Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention. The merging of soviet influences on top of earlier history in Tashkent, breathtaking buildings in Samarkand, treasures around every corner in Khiva, the desert, remote settlements and 2500 year old forts, making dumplings during the homestay, wonderful people...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Muhammed was a fabulous group leader. Not only did he share his expert knowledge of the country past and present, but he managed the logistics of the trip seamlessly so that we could just relax and enjoy the adventure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Currency - take US dollars, easy to change them at the airport on arrival or at exchange booths in the cities.
Clothing for ladies - best I suggest to be covered from shoulders to below the knees to fit in with local norms. At religious sites you will need a head covering (I used a scarf for protection from the sun as well, others had a hat). I did see one or two ladies in vest tops and shorts in the cities, and they were not getting frowned at but personally I would have felt uncomfortable vs what locals were wearing.
Shopping - Samarkand or Khiva for silk scarfs and clothing. Bukhara for embroidery eg wall hangings - the quality here is better than the earlier cities. If shopping in the cities vendors will happily quote in USD or euros but once you have agreed a price, if you are paying by card will of course convert back to som for the transaction...watch the exchange rate, I'd suggest better to haggle in som. We usually got around 10-15% off through haggling.
Travel - there are some long journeys by road and rail. Aircon on the trains goes off in the stations, and you can be there for half an hour, so be prepared to get hot! The road to the Aral sea is awful - more potholes than tarmac.
Everyone is very welcoming - don't be surprised if you are asked for your photo, or to have strangers coming up to you for a chat. Security is absolutely not a concern.
Food - good, and cheap! Though veggies in our group did struggle on occasion.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip - go, and enjoy!