Solo Along The SILK ROUTE

A TRIP ALONG THE SILK ROUTE WAS A JOURNEY OF MANY REVELATIONS, THE BEGINNING OF LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND A DISCOVERY INTO CENTRAL ASIA'S GRAND PAST

I HAVE TRAVELLED SOLO FOR A DECADE, navigating the journey of being fearless, of finding solace in solitude and unearthing joy in curiosity. This decade has moulded me in ways beyond my imagination and ignited in me a perpetual desire for adventure.

Through all those journeys, I have discovered that the most memorable experiences often lie beyond the guidebooks and tourist brochures.

Whether it's stumbling upon a tuckedaway local hangout in a nondescript alley, sharing stories with new friends in distant lands, or witnessing a traditional festival off the beaten track, these are the moments that resonate deeply within me.

Hence, in the past couple of years, I've made it a point to visit a new country annually, preferably one with a different language and culture. This tradition has become my personal birthday gift to myself, a celebration of life and the endless possibilities it offers.

Last year, my journey led me to Uzbekistan, where I traversed through its ancient cities, majestic monuments, and rich trading history.

FINDING A SAFE HAVEN IN TASHKENT

Tashkent was my point of entry and exit for Uzbekistan, and on one particular night, I found myself out in the streets at 3 am. In most parts of the world, this would have been a safety concern, especially for a solo female traveller. But, Tashkent felt so safe throughout my time there. I was comfortable taking a late-night stroll between two of the city's most iconic buildings, Hotel Uzbekistan, an incredible example of the Soviet Brutalist architecture of the 1970s and Alisher Navoiy Theater, Uzbekistan's national opera theatre, named after national poet Alisher Navoiy.

The novelty of this inexplicable feeling of safety prompted me to look at rentals in the city and make a mental note, with the hope that someday I will be able to come back to this city and live for a bit like a local.