A Quickie in Khiva

My Russian teacher insisted a visit to Khiva could be done in a day. Considering that this Silk Road city is 982km (610 miles) away, 15 hours by car or 80 minutes by plane, I had a hard time imaging how one could really get to know such a historic place in less than 24 hours. But she was totally right. The old city is compact and walkable within its 32-foot high clay walls. It's full of UNESCO sites, museums, guest houses, and residents. It's a darling city (though medieval slaves would heartily disagree about the darlingness, as Khiva was once a slave-trade hotspot) with its intricate, lapis and turquoise tiles, and pedestrian walkways lined with artisanal crafts. Khiva's madrassas and mosques feature two-thousand years old, hand carved pillars, and Uzbek homages on display in dim lighting: instruments, uniforms, jewelry, face rugs, etc. We marveled at literally all the things in only few hours. Khiva: done and done.

The corner where everyone, EVERYONE takes a photo

Cool hats to be sure, but how many heads have tried them on?

Cats and carbs

Shergozikhan Madrasa Medical Clinic

Kalta Minor Minaret

dutar and accordion master

Mug on a rug

Heading toward the Islam Khodja Minret

5th wedding sighting of the day

locals taking a morning walk