Summer weather arrived in Tashkent with temperatures reaching into the 90s F (30C) later this week. We had a quiet weekend at home, resting after a very hectic past couple of weeks (and weekends). My highlight yesterday was picking up Oliver from the airport. He went on a senior trip to Barcelona with some of his friends. He liked the city and being in Europe which has a different feeling to Central Asia. Obi was so happy to see his big brother. I am always amazed that dogs can recognize “friends” and caregivers after an absence. I wonder what is going through their heads.
We are searching for apartments and houses here in Tashkent to downsize. With Owen already gone and Oliver leaving in a couple of weeks, it will only be Ocean, Nadia and me at home. We love our house but it is very big and we may get some cost savings with a smaller place. I like the location of our current home because it is so close to school and all of the time saved throughout the year with travel to and from school adds up. How much does one value that? Many people want a neighborhood closer to the center of the city because of nearby amenities, and I agree it is nice to be close to restaurants, parks, etc. Does it compensate for a longer commute? We checked out an apartment in one of the new Tashkent City Apartment Complexes, the Garden Residences. Only about 40% of them are occupied as many Tashkenters bought them as investments. They are new and the grounds are nice. The owner said it reminded her of Dubai, a place that Uzbeks absolutely love. It reminds me of how Latin Americans think of Miami. They are new and comfortable, but we will have to get rid of stuff that has accumulated over the past years with a family.
We finished the weekend with a walk along the canal with Obi. It is one of my favorite places in Tashkent. A five-kilometer walking and biking path along the canal is frequently used by people in the city. When you are feeling anxious or stressed, a good walk in nature is the best antidote.
I loved watching Nadia perform Aha’s “Take on Me” at our annual End-of-Year party. She has a good voice. Performing music for others is one of the most human activities we do. It brings people together!
I also put together a video of the track & field meet from two weeks ago. Oliver ran a winning opening leg of the 4×100 meter relay. Ocean won the long jump and 200 meter run. They are both excellent athletes.
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