Our Last Club Adventure - Days 5-7 - Khiva

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Up at 3:30 AM and at the airport by 5 AM, we boarded our flight to Khiva on Uzbekistan Airways.  It was a great flight, short and comfortable...and with a little excitement.  A passenger had what appeared to be a stoke, lost consciouness, and was in distress.  Dr. Tom jumped into action again.  After a quick exam I ordered some O2 and eventually she came to with an ambulance waiting at the gate.  She was a tour guide with a large group on board the plane.  They were amazingly calm and genuinely concerned for her...refreshing...they were also German.

We were met by our driver and taken the ancient city about 30 mnutes from the airport.  This was the sight as we approached from the south.

We were let off at our hotel where we stored our bags.

 And then our personal guide met us and took us on a wonderful, wonderful full day tour of the city...all there in all of its glory, some buildings dating back to 1200.

The unfinished minaret.

 A stately madrasa...school from 1650.

 A reception room in one of the palaces.

 Spectacular tile work.

 Views from high up in the armory.

 Carved ceilings.

Wedding couples all over the place...many strolling the ancient capitol taking photos with the wedding party in tow.

 The tallest minaret.

 Jade tiled dome.

 The hall of pillars...each a full carved tree and each unique.  Over 250 dating back to 1350.

 Late in the day we strolled the back streets for more views of the walls and houses...still occupied by over 3,000 people.

 Workers repairing the wall...with mud and straw stucco.

 Our second day was free and we broke up into small groups and took long strolls.  As usual Bobbie and I took the road less traveled and ventured outside the walls.

 We got up on top for a great view.

 Outside the historic area the city was busy.

 And sunset gave us some great shots.