential succession. Its government is described by many in the West as authoritarian.

Having said that, Uzbekistan, has a lot going for it, and like its neighbors has the prospect of a bright future. Natural resources include gas, coal oil and gold. Moreover, Uzbekistan is one of the largest cotton produces in the world. Potentially, the tourist industry could be its biggest long term money maker.The richness of its history and the beauty of the architecture in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara and other cities are matched by few places on Earth.

Travel writers enthuse about Uzbekistan; can’t say enough great things. (see below) The biggest criticism seems to be about government bureaucracy, particularly in the area of entering and departing the country. The Uzbek people are described as warm and friendly, the climate welcoming and the scenery both natural and man-made, as breathtaking. So for your next, non-plastic vacation this might be just the place—and no Starbucks there. Yet.

The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/mar/01/uzbekistan-holiday-road-trip

CNN Travel:  http://travel.cnn.com/underrated-uzbekistan-428564/

Photo: (Top) Tashkent, Barak-Khan Madrassan/ welcome to uzbekistan.uz

Map: Wikitravel, Central Asia

Photo: (Bottom) Tashkent, Amir Temur Museum/ visit-uzbekistan.com