I took advantage of the Eid Al Adha holiday and rode my bike in the center of Tashkent on Sunday. Traffic was extremely light and it reminded me of during the COVID pandemic when I could ride without cars every morning in early 202o. I often ride along the Ankhor Canal but because of clear roads, I photographed the canal from the bridge instead of from alongside the canal. I often walk Obi or ride my bike along the canal while waiting for Nadia to complete her 2-kilometer swim. Ocean and her have been swimming quite a bit and I am happy that she is exercising again. She has been battling lower back pain and swimming relieves this.
June is a time of farewells as many expatriates move posts during the summer. Last night we had a final dinner at Tom Yum Restaurant. Our friend Zehavit is leaving in a few weeks and we wanted to say goodbye. On Sunday night we attended a BBQ and said goodbye to Heather & Matt and Anna & Samir. Such is the life of global nomads. The good thing is we are all in this together and learn to make new friends quickly and reignite friendships from the past when we see each other.
Early Monday morning I got out of Tashkent for a hike in the foothills of the Tien Shan Range. The landscape at this time of year reminds me of the parks in southern California. It is a couple of weeks away from being completely brown as the summer sun in Central Asia is relentless. I hadn’t gotten out in a few weeks and it was nice to recharge my batteries in nature. I always feel better after a walk in wilderness. The area is just off the highway on the ridge overlooking the town of Gazelkent. I think it is privately owned and there is a decent access road. The rolling hills with many Hawthorn trees make for a pleasant day.
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