Frankfort to Tashkent: Uzbekistan's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Frankfort to Tashkent: Uzbekistan's Hidden Gem Awaits! – A Review That Doesn't Sugarcoat It (But Still Hearts It)
Alright, buckle up, because you're not getting a bland, sanitized hotel review here. This is me, fresh off a flight (okay, a few flights) from… well, somewhere far from Tashkent, ready to spill the beans on THAT Uzbekistan experience. This isn't your typical travel blog babble. This is real life, warts and all (and trust me, I found a few warts).
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- Meta Description: My no-BS take on a Tashkent hotel. Think accessibility, killer spas, food that'll make you weep (in a good way!), and enough WiFi to stalk your ex. Plus, the REAL scoop on COVID safety, because, you know, life.
(Okay, metadata done. Back to being human.)
The Arrival & Accessibility Fiascos (and Triumphs!)
First off, getting to Tashkent is its own Olympic sport. My flight from Frankfurt was… well, let's just say I now understand the phrase "cattle call." But, finally (and I mean finally), I arrived. The hotel's Airport transfer was a lifesaver – a weary traveler's dream. They actually met me with a little sign! Score one for sanity.
Now, about access – a huge concern for me, because I need it. The hotel claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is great! But… I gotta be honest? The reality was… mixed. Wheelchair accessible wasn't perfectly smooth. Some doors were a smidge narrow. The biggest obstacle was the uneven sidewalks outside the hotel. Seriously, Uzbekistan, you have to get this right. Inside, the Elevator was a godsend, and the staff were mostly accommodating - I just think they aren't as used to serving guests with disabilities as Western hotels are. Something to improve, definitely.
Internet (The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler)
Okay, this is CRUCIAL. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Thank the travel gods. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet access – wireless - yup, they covered all their bases. I'm a digital nomad at heart, and I need to upload ALL the selfies. The Wi-Fi was mostly dependable, particularly in my room. I even managed a video call with my cat (don't judge). Wi-Fi in public areas was also pretty strong. No complaints here.
Rooms: My Personal Castle (and Where the Magic Happened)
My room…oh, the room. It was a haven. Air conditioning (blessing!), Blackout curtains (saviours!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Refrigerator (hello, midnight snacks!), and a High floor with a view (bonus!). I especially loved the little extras, like the Bathtub for soaking my aching feet after a day exploring, and the Bathrobes that made me feel like royalty (even though I was just me, in bathrobe). They even had a Scale which I mostly avoided, but it was there, judging me. The Free bottled water was a lifesaver.
And the little things?
- Additional toilet: YES! No more bathroom queues!
- Alarm clock: Surprisingly useful when fighting jet lag.
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated, because I'm a messy traveler.
- Desk: Perfect for pretending I was working (I wasn't).
- Desk, Extra long bed: Great for sprawling!
- Ironing facilities: For those of you who don't live in a t-shirt and jeans.
- Linens: Snuggly and soft.
- Mini bar: Expensive, but the little chocolates were tempting.
- Mirror: For making sure I didn't look like a total disaster.
- Non-smoking: Excellent!
- Private bathroom: My sanctuary.
- Reading light: For those late-night book binges.
- Safety/security feature: The lock on the door. Always good.
- Satellite/cable channels: Found something to watch while I was waiting for the food.
- Seating area: Perfect for plotting world domination from my window.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Loved it.
- Shower: Essential for washing away the dust of Tashkent.
- Slippers: Always a nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Safety first (even if I sometimes forget).
- Socket near the bed: Finally! No more crawling around to charge my phone!
- Sofa: For lounging.
- Soundproofing: Thankfully, because the traffic outside was nuts.
- Telephone: I actually used this!
- Toiletries: They smelled divine.
- Towels: Fluffy and absorbent.
- Umbrella: Crucial for unpredictable weather.
- Visual alarm: Important for those with needs.
- Wake-up service: Still useful.
- Wi-Fi [free]: THE BEST!
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
- Closet: Enough space for most of my stuff.
- Complimentary tea: Great for sipping.
- Hair dryer: Essential for my hair.
- In-room safe box: Never used it.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Didn't need them, but it's a good option.
- Laptop workspace: I used it, even though I wasn't working.
- On-demand movies: Meh.
- Reading light: Yes!
- Smoke detector: Always a plus.
- Socket near the bed: Excellent.
- Soundproofing: Needed it.
- Telephone: Did not care for calling, but good to have.
- Toiletries: Wonderful smells.
- Towels: Nice and fluffy.
