I arrived at 2am and the streets were so quiet and I was too tired to take
much in..
This morning i set out to explore the city, it is rather
charming and quiet, long broad soviet style avenues, tree lined, large
formal parks with shady trees and fountains ..punctuated by huge
rather bizar soviet imperialist achicecture - all government
buildings, I dont think there are enough people to populate them ..
there was a huge population drop when the soviets withdrew and many
russians chose to leave.
There is not much traffic, not many cars and hardly any people.. rather nice!
The people I have met so far have been lovely, really kind. you just
go and stand in the street and any old car may stop, as being a taxi is
an informal job that anyone can do - so if you are on your way to work
you could stop and pick people up and charge a bit. It feels a little
odd crawling into a strangers little old russian car and asking to be
dropped somewhere -
I went to 3 museums, and some craft shops,
in one shop - with a few pieces by young uzbek designers I asked about jewellers and was
directed to a wonderful man - a jewellery designer who was so helpful
and informative and charming - yet, alas I fear the mission may not be
accomplished .. we could do a one off collection here but seems that
the government will not allow the exporting of any jewellery of any
kind.. so you can smuggle but a risk..so the idea of setting up
production looks a challenge.
I am going to a party tonight with the Tashkent boho scene.. the
jeweller, a fashion designer (whose name I was given by a friends
friends to look up) and a film maker and an artist are having a dinner
party .. we shall see
Off to Samarkand tomorrow - I am not giving up yet but it may be
tricky.. may have to think of Turkey for our silver collection
hope all are well in our various spots around the world!xxx
