Nighty-night, Dushanbe.

(all he could carry was Utah, but Mitt is huge in Dushanbe)

(Mochon waving goodbye with Bakhtior)

(car bazar)

Dir Frenz,

I just said goodbye to my host parents, cat, and brother and sister and am now writing from the American Councils office before we board our 5:30am flight.

A couple fun notes from the day:

Halimjon, my peer tutor, took me to the Dushanbe car bazar. Thousands of cars and sellers looking to bargain. If lived here longer I would buy a red 1987 Lada Zhiguli. They were asking somewhere around $2000. I'm not sure why Soviet classic cars haven't caught on yet in the States.

Lots of funny guys at the car bazar with nothing to do (I didn't see any sales going down). During conversation with one group it became apparent that Halimjon thought I worked at the US embassy. No wonder he wanted me as the honorary witness at his wedding. Turns out he's not the brightest bulb.

For my departure dinner Saidaopa surprised me with a replica version of the meal I cooked for them: roast chicken, mashed potatoes with caper-laden gravy, and a salad with vinaigrette. I was touched, of course. And it turned out pretty darn well, though the skin was not crunchy enough. And most surprising, Shahsonam joined us for dinner! First time the whole summer we shared a meal with mixed gender company! Amazing! Totally un-risky, totally ho-hum! No sexual advances made by either side!

I then distributed a round of presents. Some glassware, a Mitt Romney tee-shirt for Muhammadamin, and some nice large photos I took of the kids. They were all pretty excited. I was gifted a teacup with a few glasses (please don't break). Then the heartfelt statements of thanks. I was assured that I have a home here in Dushanbe when I return and was complimented on my ability to fit in and to scold Malika when the occasion arose.

With that I said my goodbyes to Mochon, picked up the heavy sack of assorted baked goods that I'm obligated to bring to Bunyod in Istanbul, and was on my way.

I'm pretty sure most people know that Turkey is a real country, and I don't think you need my proof. So this is likely the final blog until the spirit moves me, once more, to prove to you Tajikistan's existence from afar.

Thanks for reading.

Love,

Charles