|
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.
|
|
|
Old Bridge, Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia) is a young nation with a rich but sad history. The assassination of Austrian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 was the curtain raiser for the First World War. Bosnia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia 20 years ago led to a most gruesome and devastating war from March 1992 to December 1995. I took a glimpse of Sarajevo and Mostar on the 20th anniversary of this conflict. Read more
Ministry of Defence bombed in 1999
I first learnt about Yugoslavia, Tito and political turmoil in the Balkan Peninsula when studying world history in 1970s. Yugoslavia disintegrated following wars and bloodshed in 1990s. After having visited Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia more than five years ago, I have longed to see other parts of the former Yugoslavia namely Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Kosovo.
 Tsarevets Fortress on Moon Festival Eve |
 Rila Monastery |
After spending 37 days in four countries in Central Asia, I continued to explore countries in the Balkan Peninsula. My original plan was to visit Bulgaria and Romania. At the end, I spent eight days in Bulgaria and 12 days in Serbia, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. Read more 30-day Overland: Day 26-27
Ruins at Konye Urgench, a World Heritage Site
Turkmenistan with 80% of its territory covered in the Karakum (Black Sand) Desert has the world’s fourth largest natural gas reserve. The world famous pure blood Akhal-Teke horse (known as ‘blood sweat horse’ in Chinese) comes from this region. It has three World Heritage Sites including Merv – an oasis-city on the historical Silk Road which was probably the world’s largest city in the 12thcentury. Turkmenistan remains the least known country in Central Asia. I am bewildered by what I have seen during my 5-day stay in the country. Read more
 Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa & Minaret |
 Minaret next to Islom-Hoja Medressa |
 Pilgrims at Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum |
Lyabi- Hauz 
Kalon Minaret & Kalon Mosque |
The Registan, Samarkand - Ulugbek Medressa (L), Tilla-Kari Medressa (C), Sher Dor Medressa (R)
Independent Square
Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia with 29 million people, is rich in history. Its native son Amir Timur(1336-1405) established the first empire in the region in 1395. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, key cities of the ancient Silk Road are all World Heritage Sites for their cultural, historical and architectural significance. I had a wonderful time in Uzbekistan as there was no bush camping and I had more time to explore, sample Uzbek dishes and meet local people. Read more
