TDY Gouge - Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan is a real gem in the rough. The Hotel Intercontinental (011 998 71 120 7000) is a great place. The embassy gets the per-diem rate. Food in the hotel is xpensive so try to eat on the economy. You get bags of money here as Per Diem, but can eat at local restaraunts... with beer for about 5-7 dollars... The hotel would run you about $20. The bar in the hotel has Happy Hour from 5-8 where you get two for one beers or local vodkas. That makes the beer about 3-4 dollars each if you pay in the local currency. Good work-out room, pool and sauna. Take the metro (70 sum = 8 cents) downtown... three stops and eat at the Restaraunt BAHOR. Ask for directions, but good food.. fancy, and with two glasses of wine, appetizer, soup and main dish came to $10. Check out what they call BROADWAY... a street with cafes and shopping. Taxis cost about 2000 sum ($2) but at the driver's descretion he may try to charge you 3000. Trade money at hotel for 910 sum per dollar, but you won't be able to trade it back unless you fill out a declaration at the airport when you arrived (we didn't). Not many people speak english on the economy, so if you can get a russian phrase book that would be a plus.

Termez, Uzbekistan - Finca hotel was okay. If you have to stay in Termez, Uzbekistan, this is the "best hotel" in town. Very cheap and friendly staff. They have a bar and domestic food. The beer, "Baltika 3", is ok but take it easy with the food..........