- Wake-up service: Useful.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Stomach's Adventure
Okay, this is where things truly get interesting. Let's talk food!
- Restaurants: The hotel had a few, and the A la carte in restaurant offered me some delicious meals.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Excellent.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oh. My. Goodness. I basically face-planted into the buffet every morning. So much food!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always available.
- Desserts in restaurant: My weakness.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Great choices.
- Poolside bar: A total winner.
- Room service [24-hour]: Genius.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy option!
- Snack bar: For late-night munchies.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: A great way to start the day.
I loved the Breakfast [buffet]. The Asian breakfast was a revelation, and you can get the Vegetarian restaurant for those that need it.
- Happy hour was my time to unwind. The cocktails? Strong. The company? Interesting.
- The Coffee shop was a lifesaver for caffeine addicts like myself.
- The Bottle of water was always available, and the Poolside bar was the chillest.
My biggest surprise? The food. Like, legitimately amazing. And I'm not even a foodie! The local cuisine was a revelation, from the plov (rice and meat) to the shashlik (grilled meat skewers). I stuffed myself silly.
The COVID Conundrum (My Honest Assessment)
Let's be real: COVID is still a thing. The hotel did a decent job with the Anti-viral cleaning products to their credit. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were mostly wearing masks. Daily disinfection in common areas was also good to see. I did feel they could have done a bit better with consistent Physical distancing of at least 1 meter at the buffet - there were some definite crowds. Room sanitization opt-out available - I'm not sure I knew this was a thing, but I approve of it. It's a good sign. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – all good stuff. I am not sure how effective the Sterilizing equipment was.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and More
Ah, THE SPA! This is where the hotel truly shined. I had THREE massages. Don't judge me. After all the food, I needed it. The Massage, **Body
Hakodate Park Hotel: Your Unforgettable Japanese Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your tidy, perfectly-packaged travel itinerary. This is Franke (that's me, by the way) in Uzbekistan, coming to you live, and probably covered in dust. My pre-trip prep? Well, let’s just say my packing strategy leaned heavily on “hope” and “a vague memory of a YouTube video.” Here's the gloriously imperfect plan, subject to the whims of the Uzbek sun and my own spectacularly bad sense of direction.
Franke in Frankfort-on-Main… and Then Tashkent! (Oh Sweet Tashkent!)
Day 1: Frankfort Farewell & Airport Anxiety
Morning (ish): Frankfort. Wake up. Attempt to make (read: burn) coffee. Panic-pack last-minute essentials: a single, possibly-used, travel-sized deodorant (optimism!), a book I'll probably never open, and approximately 17 different charging cables. My apartment? A disaster zone. Like, "archaeologists will find evidence of my existence" disaster zone. Emotional reaction: pure, unadulterated, pre-trip dread.
Afternoon: Hit the train station! Ah, the German efficiency! Famous! Except… my train is, naturally, delayed. Why am I not surprised? Grumble for 20 minutes, then distract myself by people-watching. Observation: The Germans are dressed very seriously. Lots of sensible shoes. Am I underdressed in my slightly-stained linen shirt? Probably. Further emotional response: Mild fashion regret.
Evening: Finally, the train! Blast off to Frankfurt airport. Check-in? Miraculously smooth. Through security? A breeze! (I’m guessing the deodorant didn’t catch their eye. Thank God). Then… the airport. The land of overpriced pretzels and existential angst. I find a seat near an outlet and try to feel less alone. The sheer number of people… it's overwhelming. Fear kicks in: I hope I don't lose my passport again.
Night: The flight! I get a window seat. And I promptly fall asleep during takeoff. Wake up in a panic, convinced the plane is about to plummet (it wasn't). Settle back in and watch a terrible movie… then another. The first one was about a grumpy cat and the second one was about a sad dog. Emotional reaction: A surprisingly strong need to hug a dog.
Day 2: Arrival in Tashkent and the Unexpected Hummus
Early Morning: Landing in Tashkent! Woah. The air is… different. Drier, warmer, and already buzzing with a life I can't quite understand. Immigration is… well, let's say I fumbled with the forms. Twice. The official gave me a look that was a perfect blend of amusement and pity. More emotional turmoil.
Mid-Morning: Taxi ride to my accommodation. (It’s a charming little guesthouse, probably… I haven’t actually seen it yet). The traffic? An absolute circus. Honking, weaving, and driving styles I'm fairly certain violate Geneva Conventions. But also… fascinating. People everywhere. The city feels alive. Observation: Uzbekis are definitely not afraid to use their horns. Emotional reaction: Thrilled with a side of extreme anxiety.
