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AA Travel Experience (Musgrave) | Musgrave Cntr 115 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal

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Musgrave Cntr 115 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal

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Travel Experience supplies travellers with an International Drivers Permit, Cross-border documentation, AA Membership, and Retail merchandise.Many countries require a valid passport and visa as a condition of entry for foreigners; as such, ensuring that your passport is valid and that your visa is obtained before travelling is vital to ensure that you will be able to gain entry into the country of your choice as effortlessly as possible.Travel Experience with Visa Zone simplifies your travel documents from passports to travel visas and much more. Whether it is corporate travel or that well deserved holiday, we understand all your travel needs, and will be able to assist you with the processing of urgent visas, visas and other travel documentation.Travel Insurance is one of the most important elements when planning your trip. Travel insurance is an essential item that is often easily overlooked in the frenzy of holiday planning and buying bikinis. Be prepared and make sure you are covered. Regardless of wheth

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Travel Experience - Musgrave Centre

(031) 201-5244 (031) 201-5244

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Travel Experience Address: Shop 317 Lvl3 Musgrave Ctr, 115 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa City of Durban Post Office box: 5030, Musgrave, Durban, 4062 Phone number: 031 201 5244,, Fax: 031 201 6792 Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies, www.travelexperience.co.za " target="_blank"> www.travelexperience.co.za

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Address: 71 Charlotte Maxeke St, Central, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies www.mkbobbytravel.com

Address: 183 Moses Kotane Rd, Overport, Kwazulu Natal, 4091, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies www.mithastravel.co.za

Address: 412 Felix Dlamini Rd, Overport, Kwazulu Natal, 4091, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies

Address: 524 Peter Mokaba Rd, Overport, Kwazulu Natal, 4091, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies

Address: Amra Bldg, 80 Charlotte Maxeke St, Central, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies

Address: 37 Ingcuce St, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies

Address: 294 John Zikhali Rd, Overport, Kwazulu Natal, 4091, South Africa, Durban. See full address and map. Categories: Local & International Travel Agencies

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Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

Departing Bundaberg, Queensland

travel experience musgrave

Great Barrier Reef Day Tours Departing

Bundaberg, Queensland

Lady Musgrave Experience

Award-winning eco-tourism adventures

Whether you’re a local resident, or a visitor looking for things to do in Bundaberg, experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island and lagoon from the closest accessible departure point – Bundaberg, Queensland. Only a 4 hour drive or 45 minute flight north of Brisbane, join Lady Musgrave Experience as we bring the Southern Great Barrier Reef to life.

Being an Advanced Eco-Certified company, we operate with minimal impact on the environment and are committed to protecting the coral reef and marine environment, while ensuring you have an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 There’s something for everyone with Lady Musgrave Experience, with a variety of tours that are both educational and inspirational. Our aim is to inspire and encourage our guests to learn about the Great Barrier Reef environment and reef eco-system in an immersive and fun way.

Select from a broad range of Lady Musgrave Experience day activities, encountering abundant marine life and wildlife, or spend the evening onboard the keenly awaited Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon , for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience.

Venture into the wonders of Lady Musgrave Experience Day Tours, where the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant marine life awaits. Snorkel amidst kaleidoscopic coral gardens, encounter captivating sea creatures, and savour gourmet meals on luxurious vessels. Every moment promises an unforgettable adventure in this pristine aquatic paradise.

  • Whale Watching

Set sail with Lady Musgrave Experience for an awe-inspiring whale watching adventure. Witness majestic humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping in their natural habitat. Expert guides provide insights into these gentle giants’ behaviours, ensuring a memorable and educational experience. Enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of a luxurious vessel.

  • Scuba Diving

Dive into the depths with Lady Musgrave Experience for an extraordinary scuba adventure. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, guided by expert divers. Encounter colourful fish, majestic sea turtles, and other underwater wonders. This immersive experience promises unforgettable moments in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Sleep On The Reef

Discover the magic of Lady Musgrave HQ, where you can sleep on the reef with Lady Musgrave Experience. Sleep under the stars, surrounded by the serene sounds of the ocean. By day, snorkel and explore vibrant coral ecosystems. This unique overnight adventure offers unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef.

