It was now past 10am and the local history museum close to my hotel should now have opened. My guide didnt describe it to be of particular interest although I think it was a worthy trip once I had finished.

Walking on my first night I came across two signs for museums almost facing each other. My guide kept saying there wasnt any other museum but when I came walking again this morning there was a building that clearly said 'museum' on its doorway.

They wouldnt let me take a photo of the sign just to show my guide but they said I could go in. There was one room with lots of photos of the first lady greeting people. Then someone who spoke english said this was not a museum and that I should goto the one across the road.

At the museum I didnt see any ticket office nor was I sure where I was supposed to go once I entered the gate. Everything was in Russian and I seemed the only visitor this early in the day during off season.

A woman came running out of a building with a bunch of keys yelling "Tooooriiist" as she dashed across the courtyard with her keys jangling. She intercepted me before I could get to the doorway and quickly found the keys and unlocked the doors for me.

Another lady also came running and tried talking to me in Russian. I just said "english/tourist" to which she replied "no english". I also replied "no russian, no uzbek"

The ticket price was 9000 Som ($4.50) but an extra 3000 ($1.50) for taking pictures. I went ahead and paid 12,000 even though it meant I didnt have enough money now to buy lunch and would need to exchange another $10 or so when I got out.

I guess the museum is locked in low season except when visitors come by. They had to unlock each door and turn the lights on, waiting for me to move thru, so they could turn the lights off and unlock the next door.

It was a very interesting museum and divided into many sections. Starting with original ceramic tilework and historic photos of the Registan and other monuments from after the 1890s earthquake there was then a section on Afrosiab the large Sogdian settlement from the 5th Century BC

There were Pre-Islamic figurines, deities, and other clay items.

There were also armaments and other historic battle artwork

This led to an interesting section on traditional homes. They had mock homes setup with doorways, traditional floor rugs, and wall alcoves similar to my hotel in Bukhara

As well there were some artisan crafts, and traditional clothing garments.

There was then a section on early Islamic scientific research and discovery, scientific instruments, and journals with original notes.

As well as various artwork there was jewelry and traditional caps, before a metal staircase leading to a second floor.

I was intrigued by the upper floor but it was just one room of stuffed animals, what my guide had been describing, and why she was turned off by this museum.

There wasnt anything of interest there so I went back down and the attendant opened the doors for me back out to the courtyard.

Outside were remains of tombstones, pillars, and supports from large structures. I thought I was done and was making my way back to the main gates but then I heard voices yelling "Miiiizzzter" pointing me to another doorway, while another lady rushed across to this door with another set of keys.... (see next entry)