Travel Letters

Bangkok Photo Walk

Bangkok

Thailand

December 15, 2019

Hello,

Why travel hundreds or thousands of miles away when many interesting things can be found in our own neighborhood?   Just have to look around. 

I was pleased to join the Bangkok Photographers group since we started our tour a short walk from my apartment.

I doubt whether "skyscrapers" is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Bangkok.

Nevertheless, we have our share.

The Watermelon Man

Dushanbe

Republic of Tajikistan

September 5, 2019

Hello,

In a previous letter I declared that “The Tajiks are the most kind and generous people I have ever met.”  I stand by my description.  But I neglected to provide any examples.

In another letter, I asked you to “Remind me to tell you the story about the Watermelon Man.”

So please allow me to explain.

My very first experience in Tajikistan is unique:

The Folks of Dushanbe

Bookends: Summerfest and Book Fair 

Dushanbe

Republic of Tajikistan

September 4, 2019

 

On my first day in Dushanbe, Nigora, my Tajik friend, invited me to join her to celebrate Summerfest.

On my last day in Dushanbe, Sudat, a Kurdish man, a fellow guest at my hotel, invited me to accompany him to the Annual International Book Exhibition at the National Library.

Goodbye to Panj and Pamirs

Khorugh City

Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region

Republic of Tajikistan

August 27, 2019

Good-bye to the Panj River

The route of the Panj River is remarkable.  And invigorating.

Five tributaries crash down the mountains to join the Panj.  At 1125 km (699 miles) long, it forms the major border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. 

The Panj completes its rambunctious journey in Termez, Uzbekistan where it joins the Amu Darya, an important river in Central Asia.  In ancient times the Amu was called by its Latin name, the Oxus.

Alichur and Highway M41

Sher's House Inn

Alichur Village

Murghhob District (pop 1788)

Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

Republic of Tajikistan

August 25, 2019

Sunrise

Alichur means “Ali's curse” and is reputed to have been spoken by the prophet's son-in-law Ali on a journey through the area, on account of the harsh climate and penetrating winds.  (Above the tree line at 3991m or 2.5 mi.)

Despite the climate and the wind, I wake up early in this tiny village and walk across the plateau.  I look forward to a cloudless sky and the morning sun as it illuminates the surrounding mountains.

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