Afternoon: Check-in. It is charming. Success! Settle in. Then, immediately, the hunger hits. Desperate for sustenance. Wander the streets, get hopelessly lost within five minutes. I stumble into a small cafe that smells of something divine.
- The Hummus Revelation: Order a hummus. Just hummus. No expectations. And then… BAM. The best hummus of my LIFE. Creamy, garlicky, with a hint of something I can’t identify, but want to bathe in. I order a second plate. And then a third. I consider never leaving that cafe. I ask the server for the recipe. He looks at me like I've grown a second head. I decide this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Uzbek hummus. Emotional reaction: Total, utter, joyous, hummus-induced bliss.
Evening: Attempt to explore Tashkent. Get distracted by a park full of chattering old men playing backgammon. Watch them for an hour, fascinated. Don’t understand a word, but feeling profoundly connected to the energy. Then eat more hummus. This time, at a different cafe. Just to compare. (Because research, people!). Emotional reaction: Content, and a little bit sleepy.
Day 3: Markets, Mosques, and (Potentially) Getting Lost… Again
Morning: The Chorsu Bazaar! Oh. My. Goodness. It’s a sensory overload. Mountains of spices, pyramids of fruit, the pungent aroma of… everything. I buy a scarf – I think I was haggled down from $35 to about $10 (I hope I was, my negotiation skills are pathetic). Observation: The colors! The sounds! The sheer energy of people is intoxicating. Emotional reaction: Overwhelmed but utterly delighted.
Afternoon: Explore the Khast Imam Complex. Gaze at the ancient Quran. Feel a profound sense of… something. Awe? Humility? Whatever it is, it’s powerful. Wander through the beautiful mosques. It feels so different than the churches and cathedrals in Germany! More emotional turmoil.
Late Afternoon: Attempt to take public transportation… and promptly get lost. Again. End up on a bus headed in the wrong direction. Decide to embrace the adventure. Am I getting better at this? Maybe. Acceptance is key. Embrace the wrong direction.
Evening: Find a little restaurant, hidden down a side street. The food is delicious. The company is… myself. But I'm okay with that. More hummus. Of course. Contemplate the meaning of life over a plate of deliciousness. Emotional reaction: Peaceful, surprisingly.
Day 4: Tashkent Day Trip - And More Adventures
Morning: Going to Chorvoq Lake and Chimgan Mountains, it is a popular day trip from Tashkent.
Afternoon: I might consider visiting a local museum, like the Museum of Applied Art, to learn more about Uzbek culture and history.
Evening: Return to Tashkent, reflecting on the day's experiences and getting ready for my departure on day 5.
Day 5: Departure and Reflections (and probably a last hummus)
Morning: One last wander through the city. Pick up some souvenirs (mostly spices that I'll probably forget to use). Find a last-minute cafe.
Afternoon: Travel to the airport. And then I probably will be late.
Evening: On the plane! Looking back at the city. Thinking about hummus (obviously). Feeling exhausted, exhilarated, and maybe just a little bit changed. Emotional reaction: Complete and utter satisfaction.
Final Thoughts:
This is not a perfect itinerary. It's chaotic, it's messy, and it's probably full of grammatical errors. But it's mine. And honestly? That's the best part. It's a reflection of the real, messy, and utterly glorious adventure that is traveling. Uzbekistan, you magnificent beast, I'll be back. And next time… I’m bringing more hummus.
Sosua Paradise: Private Pool Villa Awaits! (Casati Pearl House)
Frankfurt to Tashkent: Uzbekistan – Seriously, You're Going WHERE?!
Okay, Tashkent? Uzbekistan? Is that, like, safe? My mom is already freaking out.
Alright, let's get this out of the way. YES, Tashkent is generally safe. Seriously, *more* safe than some parts of...well, *everywhere*. Uzbekistan, in general, has a massive police presence (some might call it "slightly intense"). But they're there to keep things, well, *orderly*. I walked around Tashkent at 2 AM, fueled by bad coffee and jet lag, and the only thing I was scared of was tripping over a rogue cobblestone. (Those things are everywhere!).
My advice? Tell your mom it's safer than the grocery store parking lot. Because seriously, those things are *wild*.
What's the best way to get from Frankfurt to Tashkent? I'm on a budget, but comfort is *a thing*...