ADVENTURE AWAITS: EXPLORE, SNORKEL, DISCOVER

GET UP CLOSE WITH NATURES GENTLE GIANTS

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SCUBA DIVING

DREAM BENEATH THE STARS WITH LADY MUSGRAVE HQ

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See The Great Barrier Reef

With Lady Musgrave Experience, Bundaberg, Day Tours

Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2020 - Great Barrier Reef Tours

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Bedfordview, bedfordview centre, towers shopping, phone number.

(011) 615 7946

S 26.182601° E 28.114049°

Shop L26 A Bedford Center Van Der Linde Road Bedfordview 2007

Trading hours

Mon-Fri: 09h00-18h00 Sat: 09h00-17h00

Sun & Public Holidays : 09h00-15h00

(074) 175 2709

S26.18144° E 28.24284°

136 North Rand Road, Towers shopping center, Boksburg.

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00 Sundays: CLOSED Public Holidays: 09h00 – 13h00

Centurion lifestyle Center

Gardens shopping centre.

012 653 5389

25.858429 28.188044

Centurion lifestyle Center, Centurion, 0157

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00 Sundays: 09h00 – 13h00 Public Holidays: 09h00 – 13h00

(011) 884 4104

S 26.103847° E 28.060249°

Shop G02 Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre Cnr of Greyston Dr & Benmore Rd Benmore

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00 Sundays: 09h00-13h00 Public Holidays: 09h00 – 13h00

Cavendish Square

021 683 1410

S 33.980597° E 18.462619°

F49, Cavendish Square, Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 18h00 Saturday: 09h00 – 18h00 Sundays: CLOSED Public Holidays: 09h00 – 13h00

Dolphin Coast

La lucia mall.

031 572 7852

S 29.75392° E 31.06473°

Shop No. 205, La Lucia Mall, William Campbell Dr, Durban, 4051

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00 Sundays: CLOSED Public Holidays: CLOSED

Musgrave Cntr

Walmer park shopping centre.

031 201 5244

S 29.848926° E 30.999945°

Shop 317 Musgrave Cntr, 115 Musgrave Rd, Musgrave, Durban, South Africa

(041) 368 6452

S 33.98151° E 25.55321°

Main Rd & 16th Ave, Walmer, Port Elizabeth

Bloemfontein

Brandwag shopping centre.

(051) 444 0571

E 26.2326° S 29.0706°

Shop 4A, Northridge Mall, kenneth Kaunda street, Noordstad, Bloemfontein 9301

Trading Hours

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00

Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00

Sundays: CLOSED

Public Holidays: 09h00 – 14h00

Lady Musgrave Experience

Lady Musgrave Experience provides tours and accommodation for guests of all ages and fitness levels to experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Lady Musgrave Island day tour, Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon Reef Sleep, whale watching tours and Tobruk diving. Departing Bundaberg, a few hours drive from Brisbane.

ECO Certified, Advanced Ecotourism level

Sustainability Commitment

Visiting the reef with Lady Musgrave Experience, you can rest assured that you’ll be playing your part to not only reduce the impact of tourism, but maybe even leave the reef more beautiful than what you found it. Advanced Eco Certified, Climate Action Certified and Respecting our Culture Certified - Lady Musgrave Experience is proud to be one of only 21 certified operators to hold all three! Our vision is to be recognised as the leading reef destination, completely immersing guests in the wonders of the Great Barrer Reef. Delivering safe, emotive and educational experiences that create memories lasting a lifetime. Being an Advanced Eco-Certified company and a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recognised as a High Standard Tourism Operator, we are continually improving our experience to ensure we operate with minimal impact on the natural environment. Lady Musgrave Experience is committed to protecting and regenerating the coral reef and marine environment. Our wildlife ecology team collaborates with indigenous sea rangers, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Coral Watch to ensure delivery of inclusive up-to-date information to guests. Our team conducts data collection, tourism impact studies and predation culling applying best practice at all times. Our goal is to provide opportunities for guests to have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience while interacting with the natural environment through shared knowledge, experiences and storytelling.

