Now I am back in Istanbul, this is probably my last post on my adventures in Uzbekistan.
I just wanted to show you this: there we were, driving along in our wonderful Chinese-made bus Golden Dragon from Tashkent to Samarkand, when we saw a flurry of activity along the side of the road.
what could it be, we wondered? |
Our driver obligingly stopped and we all trooped out, cameras at the ready. There were about 5 or 6 guys all selling something that we couldn’t identify till Galip, our local guide and font of knowledge, came to our aid.
they were packets of dried melon |
In our enthusiasm we all tried a small piece from the plate that was waved under our noses. It had a smell and consistency something akin to dried figs and was nicely packaged as you can see in the pictures.
he has my money in his hand! |
We all bought some. At 1000 sum or 50 cents, it didn’t exactly break the bank.
We retired to the bus glowing with the satisfaction of surviving our first Uzbek purchase. However, as the days passed and our stomachs proved to be more delicate than we had thought, this delicacy somehow lost its appeal.
Reader, I dumped it.
Looking forward to following your blog Claudia. I have a friend named Tulin who is originally from Turkey and she is introducing me to her cuisine. It sounds like you had a very interesting trip, but it is always good to be home. Thanks for visiting.
Claudia, this is my first visit to your site and I've taken some time to browse through your earlier entries. You've created a wonderful spot for your readers to visit and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
Oh dear, sorry it was not quite the purchase you were hoping for! Still, it has been fascinating following your blog as you experienced Uzbekistan. I doubt I'll be able to get there for quite a while so thank you for sharing it with us.
It actually sounds lovely, but a little of a good thing is soemtimes best. I've eaten too many dates and figs with poor effect, but still go back for more.
i have never heard of dried melon before. it sounds interesting to me and would be very happy to give it a try. thanks for the share. by the way, i have moved to a new address (http://mimosacafe.net/)due to the problem with blogspot in Turkey. I'll keep writing there from now on. see you.
Thank you all for your insightful comments. Yes, Penny, Turkey has never looked so good! Mary, I am happy that you have visited my blog and liked it. Froggie, I always enjoy hearing from you – I hope you make it one day to Uzbekistan! It is really worth it despite the food! Mangocheeks, I know what you mean but definitely wouldn't recommend going back for more of this speciality!!
Mimosa Cafe: I'll keep on reading you! Thanks.
C, glad you are back in beloved Turkey and pleased that you had a week full of adventures. Thank you for your generous sponsorship, I am doing it with Anna-Maria (she will run/I will power walk!) Planning a visit to Istanbul possibly October, are you going to be around?
Happy Easter to you and T.
Much love H xx
Yes, we will be here in Istanbul and await your arrival with great excitement! We would love you to stay with us – but we live on the Asian side which is not as conducive to sightseeing as the European! So keep us posted -we are more than happy to give advice etc. But stay with us and all wil be revealed …..
Happy Easter to the three of you.
Claudia
Hi Claudia. I don't really like the sound of dried melon…not something I could see myself trying.
It's great to be able to post a comment at last!
Hi Claudia:)
Amazing photos, what an adventure! Many thanks for sharing!
Happy Easter!
Ozlem