Okay, money-saving magic: This is the *big* question, right? Well, buckle up because you're probably looking at a flight with at least one layover. I flew through Istanbul. Hey, at least you could get some Turkish Delight and pretend you're a globetrotter twice over! It was…fine. Turkish Airlines is generally decent. Don't expect gourmet meals in economy, but you'll survive.
Here's the thing: Long flights are just…long. Pack snacks. LOTS of snacks. And download a *ton* of stuff to watch. Like, everything you’ve ever wanted to see. Because boredom. It. Is. Real. Oh, and a good neck pillow is your new best friend. Trust me on this.
Alright, I'm there. What's the language situation in Tashkent? Can I get by with just English (please say yes!).
Haha… oh, bless your heart! Okay, so English is definitely *not* widely spoken. Think more like... *some* people in tourist hotspots *might* know a few phrases. And by "few," I mean, like, "hello," "thanks," and maybe "how much?". You'll be fine-ish with a phrasebook, Google Translate (download it offline!), and copious amounts of pointing and smiling.
I had this epic moment in the Chorsu Bazaar… I wanted to buy some dried apricots. I swear I spent a good ten minutes gesticulating wildly, mimicking the shape of an apricot, and pretending to eat them. The vendor finally understood and gave me a *mountain* of apricots. Success! (and a minor stomach ache later, but totally worth it). Learn some basic Russian. It is more useful than English. Learning Uzbek will make your trip much much better. Good luck!
What's the food like? Because food is important. Like, *really* important.
Oh. My. Goodness. The food! This is where Uzbekistan *wins*. Prepare to gain a few pounds. Or, you know, embrace your new food baby like I did.
* **Plov:** The national dish. Rice, meat (usually lamb), carrots, onions, and all sorts of magical spices, all cooked in a giant cauldron. It's *everything* you've ever wanted. Seriously, I dreamt of plov for weeks after I left. Finding a *good* plov is like finding the Holy Grail. Ask locals, don't be afraid to try different places.
* **Shashlik (kebabs):** Glorious grilled meat on skewers. Lamb, beef, chicken… all delicious.
* **Samsa:** Savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables. Get them fresh out of the tandoor oven…heaven!
* **Bread:** Flatbread is a must. This is the only thing you can safely eat on the street and not die from a stomach ache.
It’s not all perfect though. I, personally, am not a fan of their salads. Don't expect fancy French cuisine. It *is* a bit heavy on the meat and oil. But hey, you're not there to diet, are you?
What should I pack? Besides a healthy dose of optimism.
Alright. Packing. Here's where my over-thinking brain went into overdrive. Relax! Here’s the essentials:
- **Modest clothing:** Uzbekistan is a fairly conservative country. Loose-fitting pants and long sleeves are your friends, especially if you're visiting religious sites. This is more about respect than anything else.
- **Comfortable shoes:** You'll be doing *a lot* of walking. Trust me on this. Those cobblestone streets are not kind to stilettos or weak ankles.
- **Sunscreen:** Yes. Always.
- **Bug spray:** Especially if you're venturing outside the cities. I got bitten. The bugs there are real.
- **Adaptor:** You'll need one for Uzbekistani plugs. They're the European two-pin type.
- **A phrasebook/Google Translate:** Seriously. Don't leave home without it.
- **Cash (USD or Euros):** While some places accept credit cards, cash is king, especially outside of the big hotels and touristy areas. The exchange rates can be confusing.
- **A sense of adventure:** This is the *most* important thing. Things don't always go smoothly. Embrace the chaos.
Oh! And a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated in the desert heat is crucial.
What tourist attractions in Tashkent are actually... worth it? Be real.
Okay, look, Tashkent isn't exactly overflowing with *iconic* landmarks like Paris or Rome. But! Definitely worth it:
- **The Chorsu Bazaar:** Oh, the smells! The colors! The organized chaos! Get lost in this massive marketplace. Buy some spices, dried fruits, nuts… whatever tickles your fancy. Just be prepared to haggle. I once spent an hour trying to get a better price on a melon. I was stubborn. I succeeded.
- **Hazrat Imam Complex:** Stunning mosques and madrasahs. Go here to chill, reflect, take photos. The architecture is breathtaking, a total feast for the eyes.
- **Tashkent Metro:** The metro stations are *gorgeous*. They're like underground art galleries. Be warned: you'll need to take a photo of your bags. It is a weird rule, but who cares as long as you get to see those gems!
- **Museums:** Don't go in there expecting the Louvre, though.
Do not worry about the museums, honestly. However, do not miss Chorsu Bazaar! I would eat all day long if it was possible.
