We are quite often in awe wandering around Khiva, open mouthed and gawping at the intricate and colorful buildings not to mention the colorful people.
We are also reminded that we are in an ordinary town as we bump into two wedding parties looking stunning if rather somber given the occasion
We are lead to believe that it is traditional not to smile and we should not worry about them.
Another happy group we bump into are these and whilst the adults look very pleased and proud the youngster dressed in silver should be less impressed.
Although he probably does not understand it he is off to his circumcision which happens to boys when they are either 3 or 5 no idea why the gap but I think earlier rather than later would be his response if asked.
The lady holding the child is noted for her gold teeth which are all the rage, everyone and I mean everyone has gold teeth. Not sure but I imagine they go to the dentist not as much for a checkup but a revaluation.
We are enjoying Khiva very much and spend the rest of the time hanging around and drinking coffee watching the locals and haggling for souvenirs.
They have lots of carpets, wall hangings, paintings chess sets and trinkets although i am biding my time until we get to Buchars where Jonathan says the is more choice and keener prices.
As the day starts to wind down we are hatching a plan to come back later to try and get some sunset shots from a highpoint we have spotted before meeting up with the group for dinner somwhere in the center ofthe town.