New Year Wishes from the Silk Road

On the train from Samarkand to Bukhara…

January first, 8h52 am. As I sip my first cup of coffee of 2025, I find myself watching the snow fall in Samarkand. The courtyard of our small, traditional hotel owned by a warm and welcoming Uzbek family will soon be covered in white. I’m writing to you from Uzbekistan, a country I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. Surrounded by history, vibrant colors and patterns, exquisite craftsmanship, and stunning beauty, I feel incredibly fortunate to welcome the new year here. But the greatest gift of all? Sharing this experience with four amazing friends. Their laughs, jokes and warmth make it an unforgettable trip.

Beauty everywhere

Uzbekistan has exceeded all my expectations. The hospitality of its people is heartwarming, and the textiles—oh, the textiles! From mesmerizing ikats with fascinating names to intricate suzanis and luxurious silk carpets, it’s a dream come true for a textile lover. I will for sure come back soon, would you join me?

Ikat wonders seen in Tashkent

I won’t overwhelm you with endless pictures (though the temptation is strong!), but I did want to take a moment to share a glimpse of this journey and to wish you a fantastic new year. May 2025 bring you closer to your dreams, no matter how big or small. Remember, the path is rarely perfect—it’s often winding, full of lessons and, yes, mistakes. And that’s what makes it beautiful.

I write these final words on a train bound for Bukhara in the afternoon. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from British author Neil Gaiman:

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.”

Wishing you a year of exploration, creativity, and joy, wherever your journey takes you.

Bises d'Ouzbékistan

Nadia