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Tahskent trip report
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Posted by: joelunchbox

Just got back from Tashkent last Saturday. Here is what I remember.

Tashkent in November

I visited Lola last April after emailing and phoning for about 6 months. We filed for K-1 visa in July. I had hoped the processing time would be short enough that she would be here before the end of the year but that didn’t appear very viable after we filed. So, we started making plans for me to visit again during the fall. I had planned to visit in October but my work preempted that, so we backed it up to November.
Lola had offered to get my letter of invitation for me on my first trip but I really didn’t know her well enough to know if she was blowing smoke or what. I paid a tour group 20 dollars and let them do it. When she offered to do it this time, I knew that she was very capable so I let her do it. I am not sure if she will volunteer again because she was running all over Tashkent for over a month to get it done. The tour group did it in less than ten days. The Uzbekistan embassy is very efficient at issuing visas, thank goodness. Because after running Lola all over creation, I only had just barely two weeks to actually apply for my visa. They only took three days to process it for me giving me a nice break to catch my breath. I had bought my plane tickets at least a month before and the thought of losing 1400 dollars was really wearing on me!
I flew out of the local airport to escape ATL’s horrendous crowds and check in procedures. The four hour layover was actually worth it! And it was half the price of the van ride to ATL!! Passport in hand, off I went. They do not check baggage all the way through to Tashkent which is the only snag in the trip.
The Delta flight was really nice. Excellent service, food was good-I love airline food! They gave us a little trip bag with toothbrush, earplugs, hand lotion, etc which was a nice touch, too. Eleven or so hours later, we are at SVO, Moscow.
If you do not have a transit visa---DO NOT go to pick up your bags. You will not have authority to return. Weird but that is Moscow. I took two bags this trip with the intention of leaving them with Lola for her trip back in the future. And I got burned for having ONE overweight bag last time, even though I was authorized TWO bags! I wasn’t going to let that happen this time. To ensure that your bags get checked to your next destination, you have to process through the TRANSIT passport gate and then go to the TRANSIT office and have them call downstairs somewhere to make sure Ivan puts your bags on the plane. I did that and I was good to go. Six hours to do………..NOTHING.
While waiting for the Transit gate lady to show up—it is scary when you begin to recognize the people that work in the airport and on the planes!!—I met a nice couple from Missouri. She was originally from Moldova and he was from Tashkent. If you need wood flooring work done, ask me. He seems to know his stuff.

Talked with them and got a number from them so we could meet up in Tashkent later. We wound up sitting across the aisle from each other on the final leg. Really nice company.
I had been through SVO several times. Now that is scary to admit too!! But I had never walked ALL OVER the airport. I decided to take the nickel tour this time. I went everywhere I could including the upper level. Which is where people sleep while waiting for their flight. It was a little odd seeing people laid out on mats and cardboard sleeping, playing games, snuggling, whatever. I parked myself down and listened to some music and took a short nap. I can’t sleep very well because I worry about missing my flight! An hour and a half later, I make the rounds of SVO again. This time I get lucky and find two young girls playing the universal card game, UNO! I ask if I can join in, and they replay in a very nice Swedish accent, “Sure!”. They were returning from doing their student teaching in ………Beijing. I am still not sure why two Swedish elementary education majors decided to do their practicum in China but they had. They had worked all spring and summer to be able to afford the trip. They had stories about the Forbidden City and the Great Wall that has me wanting to go to China!! I got schooled on UNO. I hadn’t played since I taught Lola and her daughter Sabina last April and I had taught them a simpler version to get us up and going. It took me a couple of hands to remember all the rules I had been ignoring! I finally won a hand and hopefully some UNO respect!! We played many hands and tried to get a couple of Chinese men sitting across from us to join in but they were too shy. One of them did offer Therese hints on what cards to play—although I can guarantee you she did not need any help! Haha!! Anna held her own also. I sort of wish I had gotten their email addresses but I don’t know how I would explain two young Swedish girls emailing me to Lola!!! I also fought off the temptation to take a picture of them. Again, I didn’t think I could pull off, “How did that picture get into my camera!!” with any aplomb. It was a nice experience and really shortened up the wait in SVO. I highly recommend that everyone find two intelligent, pretty Swedish girls to play cards with if you are waiting in Moscow!! One more hour and I took off my shoes and went into the waiting area for the flight to Tashkent.

On to Tashkent!

