Asraf village

Had a pleasent three days in Samarkand, just about right for the sites and markets. Time to move on. Arranged for a two day stay in a couple of villages in the mountains not far from the Kazakhstan boarder, close to lake Aydar. First a small village called Asraf.
Situated in a valley with a small stream, walnut trees, and an abundance of wild flowers and rose bushes. Has accommodation designed for us tourists, showers, toilets and a communal eating area. Sitting on a tapchan (low table on a dias with cushions), listening to the birds and goats.

The drive here took about three and a half hours moving further into wilder desert like terrain until hitting the hills and mountains. If you think of the wild west you will have some idea of what it looks like.
The main roads are quite rough and bumpy with pot holes constantly repaired, like a badly patched quilt, reminiscent of local council road repairs in the UK.
Then off the main roads and onto tracks better suited for tracked vehicles. Something it seems our local councils can only aspire to. I'm sure they will get there soon.

Out on the flat desert like plains it is hot and very dusty even at this time of year, approaching high twenties, while here in the hills, and especially in the valleys a very comfortable 20°C

Internet and phone access is difficult to non existence in these rural communities. Using a local sim helps for Mobile phones. So posting stuff has to wait until we get to urban centres.

Some photos: landscape where we are staying for a night; tea under a walnut tree; Yvonne at the top, in the valley below is part of the village.