Australia Whale Experience

If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime, then Australia Whale Experience is for you. Get up close and personal with migrating Hump Back Whales off the Queensland coast and find out for yourself why so many people are visiting Bundaberg for the best whale watching experience available. 100% sighting rate since commencement.

Tobruk Dive Experience

Tobruk Experience is the latest Scuba Diving Tourist Attraction available in Queensland. Tobruk Experience is another division of Lady Musgrave Experience. Scuba Diving the ex-HMAS Tobruk is a unique opportunity that is limited to only a few companies.

Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon

Enjoy all the activities of our popular Lady Musgrave day tour – snorkelling, island walks, optional scuba diving, and glass bottom tour and add overnight accommodation. Stay on the reef and experience guided night turtle tours (Nov – March only), ultimate remoteness and the brilliant night sky. Sleep with the Turtles” group accommodation for 20 single bunk beds in the Underwater Observatory or “Sleep Under the Stars” in one of the eight Queen Glamping Bed on the upper deck.”

Lady Musgrave Island Full Day Tour

Experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef on-board the luxury catamaran Reef Empress. Cruise from Bundaberg Port Marina to Lady Musgrave Island, enjoy morning tea, full buffet lunch and afternoon tea. Snorkelling, with optional scuba diving, glass bottom boat tour, fish feeding and guided island walk.

People on a boat observe marine life and coral through glass panels on the floor, surrounded by clear blue water with a distant shoreline visible, as part of an ecotourism adventure.

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[email protected] | 0861 000 234

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travel experience musgrave

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travel experience musgrave

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travel experience musgrave

Republic of Bashkortostan Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

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The Republic of Bashkortostan, located in the Russian Federation, is a region known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique traditions. In this comprehensive guide to the Republic of Bashkortostan, we will explore the best places to visit, the ideal time to plan your trip, things to do, transportation options, dining choices, famous street stalls, where to stay, and essential travel tips.

Table of Contents:

Places to Visit in the Republic of Bashkortostan Best Time to Visit the Republic of Bashkortostan Things to Do in the Republic of Bashkortostan Getting Around in the Republic of Bashkortostan Where to Eat in the Republic of Bashkortostan Famous Street Food in the Republic of Bashkortostan Where to Stay in the Republic of Bashkortostan Travel Tips for the Republic of Bashkortostan

  • Places to Visit in the Republic of Bashkortostan Bashkortostan boasts a wide range of attractions:

a. Ufa: The capital city offers a blend of historical and modern attractions, including the Lala Tulpan Mosque and the National Museum.

b. Bashkirian Nature Reserves: Explore the untouched natural beauty of Bashkortostan by visiting nature reserves like Shulgan-Tash and Zigalga.

c. Historical Sites: Discover the region’s rich history by visiting sites like the Burzyansky Kremlin and the Ancient City of Ukek.

d. Traditional Villages: Experience the unique culture and hospitality of the Bashkir people by visiting traditional villages.

  • Best Time to Visit the Republic of Bashkortostan The best time to visit Bashkortostan depends on your interests:

Summer (June to August): Ideal for outdoor activities, nature exploration, and cultural festivals.

Autumn (September to November): Great for enjoying the changing foliage and milder weather.

Winter (December to February): Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

  • Things to Do in the Republic of Bashkortostan Outdoor Adventures: Explore the region’s natural beauty by hiking, skiing, and horseback riding in its many nature reserves.

Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local Bashkir culture by attending traditional events and enjoying folk music and dance.

Historical Exploration: Discover the region’s history through its ancient sites and museums.

  • Getting Around in the Republic of Bashkortostan Public Transportation: Buses and trams are available in cities like Ufa.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is a convenient option, especially for exploring remote areas.

Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available in urban areas.

  • Where to Eat in the Republic of Bashkortostan Sample the flavors of Bashkir cuisine at local restaurants and cafes. Try traditional dishes like:

Irek Soup: A hearty meat and vegetable soup. Bashkir Manti: Steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.

  • Famous Street Food in the Republic of Bashkortostan While street food culture isn’t as prevalent in Bashkortostan as in some other regions, you can find vendors selling local snacks and pastries. Keep an eye out for:

Chak-chak: A sweet treat made from dough and honey, sometimes adorned with nuts.