Posted by: joelunchbox

The Aeroflot flight was very good. If they could just get the stewards and stewardesses to smile! They ran out of chicken so I settled for fish. I was starving. I talked to Alex and Alexandra. They both came to the states under religious visas. They met through their church, been married about 4 years. I tried not to bother them too much on the flight but it is nice being around happily married young people.
We landed about four hours later. I was prepped for the next step. Bring on the passport forms!! Well, how about that! They have gotten rid of those forms!! Yeah! One less piece of paper to worry about. The passport lines are not marked as to who needs to go where, so of course, I was in the wrong lane. I moved over one lane. Got Kerchunked a couple of times. Everyone know what I am talking about? The big stampers they have, that go Kerchunk!! I love it. In Kiev I got Kerchunked about a hundred times. And they were so professional about it there too! Haha On to baggage claim. Found a messed up copy of the US version to use with the Russian versions for customs. That is about par for the course at Tashkent. Had my forms ready and waited for my bags. And waited. And waited.
You know it is going to be a long day when the lost and found guy walks up to you. Yes, my bags didn’t not make it onto the plane. Even though I had checked twice at the transit office! I filled out the appropriate form and wished I had bought trip insurance. They needed a phone number to reach me at so I had to convince them that I needed to go find my ride who also rented me the apartment. I had taken so long that Ernest had gone to call Lola to see if I was there already. I wish!! His grandson was still waiting and I got him to come over and give the phone number to the apartment. I process customs with only my carryon and off we went into the dark morning. It was about 6 am by this time.
Lola had stayed at the apartment that night. Her mother didn’t want her going to the airport that early in the morning. Good idea! Listen to your mother!! Ernest, his grandson, and I met Lola and the guy who actually had the apartment. I paid—40 dollars a night—said thank you! And then we were alone. She was a little worried about the bags but I didn’t let on that I was a lot worried. I knew that this was out of my hands and whatever happened would happen. Me being angry or whatever would just detract from being with Lola. And being with her really took my mind off of my bags! A long, long hug and a looooonnnnnggggg kiss and we were able to actually converse. Amazing how much tension builds up over six months and how a hug and a kiss can dissipate it very quickly!! Haha The rest of the day is kind of blurry… I am sure she made breakfast. And I know I had my first cup of green tea. One of untold numbers of cups of green tea through the following days. She picked up Sabina from school sometime after lunch and came back. I was glad I had packed a couple of toys in my backpack for Sabina. It is so nice to see a child appreciate “normal” toys. A pollypocket doll, a couple of hotwheels (yes, I am trying to indoctrinate into being car girl!) and she was set. She loves to dress dolls and race cars! What a combination. Lola cooked supper sometime. I think it was pelmini. It was good. Homework for Sabina. We did a lot of homework while I was there. Her mom is pretty strict about homework. Time for bed. Lola and Sabina went to their room and I to mine. Nite-Nite.

Posted by: joelunchbox

Up and at’em. I don’t know why but I don’t suffer normal jetlag when I go to Tashkent. I usually fall asleep at the regular time and wake up at about 5 am, which is my regular time to get up. Apparently, the ten hour time shift totally throws me off and I reset when I am there. Breakfast, homework and call Lost and Found. That is my routine for the next three days. Today the answer is, Yes, your bags are not in Tashkent and we don’t know where they are…. But if you want you can come and look around at all the other bags here. Hey, why not. So, after Sabina’s homework. And after Sabina’s personal Russian and Uzbek lessons for me. Haha Why do children love to educate adults?? It was off to school for Sabina and off to the airport for us. Wow, that place looks different in daylight! Luckily, Lost and Found is just to the left of the main doors. We go in and the young man who helped the night before is there. Still? He takes us around to the stored baggage room. Oh boy! There are bags everywhere. But none are mine. But it was interesting to look at. So, after convincing him that none of the bags are mine, off we go. He says, call back tomorrow. Why not?

I am going to wrap the lost bag part up now and then go back to the actual trip.

That evening Lost and Found reports that—tah dah! My bags are definitely in Moscow. Which is much better than definitely lost or definitely in Siberia or wherever. We hope that they will be put on the next plane to Tashkent. We call the next morning and surprise! The bags will be on the next plane to Tashkent which should have been yesterday but will be tomorrow. Did you keep up with that? The third day we call. The bags are here, but don’t come pick them up. What? They are worried about it being too crowded. Hmmm We go through the morning routine—breakfast, homework, off to school. We sit around and look at each other. Both of us realize that we could be waiting at the airport instead of waiting here and it would put us a lot closer to the bags if we were there. Grab the coats and off we go!!

