Malta - The Narrow Streets of Valletta
Foto: Statue of Amir Ismail Samani (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Tajikistan - I enter Tajikistan. The road is surprisingly good — no potholes or bumps, and there are even streetlights here and there. I hadn’t expected this in Tajikistan. I drive into Dushanbe. At the central square, we stop briefly to figure out how to get to our hotel. Immediately, a police officer approaches. When we park the car to the side, we're allowed to take a photo of the statue in the square. The officer even takes pictures with our cameras. We're also permitted to take photos behind the statue. There, away from the other people, comes the inevitable question: “Money, money?” It’s a bit odd to hear this from a police officer rather than a beggar. The statue of Amir Ismail Samani is the most famous monument in Dushanbe. He was the founder of the first Persian Islamic empire, about 1,100 years ago. Through the park behind the statue, I reach the Independence Monument — a tall pillar. Passing by the presidential palace, I enter a park where a flagpole stands at an impressive height of 165 meters. This mast was erected five years ago to commemorate the 20th anniversary of independence. At the time, it was the tallest flagpole in the world. Today, a five-meter taller one stands in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All the parks look well-maintained. The streets aren't very busy, but there’s more life here than there was earlier in Ashgabat.
The Pamir Highway
Tajikistan - After loading the car again, we drive along a cart track to Lake Yashilkul. This lake was formed by a landslide. Its clear blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountains. A smaller lake, Bulunkul, also looks magnificent. The snow-capped ...
Wakhan Valley
Tajikistan - At breakfast, I meet two boys from Hong Kong. They are traveling by hitchhiking and public transport from Hong Kong to Uzbekistan. On the Pamir Highway, everyone has their own travel adventure. In the center of the village, we fill up with water and continue ...