MORE TASHKENT

11th - 13th Apr 2025

Entrance to the 'Magic City', Navoi Park

I changed hotels to a more conveniently located one, namely 'My Status Hotel' on Zarbog St near the city centre (right). It was inexpensive and very charming with most helpful receptionists who spoke good English (and within 10 mins walk of the 'oasis' at The Irish Pub!).

Left: The hotel dining room which put on breakfast to 11am! Unfortunately no bar, but it had an indoor swimming pool and 'spa'....which I didn't use.

I decided to go and have a look at Navoi Park, over to the west of the city (see bad map on previous blog). Another trip on the Metro, which I was getting the hang of, from the local Oybek station, For once it was gloriously uncrowded (right).

.....to the charmingly named station of Milliy Bog (left) which is just outside the park. 

It reminds me to mention that similar 'underpasses' were in evidence along all the vast main streets to get you across otherwise impenetrably heavy traffic.

Right: Entrance to the park.......

Left:......which, as at most public venues, had a 'security' check on entering.

Right: The first building one sees is the National History Museum. I went in (entry 25,000 UZS!...that's £1.50).

Left: Vast open space, on four floors, inside this elegant building....

Right: ......and, mainly, just a lot of old bones, stones and pottery on display. Not very inspiring.

There are many statues outside. This one (left) is of Mr Oybek, after whom various things, including the Metro station, are named. He was a poet, writer and Bolshevik politician.

Right:.......and this one, of Alisher Navoi, a 15th century character. Another poet, writer, politician and 'mystic' after whom the park is named.

Enough statues for the time being!

Left: Onwards into the park. It is very pretty and well manicured with nice grassy areas amongst the trees.

Right: Picnics everywhere......

Left: The locals love their (alcohol free) picnics. I noticed this subsequently in all the grassy areas and in other parks around the town.

Left: Down to the large lake/lagoon and a rather embarrassing photo taken by an enthusiastic local who was passing by. I think you are meant to be standing next to your lover, holding hands and looking longingly into each other's eyes. 😘

Left: Part of the lake which extends a long way down the park. There were many types of boats, either pedal or electric powered, in operation.

Right: Looking across to the western entrance to 'The Magic City'. This place is an Uzbek Mini-Disneyland.

Left: The eastern entrance. You might notice that Pepsi-Cola adverts are prominent here. All the cafés and places inside seem to be sponsored here by Pepsi-Cola, unlike the rest of the city...by Coca-Cola. These American outfits get everywhere....although I have yet to see any sign of a dreadful 'McDonald's'.

Inside the 'magic city' are many cafés/restaurants (none serving alcohol) and lots of other forms of entertainment. Right: Transport around the area consists of several novel types of vehicle including these 'trains'.

Left: I 'observed' these 'marksmen's' skills at a shooting gallery. They used air-rifles which were actually quite powerful, but judging by the lack of targets hit must have had bent barrels.

Right: The 'Magic Museum' which was quite amusing with lots of optical illusions and other things to trick you.

Left: I'm not sure how this happened!

Right: In the centre of the 'city area' is a largish pond over which a 'zip wire' hung.

Left: The 'zip wire' ran from the tower to a receiving end at the other side of the pond. It wasn't very far, and frankly, did not inspire me to have a go. The cost? 50,000 Uzs. (£3).

Right: I tried to capture a 'zip-liner' in action, but nothing very spectacular.

I took a long walk around the lake and came across this area (left) designated 'Picnic Zona', but don't know why they bothered. People were picnicking everywhere anyway.

Right: More picnickers.

Left: Just a snap of some of the many pretty girls around the place. As mentioned in my report from Almaty, there was absolutely no sign of any of the grossly obese, wobbly arsed, tattooed, face-studded pavement blockers that infest Britain. The local girls here seem to take care of their appearance.

I came across one of these 'Virtual Reality' machines (right). The people on-board were shrieking and laughing with delight at what they were experiencing. They were loving it! So I thought I would have a go. I duly climbed aboard, put on my 'virtual reality' goggles and it set off. It was a violent roller-coaster ride through various alarming scenery involving vertical drops and 90 degree tight turns. After about 5 minutes I began to feel a bit queasy. After 10 minutes I thought I was going to be sick. I just lasted the 15 minutes approx (lost track of the time) but daren't get off to show lack of face. I felt very unwell afterwards and it took me over 2 hours to recover! Never again.

Left: This sign was displayed near the museum. 'Forbes' appear to have a handle on this place (as well a Coca-Cola a Pepsi-Cola).

That will do from Tashkent for the time being. I am off next by train to Samarkand. I return to Tashkent towards the end of my journey and there is more to report from this city, so, until then:

Onwards Onwards!