Khojand Tajikistan:
A Lazy Visitor’s Guide

Contrary to what everyone I know in America seems to think, long-term independent travel is not just some big happy vacation. Crossing from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan was one of the most-hassle filled two days of my life, and by the time I got to Khojand I was feeling downright lazy.

Photobucket — Syr-Darya river in Khojand.

I spent about an hour, total, doing something properly touristy. Even then, I gave up about halfway to my ‘destination’ and just kind of walked along the river for a while instead.

After that, it was back into town for some shopping.

Which, honestly, was the best thing I could have chosen.

Standard Market Vendor Shot — Friendly vendor at the Khojand bazaar.

I met some wonderful people. Even got invited to a wedding (that I ended up not making).

Wandered around for a bit surrounded by chaos.

Had a really interesting conversation about Khojand’s role in the civil war and the state of private enterprise since then.

Textures of the Khojand Bazaar — Textures of the Istaravshan Bazaar.

And, of course, stocked up on delicious snacks.

Some days, really, are just about walking around and observing the world for a bit.

Spice Market in the Istaravshan Bazaar — Spice Market in the Khojand Bazaar.

They can’t all be Everest, after all.

Mostly, though, I spent a couple of days in Khojand eating delicious food and reading my then-still-functional Kindle. And you know what? It was perfect, almost like a travel vacation.