Uzbek Sketchbook

The Door of the Yurt; courtesy Tony Richardson

Sometimes the Uzbek desert is too vast.

Sometimes the blue of the sky is too blue to believe and the patterns of the tiles too intricate, too astonishing to follow.

One way to take it in, is to focus on the detail, the tiny glimpses of places and people that make travelling in Uzbekistan so special.

Tony Richardson, who travelled with Uzbek Journeys this year, would wander off with his sketchbook, observe the details and produce charming black and white impressions of those moments.

Samarkand; courtesy Tony Richardson

He woke early and roamed the town streets in the stillness just as life was starting to stir. In the desert he rose with the sun to capture the yurt camp and desert fortress perched on the hill nearby.

And we would find him on the roof of the guesthouse in Khiva, quietly observing the neighbouring houses, the staggering views, and the magic of an ancient, walled city.

Tony's album is a delightful, personal record of his discoveries during the tour. It seems more precious than the digital images that are so easy to snap.

Maybe there is space for a sketchbook and pencils in your suitcase too?
 

Left: Roof of Khiva; Right: Jahongir B & B, Samarkand, entrance. Courtesy Tony Richardson

Related post: Christine Shoji's Samarkand and Khiva Sketches