Exploring Dushanbe

First, apologies for not being good about updating my blog. Because I can’t do it at work and because I’m often so tired when I get home, I just haven’t done it. But there is much to update you on!

Olga has arrived to Almaty and is settled into her new place. It’s great to have her closer and we’re both looking forward to a warm Spring and Summer together, riding bikes and hiking in the mountains. She’s still on a vacation right now and will begin looking for work here fairly soon.

And I just got back from a 3 day trip with Olga from Tajikistan. We didn’t want to give away the details because we didn’t want to get anyone worried about us, but I had to get my visa renewed to work in Kazakhstan and because of the recent governmental overthrowing in Kyrgyzstan, the closest and cheaper option, we opted to go to Tajikistan. Neither of us knew what to expect, but it was a great trip to a beautiful and clean country. The weather was perfect, the city was nice, and we went up into the mountains outside of the city and had a really nice afternoon with my friend from Peace Corps, Susannah, who know works in Dushanbe (the capital).

Work is busy – I’m learning a lot every day and trying to wrap my head around everything. I finally have my own office and it even comes with an airs conditioner! The hot summers here will be bearable. Also found a cafeteria on campus that offers a vegetarian meal for lunch, so I’ve been frequenting that place a bit more often. And soon I’ll begin my Master’s Program in International Relations, a program I’m excited about! My first course this summer will be Central Asia-US Relations.

I’ll try to update more frequently, but no promises. Congratulations to Scott and Erin on their engagement, wish I could be home to celebrate.

Filling out the paperwork for my new Kazakh visa in Tajikistan.


Traditional-styled art, became popular hundreds of years ago when it was forbidden by Islam to paint human faces.


Having a nice breakfast outdoors at Susannah's house.


Olga in front of the State Opera House.


Olga at the ABA Law office in Dushanbe.


A Statue of Rudaki, one of the first great Persian poet's


On our way to the mountains in the Varzob region!


Susannah and I posing in front of a strange house in the mountains.


Olga and I breaking toenjoy the scenery.


Crossing the river (one of the many times we had to do this)


A man leading his donkey, packed with bags of rhubarb to sell at the market.


We all went to the botanical gardens a few hours before Olga and I had to fly back to Kazakhstan. Had a great time, thanks guys!