Aug. 2025 Khiva, in western Uzbekistan, is a perfectly preserved Silk Road city that feels like a step back in time. Its old walled town, called Itchan Kala, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with mosques, madrasas, minarets, and caravanserais. The city is famous for the turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, the Kunya-Ark fortress, and… Continue reading (Uzbekistan) Part 4: Khiva
Author: Astra
(Uzbekistan) Part 3: Bukhara
Aug. 2025 Bukhara, in Uzbekistan, is another legendary Silk Road city with over 2,500 years of history. Known as an ancient center of trade, religion, and culture, it was once one of the most important cities in the Islamic world. The old town is full of mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais, many beautifully preserved, earning it… Continue reading (Uzbekistan) Part 3: Bukhara
(Uzbekistan) Part 2: Samarkand
Aug. 2025 Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, located in present-day Uzbekistan. With a history of more than 2,700 years, it has been a major cultural, economic, and political center along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting China, India, Persia, and Europe. The city is renowned for… Continue reading (Uzbekistan) Part 2: Samarkand
(Uzbekistan) Part 1: Taskent
Aug. 2025 My Itinerary to Uzbekistan (Day 1-2) Taskent, staying at Hotel Uzbekistan (Day 3-5) Taking train from Taskent to Samarkand (about 2hr 18min), staying at Gur Emir Palace boutique hotel (Day 6-7) Taking train from Samarkland to Bukhara (about 1hour 43min), staying at Istat Boutique Hotel (Day 8-9) Taking train from Bukhara to Khiva… Continue reading (Uzbekistan) Part 1: Taskent
(Italy) A Glance at Portofino
Aug. 2025 Portofino is a small, picturesque fishing village turned luxury resort town located on the Italian Riviera, in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. Famed for its pastel-colored houses, luxury yachts, and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the most iconic seaside destinations in the Mediterranean. The nearest station is Santa Margherita Ligure, with connections… Continue reading (Italy) A Glance at Portofino
(Italy) A Glance at Genova
Aug. 2025 Genoa (Italian: Genova) is a historic port city in northwestern Italy, known for its rich maritime past, labyrinthine old town, and vibrant cultural life. It’s the capital of the Liguria region and one of the most underrated gems in the Mediterranean, often overshadowed by cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice—yet full of character,… Continue reading (Italy) A Glance at Genova
(Germany) A Glance at Hamburg
July 2025 Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most important port cities, officially known as the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Located in northern Germany on the River Elbe, it is a dynamic hub of trade, culture, and innovation, often described as a city that bridges maritime heritage with modern urban… Continue reading (Germany) A Glance at Hamburg
(Germany) A Glance at Dresden
July 2025 Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony, located in eastern Germany along the Elbe River, near the Czech border. It is one of Germany’s most historic and culturally rich cities, often referred to as the “Florence on the Elbe” because of its stunning architecture, art collections, and scenic riverside… Continue reading (Germany) A Glance at Dresden
(Germany) A Glance at Würzburg
July 2025 Würzburg is a historic city in the Franconia region of northern Bavaria, Germany. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, baroque architecture, and as a center of wine production in the region. Quick Overview: It took us almost an hour and transit trains to get from Munchen Airport terminal to Wurzburg Hbf station.… Continue reading (Germany) A Glance at Würzburg
(Laos) Tailors in Vientiane
May 7-10, 2025 Vientiane was about one hour train by LCR from Vang Vieng. It was our last stop in Laos, and capital of Laos, but it was perhaps the most boring one. We enjoyed the countryside of Laos much better than the city. Unlike other places in Laos, we took bus from Airport to… Continue reading (Laos) Tailors in Vientiane