So there we were at a little coffee stand in the middle of a delightful park asking the café owner for two white coffees when it occurred to me that we might want to check which currency to use.
Interestingly we had with us British Pounds, American Dollars, Euros, credit / debit cards from five different countries but all to no avail as what we really needed was Uzbekistan Som. Who would have guessed that three of the main currencies in the world would not be useful well you learn something every day.
We did in the end find someone who would take dollars (they do need to be pristine no creases or folds accepted) it was at a burger bar attached to a cinema complex a little further down the road.
On payment after what was some very strong coffee the lady did give us rather a large amount of change which threw us a little. There seemed to be a lot of bank notes which looked impressive but in reality were small demomination. To be clear 1000 Uzbekistan Som equals 30 UK pence or 46 US cents and the largest bank note they have is 1000 so this will be fun.
Back at the hotel for a couple of hours relaxing we identify out tour guide Jonathon and try and get some money changed as we will be in the country on and off for a few days. I though $100 would be enough for the next few days
the photo shows exactly what I got 200+ of 1000 Som notes.
Anyway at least I can now pay for my massage which was a story not worth
telling as we checked and the hotel only take Som as well and only preapproved cards.
telling as we checked and the hotel only take Som as well and only preapproved cards.
Dinner with our tour group was spent trying to remember names and not confusing Americans with Canadians (they are never happy to be mixed up).
Soup and minced beef on a stick a vodka or two and next you know its breakfast again and this time I avoid ordering eggs.
Jonathan wants us to check our cases are all there as there as he thinks there is one missing. looking at the line of bags (around 25) I do not see mine.
I have tied nice bright yellow ribbon on it (Supplied by Lan (Judi’s mum)) so I can pick it out in an instant but it’s not there. Looking around I do spy it on another trolley making its way through the door.
I stop the porter and haul my bag off and place it with the rest. These are then left outside on the pavement by our coach and as I am saying hello to people in our tour group and desperately trying to remember names I spy a different bell hop dash over and yank my case out of the pile and run off with it. I shout as loud and I can and whilst I get everyone else’s attention not his and he is busy stuffing the case into a different coach.
I of course intervene and drag it out but the guy is adamant it must go on this bus as it is on his list. You have to admire his conviction if not his accuracy as he is wrong as it is not actually on his list as we check and my room number is not there but he is still holding firmly onto my bag.
(My head is already worrying about what I would have done if I had not spotted him one set of clothes for 21 days not something I want to contemplate for too long).
(My head is already worrying about what I would have done if I had not spotted him one set of clothes for 21 days not something I want to contemplate for too long).
A few other hotel staff join in our discussion then the tour guide and both coach drivers before the “Day Manager” orders the guy to let go of my case which he is not particularly happy about but does concede and I watch it go safely into our transport.
This day manager is now delaying our departure as he repeatedly bows and
shakes my had and apologizes over and over again until I use one hand to grab his arm giving me purchase to pull the other from his grasp. I smile and say just wait for my “Trip Advisor” review sunshine.
shakes my had and apologizes over and over again until I use one hand to grab his arm giving me purchase to pull the other from his grasp. I smile and say just wait for my “Trip Advisor” review sunshine.
Only been on this “Vacation” for one and a half days and already I am
getting a bit weary.
getting a bit weary.
Anyway once aboard we set of sightseeing around Tashkent first stop Amir
Timer Square Doh!! at least I can buy coffee there now.
Timer Square Doh!! at least I can buy coffee there now.