Central Asia is one of the most complex places on the planet, rich in cultures, languages, and history – and especially with its legendary place on the old Silk Road. At the heart of that Silk Road is Uzbekistan, studded with UNESCO-listed treasures of Samarkand, Bukhara and beyond. When I lived in Tashkent long ago and won an international award to work as a senior correspondent for Soviet TV – reporting in Russian to tens of millions of viewers – Uzbeks opened their hearts and homes to me.
I fell in love with Uzbeks and Uzbekistan, and Central Asia…
I’m on set during a LIVE interview in Russian at Gosteleradio in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Nervous? YES!! (1990)
Eternal Kindness
I simply cannot live up to Uzbeks’ hospitality and kindness – so when they show up in Seattle, I try to extend a welcoming hand, and hug. With a new Uzbek president in power, reforms are rampant – from business and currency to the new ease in traveling to Uzbekistan, with the process of obtaining a travel visa simplified and more streamlined. (Hurray!) There is a sense of optimism I’ve never before felt or seen for this country, and I lean into the hope of a bright future for my beloved Uzbekistan and dear Uzbek friends.
I was fortunate to be with Uzbek journalists from Tashkent visiting Seattle a few years ago – and again so lucky to be with a new Uzbek team visiting Seattle this week. Here are just a few photos from our time today in Pike Place Market and the waterfront, on their last day in the U.S. before flying to South Korea.
I’m holding tight to my tubeteika (cap) for an impromptu photo op with A’zam Obidov
Seattle, Feb 17, 2018
Hanging Out With the Uzbek Team
A’zam Obidov and I met a few years ago when an Uzbek TV news team from Tashkent came to Seattle to cover stories here, including Navruz, the springtime Muslim festival. It’s great meeting a new Uzbek team! A’zam is also a poet, with his latest astonishing words published in the book, “The Language of Birds,“ and translated into multiple languages.
A windy Saturday with Uzbek journalists at Seattle’s #1 destination: Pike Place Market
Elyorjon Ehsonov, Sanjar Said, A’zam Obidov, Helen Holter, Nigora Umarova (Seattle, February 17, 2018)
Seattle’s Pike Place Market
We were lucky the sun came out on this windy day in Seattle! We’re at the entrance to Pike Place Market, first opened in 1907; not much has changed in 111 years. In comparison, Tashkent has the 1,000-year-old (and maybe older) local and lively Chorsu Bazaar – brimming with everything under the sun, from apples to watermelons to batteries and TVs.
Welcome to Seattle, Journalists from Uzbekistan!
