First things first

While waiting at Heathrow for the first part of my flight to Dushanbe, I pondered on what lay ahead, worlds apart of course, the busy shops and restaurants of London Heathrow to the simplicity of Dushanbe Airport.
I arrived at 5 am to find a surprising amount of non nationals in their designated queue having their visa's checked. I stood in line wondering if my bag had followed me or been left in Istanbul, my midway point, notorious for being the Bermuda triangle for baggage, when I finally reached the baggage hall which is also the  immigration hall and customs rolled into one, I was overjoyed to see my case, the only one left on the conveyor belt. I was even more overjoyed to see the VSO sign when I was eventually spat out the other side of the customs hall.

So I am now nearly two weeks into my stay and have been introduced into the volunteer family and feel right at home. I have also been introduced to the head of the university where I am working and been given the task of bringing up to date the curriculum on hospitality, quite a task when you consider the amount of translating involved. The teachers are truly delightful and very welcoming, and given there facilities do a fantastic job. 
Just a few photos this time above the already mentioned Dushanbe airport, and then Mr. Rahmon's ( The President ) government building for entertaining foreign dignitaries, and below the national museum with a rather nice backdrop of snow topped mountains, and lastly the flag, Didn't really do it justice in this photo, it boasts the tallest flagpole in the world and the second largest flag, Brazil being champions in that event.
so its Khayr bāshad for now, until next time.... take care.  

Five more sleeps till Dushanbe

Its Taken five months of planning, some very interesting training courses with the VSO and now its almost time to put on my Taqiyah (rug cap) and head for mountains new. The bag is nearly packed bar a shopping list for my fellow volunteers who I shall be meeting shortly, cinnamon sticks and coconut to name but a few things desired!

For a year or so I will be working in Dushanbe at the 'Institute for entrepreneurship and service' -http://www.dsx.tj/history.htm

So the future looks interesting if not a challenge (language will undoubtedly be a steep learning curve) but I'm prepared for anything...including goat wrestling which is the national sport, just kidding they are just for eating, sorry veggies!!

So its adios for now to all my friends and family, will keep you all informed via this blog with my adventures along the silk road.