Darkness: sometimes mono, sometimes poly.

As the sun sets over Samarkand it was time to take a stroll back down to Registan square, to see the "light show", mingle with the locals and snap away. The light show takes place each evening from 8pm.

The history of the square is linked here.

@grindle/i-stood-in-awe-as-i-gazed--the-registan-samarkand

Well I say a stroll, it was quite a walk, the minarets just visible on the horizon

So as the evening turns to night and the crowds gather, settle down and lets enjoy the spectacle. Here are a few interesting facts to help you on your way.

Uzbekistan is double landlocked, to reach a coastline one has to pass through a minimum of two other countries, so a day at the beach is quite alien to the Uzbeks.

Cotton, is a major economic commodity in Uz, often called 'white gold' Uz is the eighth-largest producer of cotton in the world and it accounts for just under 20% of the country's exports.

They also sell balloons.

In the Qizilqum Desert you can find the Muruntau Gold Mine, it is one of the world's largest open-pit gold mines and one of the top gold-producing sites globally. Giving up of 66 ton a year a value of £3,036,000,000. give or take a few shekels. Gold is definitely the yellow cotton.

Yup they sell gold balloons

Uzbekistan was under Russian control from the late 19th century and remained part of the Soviet Union until 1991, when they gained independence.

The Russian language still remains widely spoken in Uzbekistan, It serves well as the common language across the country's regions and communities.

Tea drinking in Uz often involves a ritual where the tea cup is rinsed with hot tea before the actual tea is poured. they do this three times, I don't know why, but it is supposed to reflect the cultural importance of tea in Uzbek hospitality. FFS just throw a tea bag in a mug add milk then boiling water. Job done.

There is a traditional bread in Uz called Lepioshkais, a loaf of which is considered a symbol of good luck. It must never placed upside down or on the ground, otherwise bad luck ensues. Oh and if you don't eat your crusts you wont have curly hair.

So there we go, light show and fun facts brought you to the end. I am hungry as well so off I shall trot.

I feasted well