The City Called Monday

There’s dust in my nose 

and cars are expelling diesel exhaust.

From the ground a foggy film rose

to the mountains covered in frost.

The air is hot 

and the sun does glare.

The traffic becomes a clot

of cars and people without care.

Bumpy roads run 

and colorful people walk.

Kortas shimmer in the sun

with shinny suits in bulk.

There stretches Rudaki

and by him grand Russified buildings surrounding.

Trees grant shade as far as the eye can see

with the fountains’ chorus resounding.

Valiant and firm stands Somoni

and he continues to rule in hearts from afar.

A head above the city he’s raised,

a dynasty with hope to again ajar.

There above a pattern projects

and carries across the sky.

Red, white and green with a gold crown it sets

gloriously waving high.

The rain comes down on my head

and the dust begins to set.

Above the city is a true crown; 

the snow-capped peaks unmet.  

There are various forms of cultural jumps here.  Many say that once they arrive in the capital (translated as "Monday"), they feel a sense of "culture shock".  USA to city life in Central Asia is one level.  The next level is from city to village life.  A degree of difference almost as steep as the first.  

All this to say, we enjoy going to the capital for R&R every once in a while.  The city is 3-4 hours' drive from where we live.  There are advantages to both sides of the coin though.  The valley is great with the beautiful mountains, river, gardens, hiking, hospitable neighbors, etc.  The city is nice for the restaurants, long walks down broad avenues, and feeling more inconspicuous.  

Here are some pictures of the city called "Monday."

World's tallest free-standing flag pole and
the world's biggest flag.  Pretty amazing in the wind.
Note the lamp poles for perspective.

The eastern gate of the city.

Somoni was the emperor of the ancient Samanid Empire.
Most people here claim deep
affinity with their  Persian roots.

Water is THE resource of this country.
They like to show it off.

The Presidencial palace.  Absolutely huge.

This is inside of the bazaar.  Bargaining is a way of life here.
Gaining good relationships helps you get a good deal too.
We have a nut/dried fruit lady that we see when we're in the city.

A rare and very much enjoyed restaurant visit!

Special Treat, aka: Magnum Bars.
Great to have in the city!

The Bazaar.  Cyrillic letters passed down from Russian rule.

Lovely mountains surrounding the city.

Typical traffic jam on the way to/from
the capital city.