Khiva to Bukhara

We said goodbye to lovely Khiva and our madrasah hotel for our 9 hour drive to Bukhara. The road was generally good across desert with scrubby bushes. Stopped by a river for coffee from Ruslan's flask then at 2ish we reached a big shed with wooden tables and chairs for lunch. Ruslam's gamble about starting late paid off as we had the place to ourselves. (It was the only place we could eat en route. Anna cut up some cheese and I distributed the plates. Bread was provided and most ordered kebabs or had Lagman, the meat and noodle soup. Ruslan shared our copious amounts of vodka which he assured us would kill off any lurking bugs.

It was cold and raining when we git back onto the bus. About 5 we reached small towns, cotton fields, irrigation canals, trees, crops. Ruslam insisted we walk with him in the dark into town through dirt streets, with of course no street lights. I had my head torch.( He wanted to be sure we could find somewhere to eat, and get back to the accommodation. )