TRAVEL | ADVENTURE | UZBEKISTAN
Rustic Ships & Broken Dreams
Been driving the entire day I left Khiva early this morning then reached Nukus and switched to a 4 x 4 vehicle. I was finally reaching Moynaq, a city in the autonomous state of Karakalpakstan in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In search of the Aral Sea
Moynaq was once a thriving fishing community; tourist flocked from all parts of the county; it was a typical seaside town.
Today The Aral sea the 4th largest sea in the world has despaired left with a declining population, dilapidated building taking the shape of a ghost town.
I was waiting patiently for the water to come back, believing that one day it would, and our lives would change and return to normal.
It's been years now, the young have left the town in search of work, the fishing industries collapsed with Just 15,000 residents.
I am too old to leave Moynaq. I am Just left with broken dreams, rustic ships and memories of a childhood by the sea.
- Serick, 62
"
The 1960s, when Soviets decided to alter the course of the two rivers that fed it doing so, would develop cotton production in the region, the waters started to recede. The salinity levels dropped, killing all the fish in the Aral Sea, resulting in a terrible environmental disaster.
Fishing vessels lie stranded in the middle of the dried sea bed, more than 200km from the sea.
Catching the playfulness of the novice monks
in between prayers.
This location was once jutting out into the Aral Sea.
In search of the Aral Sea - a truly unforgettable experience
“A unique Being, an extraordinary Man arises in this world for the benefit of the many, for the happiness of the man, out fo compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of gods and men. Who is this Unique Being? It is the Tathagata, the Exalted, Fully Enlightened One. ”
ANGUTTARA NIKA YA PT. 1, XIII P. 22.