Translation of Nuraika’s post (RUS)

Winter in Dushanbe begins very slowly and gently. It is still autumn outside, the trees reluctantly shed their leaves, and the sun plays hide-and-go-seek with the clouds. Looking out of my window, I can see the chiming clock of the museum and a big intersection. How nice that the supermarket isn’t far from the hotel. My schedule permits me to go buy souvenirs in memory of the pleasant trip.

Compared to the loud Kyrgyz, who attended the youth internet forum, the locals are very quiet. It is customary to maintain a low volume, even in public transportation. People travel in silence or speak softly. Tajiks don’t like drama and dress warmly and comfortably, not trying to bare their stomachs or highlight their waists.

In the spring, the streets shimmer with people in traditional dress. In the winter, like everywhere, you mainly see dark jackets and overcoats. Women here create the impression of being very proper. They are modest and speak little. Nonetheless, the youth march in step with the rest of Central Asia. Bakhtiyor is finishing the 11th grade and studying at the ICT center (Information and Communication Technologies). The young Tajik is attending the CICSO Academy at the center, and working as an assistant in his IT classes. Sometimes, he even acts as the substitute teacher! He has been abroad, and is generally unconstrained by traditional moral values. He wants to travel to other countries and learn new things. He attends advanced courses in mathematics and is preparing for his English language exam. Bakhtiyor likes rap. He and his friends often write songs and compose music themselves. They also helped organize the Internet forum I attended. Talking to them, you sense no cultural barriers.

I found it interesting that everyone looks completely different. Stereotypes break down. There is a great variety of racial mixes that tend in different directions.

It is a beautiful nation: the guys’ eyelashes are something to envy, while the almond eyes of Tajik women are irresistible. An eastern accent is present in their speech, even in that of Russian Tajiks.

Maya is another one of the organizers. Talking about Tajik girls online, you would think that they all have unibrows and wear traditional waist-hugging dresses. No such thing! Maya is a beautiful, young girl who instantly conquered the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.

She is also a fascinating ethnic mix. Her green eyes and light hair distinguish her from the crowd. There is a beauty pageant going on right now, but as it often happens, the most beautiful girls don’t participate. I don’t want to offend anyone – the contestants are all very pretty – but they are no match for her. Maya turned out to be a very social girl with a great sense of humor and diverse views on life.

The first things that come to mind when I think of Dushanbe’s inhabitants are their hospitality and friendliness. During my second visit, the impression remains unshaken. It feels good when people treat you like an individual, listen to you and open up. They are easy to get along with and always make you feel like a wanted guest.

The tea ceremony has a touching Eastern feel. Before the drink is poured, it is steeped three times for extra flavor. The host pours half a cup and holds his hand to his heart. It symbolizes that the treat comes from the heart and that you are being welcomed with soul. When accepting the cup, you also hold your hand to your heart.