Uzbekistan: trains and diplomatic incidents

It was both cold and beautiful in Uzbekistan.

When entering Uzbekistan from Turkmenistan it's easy to think that one is leaving behind a highly paranoid, authoritarian country and entering a more relaxed one. The truth is that the Uzbek government is probably more distrusting: the internet is more open but everything is still monitored, and I had to register my location with the police every night during my stay.

Visas (no cake)

 My imagination (see below)

I dream visas. When I close my eyes, visa forms and civil servants swirl in front of my eyes, taunting me with literal hoops to jump through.

But success is imminent! I think.