  • Where to Stay in the Republic of Bashkortostan Accommodation options in Bashkortostan include:

Hotels: Find a variety of hotels to suit different budgets in Ufa and other major cities.

Guesthouses: Stay in traditional guesthouses for an authentic Bashkir experience.

Nature Lodges: For nature lovers, there are lodges and cabins in the beautiful countryside.

  • Travel Tips for the Republic of Bashkortostan Language: While Russian is widely spoken, learning a few Bashkir phrases can enhance your experience.

Weather: Pack appropriately based on the season and the activities you plan to undertake.

Respect Local Traditions: Bashkortostan has a unique culture, and it’s important to be respectful when visiting villages and attending cultural events.

Bashkortostan offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring nature reserves to delving into the rich history and culture of the Bashkir people. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this region has something for every traveler.

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Muslim spirit and the Soviet legacy: Walking around Ufa, the capital of Bashkortostan

travel experience musgrave

Thinking about how best to spend a long weekend, I knew I wanted to get out of Moscow but was having trouble deciding which city to visit. In a country as big as Russia, you’re spoiled for choice. On the spur of the moment, the day before leaving, I decided to travel to Ufa (1,165km southeast of Moscow and south of the Urals), the capital city of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Despite being a relatively large city with a population of almost 1.1 million, few people know much about Ufa since it is rarely mentioned in the Russian media. The region is predominantly Muslim, and it is the cultural and historical center of the Bashkirs, the fourth largest ethnic group in Russia after Russians, Ukrainians and Tatars.

A journey full of color

Not long after I settled into my sleeper train compartment, I met an energetic 50-year old woman named Maria. She was a bubbly woman with bright eyes and a lively spirit. The moment she found out I was French and unmarried, she made sure the entire carriage learned about this too. She tried to play matchmaker and introduce me to a young lady sitting nearby, claiming if only she’d been younger...

Maria plans to retire in a few months and leave Moscow to live with her family in Chelyabinsk, a city that is currently most famous for a recent meteor explosion.

Taking a break at Samara station

Taking a break at Samara station

In the morning, the train made a short stop in Samara, and Maria took this opportunity to buy some dried fish wrapped in a newspaper on the platform. Some say this tradition is dying out, but I’m not so sure.

While I was having lunch with Maria, a 10-year old girl and her mother came up to us, intrigued by the presence of a Frenchman on the train. Despite being so young, Yulia has a busy schedule that includes chess classes, singing competitions and participating in an international camp in Crimea (Artek). She even has photographs of herself sitting next to Vladimir Putin at the camp. She dreams of visiting France someday. She asked for my autograph on the inside cover of a book that contained the thesis of her sociological study. I signed it next to the signatures of army officers and various famous Russians.

From the train window the landscape is somewhat dull, but very peaceful.

From the train window the landscape is somewhat dull, but very peaceful.

We all admired the beauty of the Urals. Along the way, we gazed at the picturesque towns and surrounding mountains, lit up here and there by bright gas flares. After traveling for 22 hours, it was time for us to part ways. I was finally in Ufa!

Contrasts of Bashkir identity

The next day I traveled south to see one of the city’s main monuments, the statue of Salawat Yulayev, a Bashkir national hero and poet of the second half of the 18 th century, who took part in the Peasants’ War (also known as Pugachev’s Rebellion ) from 1773 to 1775. His name is everywhere: on license plates and all sorts of buildings. The city’s hockey club is even named after him.

The street names written both in Russian and Bashkir

The street names written both in Russian and Bashkir

Along the way, I noticed that everything on the streets, from shop signs to the list of bus stops, as well as the street names, was written in two languages: Russian and Bashkir. I asked an elderly woman passing by if many people speak Bashkir. While she is fluent in the local language, she informed me that regrettably not many people in the city speak this language.

Just a short walk from the city center and I’m in the heart of the countryside.

Just a short walk from the city center and I’m in the heart of the countryside.

I arrived at the edge of one of the hills of Ufa. A dozen small wooden houses, haphazardly built between bushes and dirt tracks, separated me from the Belaya River down below. Just as I was about to venture off into this unknown landscape, an 80-year old woman, holding a bucket in one hand, approached me.

