Hiking to the 21 km Gorge for herbs, Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

This time, I decided not to do a photo review like I usually do, for the simple reason that there are already more than enough photo reviews from this gorge. However, since we did go on a hike, I think I should post something. In this post, I've shared photos of myself in a somewhat humorous context. Well, maybe it's only funny to me; judge for yourselves... :) First, for the sake of completeness, I'll provide links to the photo reviews I've already done of this gorge.

New Year's Tree 2019 on Somoni Square, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The capital of Tajikistan, the city of Dushanbe, is already anticipating the New Year 2019. A large New Year's tree has been installed on Ismoili Somoni Square, and on New Year's Eve, a festive concert will traditionally be held near it. But they didn't just put up the New Year's tree; the whole city is decorated festively with colorful lights, garlands, and shimmering illuminations everywhere. Everything is very beautiful, magical, and you can't help but start expecting a miracle. The feeling of the holiday is literally in the air.

Javonon Park, Komsomol Lake, Dushanbe City, Tajikistan

There is currently a significant amount of construction underway in Dushanbe, causing the city's appearance to rapidly change. The construction has affected almost all of the city's parks, but I would like to focus on Javonon Park near Komsomol Lake. The lake is now known as Javonon, but I am more familiar with its previous name, as are many others. The park used to have Soviet-era merry-go-rounds, impromptu cafes, and barbecues, which left a depressing impression. However, the park has now been transformed into a beautiful, open, and spacious cultural and recreational park that is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.

Jam Session and Painting Exhibition, Tapioka, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

It was a kind of unique mix of musical improvisation and the paintings of young female artists. A very interesting idea, well executed. Attending this event at the Tapioka coffee house, in the center of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was a very interesting experience. The atmosphere was one of creative chaos and spontaneity, with bright and original paintings by young artists placed all around, and fiery, exciting improvisations by the musical performers – in short, eclecticism in its purest form. Let's just say, this combination was particularly stirring, charging you with a unique kind of energy. It even made me a little sad that I can neither paint nor sing – insert sad smiley here...

Exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann, Serena, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

In Dushanbe, from March 8 to April 8, a solo exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann is taking place at the Serena Hotel. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on the festive day of March 8. I decided not to miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of this remarkable artist and went to this event, especially since I was free at that time. Based on my visit to the exhibition and the opening ceremony, I put together a small photo review, which I am happy to share.

Spring Crafts Fair, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

In Dushanbe, on March 3-4, the Tajikistan Craftsmen Union, with the participation of various charitable organizations, is holding the Spring Crafts Fair at the Ismaili Center. I decided not to stay away from this event and visited the fair on March 3. Visiting a crafts fair is interesting because it offers the opportunity to see, in one place, practically all the crafts of Tajikistan and the craftsmen themselves, although here it might be more appropriate to call them artists. Of course, much of what is presented at the fair can be seen in the city's souvenir shops. But here, you have the chance to see and talk with the people who make all these things, which means you can choose or even order something special, to your own taste, that might not be available in a store. That's the practical benefit of this event, but we shouldn't forget that it is also the original and unique creativity of very gifted people.

Evening Dushanbe - a Waterfall, Singing Fountains, Ismaili Somoni Square

It so happened that I don't usually walk around the city in the evenings, although it does happen, but rarely. And for a long time after arriving in Dushanbe, I couldn't see such attractions as the man-made waterfall and singing fountains in Dushanbe. And yet, I often passed by them, but either in the morning or during the day when they are not operational. I decided to correct this regrettable omission and one evening specifically went to see all of this.

Rudaki Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning, I decided to take a walk in Rudaki Park, located on Rudaki Avenue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The park was renovated in 2007-08, previously known as Lenin Park. I cannot judge whether the park has become better or worse, as I am biased - I grew up here, near this park, and all my memories are associated with childhood, so it is difficult to be objective. However, this will not prevent me from enjoying a walk and contemplating this wonderful place...

National Flag Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning I decided to take a walk to the National Flag Park, which is located in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for those who don't know). To breathe in the fresh air, take some photos - it was cloudy, but still great, refreshing...

Photos of Dushanbe in the 1960s and the same places in 2015

By chance, I came across some photographs of Dushanbe from the 1960s. I decided to walk around the same places and take photos from the same angles, if possible. I thought that many people, especially those who have left Tajikistan for various reasons, would find this interesting. I remember myself searching for photos of Dushanbe online when I was in Russia - everything was interesting to see what it looks like now.

Javonon Lake, formerly Komsomolskoye Lake, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Took a walk around the former Komsomolskoye Lake, now known as Youth Lake or Javonon. I had no specific goals, just wanted to take a walk and brought my camera just in case. Here are some photos I took, and not just for this blog post. Bilbo Baggins was right: 'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.'