Unseasonably Warm...

The Western City Gate

Dushanbe written in Russian & English...Dushanbe actually means "Monday" and is so named for the Monday markets that used to be held in the town many ages ago.

Shane at the gate
Shane with Bruce, a fellow Hash runner
Me with Dushanbe and surrounding mountains in the background

Neighborhood "store" (apartments in the back)

Local houses on the non-functioning train tracks

Local children hanging out and shouting at us

A Tajik boy playing with a stick and ring

Hillside of Dushanbe... you can see our hash runners climbing the mountain in the background

Train tracks of Dushanbe

Hillside Houses

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Last weekend was snowing and cold in Dushanbe...but, today is sunny blue skies and warm. The weather is odd for January.

Today we went on a run outside with the Hash. The weather and views were gorgeous! The skies were clear allowing unusual sightings of the snow covered mountains. And I actually was hot enough to wear a tank top...in January! By the evening though, the chill had set back in and I bundled back up.

On these walks into Dushanbe neighborhoods it is interesting to see the various sights. There are usually always children shouting "Hello" at you and they often follow us. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when there are large groups of children. The local people think we are rather odd as we pass through their neighborhoods. You RARELY see Tajik people running or bicycling for exercise. It is just something that is not typically done. These ventures into the Dushanbe suburbs are always memorable. I look forward to our next trek!