Tyotya Lyuda, or Aunt Lyuda (the diminutive of Lyudmila), as she calls herself, seemed surprised to see me on this steep and muddy track with a camera in one hand. After we got acquainted with each other, she invited me back to her house to admire the view from her back garden. It was absolutely breathtaking. Her house overlooked a stream and the horizon, which was adorned with hundreds of colorful houses. The view must be twice as spectacular in summer, when the landscape is covered with greenery.

Tyotya Lyuda showing me around

Tyotya Lyuda showing me around

During our short conversation, the old lady reassured me that many people still speak Bashkir in the region. I left her house and headed in the opposite direction towards the hill, where the statue of Salawat Yulayev riding his fiery steed awaited me.

The giant horseman on the hill is Salawat Yulayev, Bashkir national hero (and the title of hockey club)

The giant horseman on the hill is Salawat Yulayev, Bashkir national hero (and the title of hockey club)

I found myself in a huge, newly built square that was surrounded by modern buildings. There was a permanent exhibition devoted to local culture in one of the yurts nearby, where an indigenous representative showed me their national attire, tools, utensils and weapons that were traditionally used by nomads in the area.

Park 'Vatan', Hilton hotel on the background

Park 'Vatan', Hilton hotel on the background

A diverse territory

I stopped for a few moments at this point, looked around and noticed the glaringly obvious tension between the traditional yurts, the immaculate modern buildings and the small wooden houses scattered around and, unfortunately, surrounded by a lot of waste. Russia is a country of contrasts, and Bashkortostan is no exception.  

View from the hill where the legendary statue of Salavat Yulayev stands.

I climbed to the top of another hill and discovered a well-maintained wooded park. At the end of this park, I found the impressive statue of Salawat Yulayev, looming over this republic that is ¼ the size of France.

Salavat Yulayev and a man in the national Bashkir headwear

Salavat Yulayev and a man in the national Bashkir headwear

The view here was spectacular, and there was an accordionist playing songs that resonated far and wide.

The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful

The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful

While eavesdropping on various conversations around me, I noticed that around half of the discussions were in Bashkir, which confirmed to me that the language was not, in fact, dying out. As a Breton, the issue of language extinction is of particular concern to me.

Salawat Yulayev park

Salawat Yulayev park

While wandering around the streets, I came upon the Bashkir State Academic Drama Theater and the Alexander Matrosov Gardens, which contained several Soviet monuments. I walked along the “ArtTerria” alley, which is adorned with a dozen modern sculptures made by artists from around the world.

The ArtTerria sculpture alley.

The ArtTerria sculpture alley.

Caught between military equipment and mosques

The next day, I visited Yakutov Park and then headed north on foot. The city is huge with mains roads that sometimes have up to six lanes. I walked along one nerve-racking road that was lined with eclectic buildings: residential blocks rising up from the ground, 100-year old wooden huts with finely crafted window frames, strange looking Soviet-style buildings as well as enormous, multicolor shopping centers...

The buildings display an impressive architectural diversity

The buildings display an impressive architectural diversity

After walking nearly 7 km, I reached my first stop: a souvenir shop which was recommended to me the day before. You can find there all sorts of local products here. My eye fell on two items: a kobyz , which is a Bashkir version of the Jew’s harp, and a flag of Bashkortostan because I usually buy a flag in every place I visit.

Satisfied with my purchases, I headed towards Victory Park. I got off two stops before my destination in order to enjoy a long walk surrounded by pine trees and tall buildings. The atmosphere was lively and festive. Some children were playing near a fountain, while others were riding on scooters and hover boards or bouncing balls and blowing soap bubbles. There was a market on the other end of the square, right in front of the majestic Ufa State Petroleum Technological University. I went up to a stand selling tea and sweets, simply unable to resist the intoxicating scent of fresh food!

These two enormous buildings caught my attention so much I had to step out of the vehicle to explore more

These two enormous buildings caught my attention so much I had to step out of the vehicle to explore more

I continued onward, passing an impressive block of flats in a working-class neighborhood that dates back to the previous century. It felt like I’d traveled back in time to another era. Little has changed in this area since Soviet times. I took the opportunity to stop off at a small grocery store and bought some bekkens (small pastries typically found in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan) stuffed with potato and fennel.

