My Journey to Samarkand 🧳

I finally found the time to share my recent travel experience — this time, I decided to visit one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Central Asia: Samarkand.

As many of you know, I love to travel. And this time, I chose Samarkand — a city rich in history, stunning architecture, and a unique atmosphere.

My first stop was Registan Square — the heart of ancient Samarkand. I used to think Registan was much larger, but maybe that was just my imagination. Still, it left a powerful impression: majestic madrasahs, intricate mosaics, and the spirit of history all around. I delved into the stories behind the architecture and learned how much the city had been through over the centuries.

Next, I visited the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Honestly, I expected to see more exhibits and displays, but the main structure — built for observing the stars — was still fascinating. The building itself is a masterpiece, and realizing that significant astronomical research once took place there made the visit all the more meaningful.

I also stopped by the mausoleum of Islam Karimov, the first president of independent Uzbekistan. The place has a solemn, respectful atmosphere and is well-maintained.

One of the highlights was Siyab Bazaar — a vibrant, traditional eastern market filled with colors, aromas, and friendly people. It was bustling with life, and every corner seemed to tell its own story.

What stood out to me most was how clean the air felt in Samarkand, how little traffic there was, and the peaceful pace of life. It felt calm, grounded — and far from the stress of constant construction or city noise. Everything seemed a bit more balanced.

As Eid al-Adha (Kurban Hayit) approaches, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to everyone! I hope to post more often than once every couple of months — but, as you know, life gets busy. Until next time, take care and stay inspired! ✨

After the Silence 🏔

More than a year has passed since my last post here. I didn't disappear — I was growing.

This year has been the best one of my life so far. The experience I'd been collecting for years finally started to pay off. I met people who opened doors I could never have opened alone, and reconnected with some I hadn't talked to in a long time. I kept learning and moving forward — quietly, but steadily.

And this autumn I finally made it to Almaty — and the mountains around it.

🏜 Charyn Canyon
Honestly, the most beautiful place I've ever seen. The canyon stretches for about 154 km, and in places it's up to 300 meters deep. The rock here is around 12 million years old, and the Charyn River and the wind have been carving it ever since. Walking through the Valley of Castles feels like walking through the ruins of an ancient city. People call it the younger brother of the Grand Canyon — now I understand why.

🌲 Lake Kaindy
A completely different world. In 1911 a powerful earthquake triggered a landslide that blocked the gorge, and water flooded the spruce forest growing inside it. More than a century later, the trunks still stand straight out of the water: the lake stays so cold, around 4–6°C, that the wood barely decays. In person, it looks unreal.

Some years are for writing, and some are for building. This one was for building — now it’s time to share. 🤍