Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the sun going down over Khiva. The buttery light with the warm stone and the turquoises and cobalts was stunning. Also, the hamman in Bokhara was great. A sixteenth century interior and a covering of ginger and honey after the massage - a total sensory overload!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nazim really knew his history and he had a sense of humour. If you have other interests, ask for his input. He didn't help much on traditional textiles, but he pointed me at a few shops.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You can expect a bad tum at some point, but I don't think anyone was severely incapacitated. In the desert in Sept it didn't get as cold as we had been told, about 10 degrees C, so no need for a panic to take thermal underwear, and I feel the cold.You need small denomination dollars as well as the big guys. Apart from for food, dollars were pretty much universal, I was surprised. People also quoted prices in Euros very often. When you get your currency, it will be like a brick. At least it felt like a pretty safe country to be carrying cash around, I thought.
Suggestions
Re the food, the main courses (mainly gristly shashlik) were really disappointing but don't let that put you off, you can work round it. Breakfasts are good and the salads and bread are very tasty. I don't think you need walking boots. It's so hot. Walking sandals made the most sense to me.