Eventually I arrived at Victory Park, and it suddenly dawned on me why the park bears this name. It is filled all over with military-themed objects: monuments in honor of victims and soldiers, actual tanks, howitzers and other military equipment.

Monuments dedicated to the glory of the Soviet army

Monuments dedicated to the glory of the Soviet army

Children enjoy the vast green spaces. Generally speaking, I noticed that there are a lot of young children in this city compared to other Russian cities I have visited. It therefore comes as no surprise to discover that in 2017, out of Russia’s 85 federal subjects, Bashkortostan had the 16 th highest birth rate. Young toddlers in particular enjoy climbing inside tanks and standing on top of them.

The majestic Lala Tulpan mosque

The majestic Lala Tulpan mosque

But I didn’t come here to admire deadly weapons. I traveled across the city to see a unique building that’s just a short walk away from the park: the Lala Tulpan mosque, a Bashkir religious center. The name of the mosque refers to the tulip, a symbol of the Turkish people, and the two 53-meter-tall minarets on top were designed in the shape of flowers in full blossom.

A culinary, spiritual and intellectual feast

The Tukayev Mosque

The Tukayev Mosque

On my final day in Ufa, I decided to visit another famous site of worship: the Tukayev mosque. Built in 1830, it was the first mosque in the city and, up until the 1920s, served as Russia’s Islamic center. It consists of a large complex of various buildings, surrounded by an enclosure with richly decorated gates and walls. While I was in the mosque, a wedding happened to be taking place there, and the young newlyweds later posed for photos in the main courtyard of the architectural complex.

The “Seven Girls” fountain

The “Seven Girls” fountain

I then headed toward the city center, where I discovered the beautiful “Seven Girls” fountain, which pays tribute to a Bashkir epic that tells the story of seven young girls who were kidnapped by bandits. Choosing death over slavery, they decided to drown themselves in a lake. Afterwards, it is said that seven new stars appeared in the night sky.

Nearby, you’ll find the colorful Verkhnetorgovskaya Square, which has buildings that are relatively new but still charming. It’s definitely a trendy part of town, with a number of shops and restaurants dotted about. I stocked up on almonds and walnuts from a Tajik vendor at a very reasonable price, which reminded me that Central Asia isn’t far from here. Then I crossed the square and walked over to Sattvik, a vegetarian restaurant. 

Fully restored, Verkhnetorgovskaya Square is a warm and friendly place located at the heart of the city center

Fully restored, Verkhnetorgovskaya Square is a warm and friendly place located at the heart of the city center

At this point, I only had a few hours left before my return flight, so I abandoned the idea of visiting the botanical garden and instead headed towards the National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan, which is two streets away and one of the oldest museums in Russia (it opened in 1864). Visitors can learn about local customs, history and geology through art and nature there.

A model of a wooden kremlin once stood on the hill where the statue of Salawat Yulayev now holds court

A model of a wooden kremlin once stood on the hill where the statue of Salawat Yulayev now holds court

The museum was simply fascinating and contained an incredibly rich collection that has been perfectly preserved. I even learned that a wooden kremlin once stood on top of one of the hills in the city and that millions of years ago Bashkortostan was submerged under water. Today, some regions of high ground are actually made up of ancient coral reefs.

Unfortunately, I was running out of time. An employee at the museum advised me to abandon the rooms dedicated to the Soviet period and to visit the rooms dedicated to traditional Bashkir costumes and items.

After going back to the hostel and packing my bags, I hopped on a marshrutka and headed towards the airport. An old lady asked me the time at the bus stop and then shouted goodbye, warmly wishing me good luck. I took one last look at the city’s wide streets through the bus window. I even spotted the Ar-Rahim mosque, a sublime pharaonic mosque that is being built. Once it is completed, it will be one of the most impressive mosques in Russia.

My journey ends with the promise of an inevitable return

My journey ends with the promise of an inevitable return

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  21. Muslim spirit and the Soviet legacy: Walking around Ufa, the capital of

    On the spur of the moment, the day before leaving, I decided to travel to Ufa (1,165km southeast of Moscow and south of the Urals), the capital city of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

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