Tick tock...................................

Dinner for our Tajik friends

Jeff and I had about 20 Tajik friends over on Sunday for a buffet type dinner. We played it safe and served; chicken, rice, salads, bread and fruit. We have both learned from experience the Tajik’s do not have a varied diet and well don’t really like food that is somewhat different. But we both wanted to say thanks to wonderful friends for their kindness and friendship over the last few months. 

Of course the buffet style did cause huge amount of laughter. I had to explain the concept.  It was explained to us that here it would be considered very rude to serve food here buffet style. However when you live in a 2 bed flat one has to be creative!!  I also pointed out that when I go to their houses I don’t laugh at how they serve their food. Suffice to say this shut them up ha ha!!

Konibordum

Myself and Dr. Tom another vso person here took a trip with two locals friends to this town. It is about one hour from K. Of course we didn’t realise we had to eat two meals within the space of 30 mins. Now you don’t want to cause offence but God its tough trying to eat when you are absolutely stuffed!!

But again and I know I always talk about this, but their kindness was literally overwhelming. To put in context folks we were the first foreigners to visit their homes and they just desperately wanted to show us a good time. At times it nearly verged on the embarrassing – but you just have to take it on the chin and smile.

I’ve included this photo below – this is my friend Dil’s family. Her father asked could he wave at the camera.  He had never met a foreign person before and wanted to say hello and good wishes to all my family and friends in Ireland. Honestly the best people!!

Interesting Fruit 

So I found this fruit in the market and well, have no idea what it is called. Locals were not able to translate it for me. It’s a cross between an apple, peach and pear with a hint of citrus. Really yummy especially especially when cooked.

Work

Well on the countdown now. In the middle of doing up final training materials and guides, and of course an overall report. I have a clear plan of what I think/hope, should/can happen going forward but fingers crossed. However I plan to keep in touch and have someone here on the ground to keep me posted too!!

New Volunteers

Yeah a new bunch have arrived all three of them. We now think there are about 15 foreigners here. It’s a mixed bunch – some stick to themselves but for the most part were all in this together and meet up when possible. Usually Friday night – enjoyable for the most part but there is only so much political talk I can handle!!

As always from me to y’all good night!!!

Lainey xxx

PS: Winter has arrived here. Up until a few days ago it was lovely and warm and the suddenly BAM!! There is now snow on the mountains. Unfortunately I have few winter clothes with me but it’s only a few weeks thank God!!

PPS: Had to include this picture. Was walking home from work the other night. And I guess this was one of those 'kodak' moments only I was using my I-Touch. It is the view over the main bridge here in K - probably one of my favourite pictures!!

Well when I first arrived in T – I met four fellow VSO volunteers. All of us are living in different locations here in T. We promised to visit each other before leaving. So this week I had Jan from the Pamir region visiting me here in K. Together we travelled to Penjikent to visit another VSO volunteer.

Penjikent is situated in the north west of T, about 5 hours by car from Khujand. It’s a lovely town close to Uzbekistan – and again I thought the locals here look so different to the locals in K.

Car Trip

Getting there is an experience. You travel by shared taxi. You go to a designated spot in K and basically haggle for a car and then wait until there are four passengers.

Of course I was told to get an older drive, no stuff on the roof and check the tyres. All good but of course I have no idea about the quality of the engine and if it would last the journey.

I was stuck in the back with two local women and of course BO was an issue. Which is tough when you are travelling on dusty roads (see picture below).  I literally spent 2hrs frantically putting the window up/down whenever I could. Even though it’s October it was a very hot day and well the smell was at times overpowering.

What is Penjikent known for?

Sarazm – Beginning of the World

This is one the oldest known settlement in Central Asia, over 5000 years old. And well I love archaeology and just loved this place. Fortunately at the time there was a French team of archaeologists on site. God it was so interesting talking to them. The team leader has worked on and off for nearly 20 years on this site. I could have spent hours talking to him – such an interesting man with an incredible passion for this area.

He explained and outlined to us the site and its history – it is considered to be the cradle of civilization of Tajik people. I was literally blown away it’s hard to capture on camera as well it looks like a bunch of stones. But trust me folks this is a designated UNICEF World Heritage site for a reason.

Ancient Penjikent

Is located above P with great views and was a well organised city up until the 8^th century. When the auld Arabs came along and burnt and buried it.  You can make out the foundations of the original temples and bazaar.   

Town Mayor's House

When in P we stayed with a friend who lives in the former Town Mayor's house. This house for me actually sums up T. There was a massive bathroom with Jacuzzi, Sauna and a very fancy toilet. Folks not one of them worked. There was however a very posh out door toilet!!

Creepy Crawlies:

So I have survived the summer and all the peculiar insects I was even bitten last night by mosquitos.  Its 16/11/11 but the weather is still lovely and warm which would explain it. But now have to cope with huge fecking spiders. Found 3 in the last week but thankfully someone has been around to do the necessary. They are massive things and well you know me and my insect allergy. It’s a little ‘oh Jesus Christ’ and a few other choice words and then someone comes to my rescue.

As always from me to y’all good night!!!

Lainey xxx

PS: Well I just found out I am apparently not a ‘native English speaker’. Jeff had some documents to proof read and said he would get me to do them. But he was told to get someone else as Elaine is ‘not a native English speaker’. God I was killed laughing. I promptly explained that while I am Irish, English is my native language.

PPS: Just had to include this picture. When in P in came across a recently married young lady. She wears this dress every day for a month after the marriage.  It’s a traditional Uzbekistan dress – Penjkent and that region are populated by a lot of Uzbekistan’s and they have retained a lot of their traditions.

It took me ages to coax a smile out of her – but think it’s a great picture!!