The city is developing at breakneck speed after 25 years of a repressive government under the first Uzbek President, Islam Karimov. Friday night we wanted to leave the house because my son Oliver was hosting a party of his friends. I wanted to check out FoodMall Tashkent and it was really good. It is modeled after those food courts you find in shopping malls and other areas that recreate an Asian night food market. Ocean tried Pho Boss (Vietnamese) and I tried the Thai stand. Both dishes were delicious. It is near Westminster University and there were a lot of upper class, hip university-age people there. I thought the music was a bit too loud, but other than that, it was a good experience.
I love the sound of kids at our house and it was with pleasure that we prepared a pancake breakfast for Oliver and his friends who slept over on Friday night. International school students are so nice that they tidied the pool area and kitchen after the party. Oliver is with two of his best friends, Anton and Tristan. Nadia and I savored the opportunity to talk with them.
I love the photo Owen sent above of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Owen is an intern for our District 1 Michigan Representative Jack Bergman this summer at the Capital. He is having a life-changing experience there and it is good to see him stretch himself and grow. He has gained a special insight into how the US government works and we are proud of him. I can’t wait to see him next month when we visit.
Last night I combined a cycle ride along the Ankhor Canal and playing paddleball with friends. UzPadel has 3 really nice courts right under the Tashkent TV Tower and I play occasionally with Dmitry, Walid, and Chahin. One of the benefits of being an expatriate is interacting with people from all over the world. Last night’s foursome we had an Uzbek, French, Russian, and American on the court. I like the camaraderie of sport and although paddleball is not as good as tennis, it is a better workout than pickleball. The canal ride home was beautiful at sunset. A new hotel, the Crowne Plaza is now open, and the front lobby opens up directly on the 5-kilometer walking/cycling path on the Ankhor Canal. It would be a nice place to stay if you like to exercise.
I end this post with a video I shot while riding next to the Minor Mosque. From Saturday to Tuesday in Uzbekistan, they are celebrating Eid ul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) which commemorates Abraham’s love for Allah demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son. Abraham figures in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism and can be used to connect these three major world religions. The story is found in both the Book of Genesis (first of five books of the Torah) and in the 37th surah (chapter) of the Quran. Police were setting up metal detectors and controlling parking and traffic in front of the mosque in advance of services to start the holiday. Both Monday and Tuesday are national holidays here.
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