Off the Beaten Path (2015) : 9x17

Samarkand is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With nearly 600,000 residents, history is present at every step. Russian is still widely spoken, though Uzbek is the official language, and a strong Tajik community adds to the city’s cultural diversity. This rich environment also became home to Lucia from Slovakia, who moved here from the UK after meeting her husband Laziz. Together they run a private school for hundreds of students. With Lucia, we explore Samarkand’s flavours and traditions, visiting Siyob Bazaar for spices, silk, and ceramics, tasting fresh samsa, learning how bread is baked in a tandoor, and enjoying homemade plov.