11 September
Today, my language program, American Councils, went to the Varzob River Valley for a picnic. This was not like any picnic I’ve ever been on. First, there was a crazy mini-bus drive north outside the city limits up Rudaki Street—named after the famous Persian 10th Century poet—to a small town on the River Varzob. The roads in Tajikistan are largely dreadful. The two main roads are relatively good, but generally, an obstacle course. We arrived at the designated camping/picnic spot on the river and immediately began the lounging on the kots. This is what is done on kots, lounging, and relaxing. We also walked around a bit, and some eager outdorkers from among our group hiked up the nearby mountain and got some great pictures of the river valley. The picnic area had a sort of restaurant service where they bring you beverages you purchase, and you bring the ingredients for the national dish “Polov” (oil, rice, carrots, and meat), which they cook right there in huge cauldrons ov…
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