Just back at my desk from a totally different world Boysun, a region tucked away between Samarkand and Termez, the South, on the UNESCO list of oral and intangible heritage. Just back from the Boysuntau Festival, where the best folk ensembles, the best musicians, dancers, Bakshi bards gather each year. An area that almost doesn't let you go again, that draws you into a spell. I was there as a jury member of the Avantgard Fashion competition, beautiful models from Tashkent presenting daring clothes created by designers from all over the country. Lots of exciting newcomers this year. What a thrilling contrast to the local spectators and the breathtaking backdrop of the Gissar Mountains. Along with my team a guest from Filmquadrat in Munich. With Lisa Eder we spent a few days roaming the area, location scouting. Unforgettable it was, the kind of human experience you can still get in Central Asia, off the beaten path.

The Silk & Spice Festival in Bukhara is a good indicator of the last cool days before the soaring summer temperatures take over. Beginning of May, around Lyabi Hauz, craftspeople from all over Uzbekistan and its neighboring countries put up their stalls, displaying their colorful products; this year, people from Boysun brought their own yurt, woven carpets and pieces of art; as every year, mayor effort by the members of the Association of Private Tourism enterprise with their team and family, the local Mayor's office Hokimyat, volunteers, my team to name but a few went into organizing the event. Tourism is on everyone's mind, from small, cozy family run B&B's to the AMCHAM tourism committe under the new leadership of the Italian ambassador, the Uzbekistan Skal Club, from major projects funded by the European Union to American supported Crafts or Small Enterprise initiatives, to receivers of scholarships by the French, US, German and Japanese governments.

Things are moving and in the right direction too. Mass tourism, no, not in Central Asia, not ever, but more upscale and individually tailored tours, definitely. Each country has some unique aspect to offer, making every step of your journey memorable. Book with one of the European operators who have longstanding experience with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries, who will show you what you most longed to see, or go through one of the small local agencies whose address are featured throughout this issue. Come here and discover a different world in the heart of The Silk Road. We are here for you.