A packed audience of over 60 members were treated to a very interesting and informative talk by Diana Jarvis at the last Travellers Tales meeting. Diana enthralled everyone with an account of her travels, which included the terracotta warriors, “climbing” the Great Wall of China, on through Kazakstan, an overnight train to Shymkent, Uzbekistan, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and much more. Some of the landscapes were beautiful, and the architecture simply stunning.
One of the highlights of Diana’s trip was no doubt the friendliness of the people she met during her travels, from workmen helping her with directions to find her way, being given a rose by the owners of two different flower shops, and being invited to share tea in the home of a local woman with her friend. As Diana said, language is no barrier to communication because a smile goes a very long way and bridges any gap!
If Diana’s mission was to convince us all to visit the countries that constitute the “Silk Road”, then she certainly succeeded with many members of the audience, although perhaps not to be done in quite the same style as Diana’s tour as she often books accommodation in hostels along the way, and rarely tourist hotels!
After several questions at the end of her talk, Angela presented Diana with a gift to an appreciative round of applause from the TT members present. Angela also thanked her helpers: Wendy & John Ranger, Ally O’Brien and Brenda Bates, with a special thank you to Wendy for taking the following photos on the day.
The next Travellers Tales meeting will take place on Tuesday 31st March, which will be a very special occasion with cava and cake to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Angela’s TT group! Larry Sherrington, who gave the 1st talk back in March 2006, will be giving a presentation on a trip which he and Yvonne enjoyed to the Italian lakes last year. Clearly a meeting not to be missed! Further details will be published nearer the time.
Report by the Group Leader, Angela Chantry
travellers.tales@u3ajavea.com