Oliver and I had quite the adventure on a late afternoon bike ride in Tashkent last week. While cycling along a side or minor canal, we came across a dog chained to a house that was a few meters from the canal. I am familiar with the dog because in our former house in Tashkent, I often walked by him on this same canal. I always walked on the opposite side of the canal to avoid trouble because the dog looked quite fierce. The dog would always bark and try to break his chains in rage at the sight of me and Obi. This time, however, we were on bikes, and the opposite side is loose stones and not apt for cycling, so we rode on the side of the dog. I thought we could squeeze by between the dog and the edge of the canal. When we were near the dog, it leapt out and bit my pant leg and tore a hole in my pants. Thankfully, it was mostly pants that the dog’s teeth sank into, and I was left only with an abrasion. The dog would not let go until I pushed him off. I collected my composure and went after the dog using my bike as a guard. I was so angry at the dog. Suddenly, a woman comes out of the house with a big knife and starts yelling at me. I was yelling at her for not training her dog better and for blocking a public pathway. Oliver calmed everyone down, and we went on our way. I went back a couple of days later and took the photograph of the house below. The dog was not there.
I hope she was working in the kitchen and came out to see what the commotion was, and not specifically grabbed a knife to stab me. It is a very poor, industrial part of Tashkent. I guess the dog is there for protection, although there is not much crime in Tashkent. I feel sorry that the dog is being tied up all day and not cared for properly. As a precautionary measure, I went to hospital #1 for a rabies booster, mostly to calm Nadia than the risk of rabies. TIC was kind to support us and sent along a nurse to assist with translation.
The economy continues to boom here in Tashkent. The rate of new building projects is amazing and changing the skyline of the city profoundly. Below is a mixed-use (residential, commercial) “Piramit Tower” shown below. The size and distinctive lighting make it an iconic part of the skyline. I walked to it from our house with Obi the other night since we see it all the time. The Turkish Koç Holding Company built the 215-meter, 48-floor, $150 million dollar building, making it the second-tallest building in the city after the Nest One development. There are 240 offices, 398 apartments, 96 retail shops, and an InterContinental Hotel to boot. I want to check it out sometime soon.
Bill's Blog 