Samarkand I know very well. It is nearby Russia. It means ‘City in Southern Uzbekistan’. I think I remember it is in valley of Zarafstar River. Such beautiful name. Miklov say this place is as old as Babylon and Rome. I am beginning to sound like boring history book.

At one point in old time, Samarkand came under Russian rule. What does it have to do with Hercules stopping over here now? Possible foreign power behind this?

In old days, Samarkand played so an important link to China, India and Persia. It used to be known as Golden City of Silk Road. Is Samarkand now used as middle base to smuggle goods to nearby countries? Maybe now there is trade deal involved, worth big, big money.

I am remembering The Book of One Thousand and One Nights. Scheherazade, the Persian Queen, tells stories to King Shahryar, King of Samarkand.

This journey is beginning to be MY version of 1,001 nights. Where and when it will end, I do not yet know.