October 3, 2011

Most happy to have my Internet connection at home and finally be able to launch the blog. I still need to figure out how to add some photos so readers have other things to look at besides the printed word. After lunch with Caroline set out to visit the American Corner, a space sponsored by the U. S. Embassy where local Tajiks can have access to the Internet, peruse a small library on subjects related to our culture and even checkout DVDs. The entrance is located on the side of a non-descript building and the entrance is dim. Once on the second floor, one needs to be led to the entrance. At least the space in itself was airy and all computers were taken, not necessarily by students studying English as we saw one woman researching wedding dresses and taking photos with her cell phone camera. The library portion was quiet, but then again no one seemed to be studying or speaking English. No one greeted or welcomed us and I had to ask who the attendant us. A guy stood up and introduced himself. When asked about checking out books or movies, he indicated I would have to leave my passport behind. Not a good idea, so I told him I’d get to him later. 

Went back to the department store to find a few items for my new apartment and was able to buy a flower vase so I can take advantage of the gorgeous bouquet you can on streets for about $2.50. Found a set of kitchen utensils including a vegetable peeler, nutcracker, garlic press and wine corker, all stainless steel, for $25.00. Still no luck with the coffee grinder. Butter is only sold here in a huge one kilo block and I was able to find a glass container for it.

                Ghostly display of wedding dresses at the department store.

Caroline’s luggage was finally at the airline’s offices and we went to pick it up. We took our first taxi ride after Tashmina negotiated the price and just as the driver made his left turn into Rudaki Avenue, the traffic cop whistled for him to stop. Apparently he had made an illegal left turn to save time and had been caught. The driver got out of the car while the cop pretended to get out his paperwork to write a ticket. They walked together a little further and then I noticed the driver giving the cop a note. The driver then confirmed he had paid the cop ten somonis or the equivalent to $2.50 to let him go.

Caroline’s apartment is a really shabby affair. Everything is really old and worn out with knobs missing from some of the cabinets and the obvious fact that not even a new coat of paint has been applied to the walls in ages. The only saving grace is that she is in the middle of everything. I tried to humor her by saying she’s paying for the location.

Ryan, a United Nations’ doctor whom I had met through Couch Surfing, had returned from his vacation in the Philippines and invited us to dinner at his place. It turned out he lives literally around the corner from my apartment. He had prepared a delicious dumplings soup with cream and lots of green onions, flat bread, a cucumber and tomato salad and what looked like a medley of vegetables with slices of hot dogs. We were treated to Russian beer while declining the vodka. Ryan talks a mile a minute and seems to know everybody here. We were later joined by Yoomi, who is doing research on human trafficking, and Sam, who arrived recently and is looking to find a job teaching English. It was a most convivial atmosphere and I stayed until almost ten o’clock. Ryan and Sam escorted me back to my building. Ryan has offered to take me around this weekend and show me his favorite haunts. I can’t wait.