Just for the record, a normal ride to the airport is three dollars. Or 3,000 soom which is actually closer to $2.25 if you do the math. The trip back will be five dollars if you don’t haggle and usually four dollars with a little haggling. Don’t hold your breath for a three dollar ride from the airport. We go in and catch the Lost and Found guy on a tea/coffee/cigarette break. A long few minutes later he comes in and is a little perturbed that I would like my bags earlier in the day. Oh well, we are here. It turns out that if we had left when we had called, we would have been the only people in the airport. But, since we heeded their advice—sort of—we now have to contend with at least one incoming flight. We go into the lost baggage room and there are my two bags, with safety straps still on and still locked. So far, it looks good. I take them and then, dang, have to fill out another customs form. He helps with it which if really helpful. Get in line, get x-rayed and off to the taxis we go.

That four dollar taxi ride evaporates with two bags in tow. 5 dollars later—we don’t even argue—we are on the way to the apartment. I like the driver we get. He is older, knows a few English phrases and drives like only a half a mad man. I love the civilian taxis drivers. The wide and varied personalities are book material. Also, the cars. Something I notice is that most cars never have any measurable amount of fuel in them. The other thing I notice is that most vehicles ( the older ladas) apparently run with NO oil pressure. Get the revs up a few grand and the needle does move but at idle, the no oil pressure idiot light is winking at you… I saw one driveer actually tapping the gauge once....but it didn't matter!! I am amazed that these cars continue to run. But, we are never stranded.

He delivers us to the apartment steps—much appreciated because the bags are both at max weight. I definitely got my money’s worth on this trip!! Up two flights of stairs. Hey! I am in better shape than I thought. Or my pride and ego have me pumped up in front of Lola!! Haha We go inside and stare at the two bags. We are drained.

Posted by: Chrismc

Joe it is good reading about your adventures, but have you ever heard of paragraphs

it makes reading a lot lot easier

Posted by: joelunchbox

You know how it is...one long thought...........will try to break it up. It looked good to me! haha Never, never proofread your own material!!

I just noticed this..I am writing this in word and then pasting here. This entry went across a page bread so it looked much "shorter" to me!! And, this is strange, when I paste it here, the paragraph indents disappear!! I will try to figure this out for the next posts..... HHmmmm

Posted by: truckerguy

Love the trip report so far. I know what you mean about the anxiety of not seeing her for months. For me it has been since the beginning of July and i cant wait to get back at the end of December.....when i will ask her to spend the rest of her life with me!

By the way, I usually just break up section of the trip reports like this, with a space in the middle of paragraghs. Great reading, though!

Posted by: joelunchbox

THE HIGH POINTS OF THE TRIP

I am not a big planner on trips. Lola asked me what I wanted to do and I really had no agenda. I said I would like to see “old” Tashkent, eat in the Cosmos restaurant (located in the television tower) and buy some car accessories. Well, one out of three ain’t bad. I had also told her that I really was looking forward to spending time with her and her daughter. Our first meeting was more touristy and I wanted this one to be more “married with children” like. In between our meetings, I had hinted, through her nieces in Texas, that she ought to learn to drive. She had signed up for driving lessons and I had sent her some money to help out. She had lessons about every other day while I was there and took her final exam on the day I left. She got her driving license the following Monday! Good girl, Lola! I knew it would be very intimidating for any 43 year old to do this, much less a single mom taking care of her mother. I am so proud of her!!

Also, her daughter had changed to the afternoon for her school. The trip before, we could all go out after she came back from school. This year, however, it would be after 4 pm when she got home and it got dark about 6 pm so we really couldn’t do a whole lot like last time. So, in a nutshell, this trip probably gave me as much of a taste of what it would be like to be married to Lola and be a Dad to Sabina as possible. I learned that I have few defenses against 7 year old girls. I am going to have to get a plan up before she comes over or Sabina is going to be one spoiled little girl. Groan…..

As I look back on my 12 days there only a couple of things jump out at me. We went to the cinema, yes, it was in Russian and no, I didn’t understand anything except the sight gags. Oh, “The Heartbreak Kid” translated into “The Monster Fiancé’” or something. We did go to the shopping “mall” and I got a couple of umbrellas. Uzbekistan is understandably proud of their textiles and I wanted a couple of colorful umbrellas for presents. Walking around doing some window shopping and talking was very nice.

The final event was extra nice. On Wednesday, she called the Cosmos Restaurant to see what was required to go eat there. It turns out that it is of national importance so a passport is required to visit it. Luckily, only one passport is required. Lola’s was at the driver’s license department. I had suggested she let me treat her to a trip to the beauty salon. I still don’t know what the difference was, but she was just glowing when she came back. I hope she left them a big tip. Sabina wore her now favorite dress—one I had brought for her. And Lola just looked beautiful. I was so proud to be in their company. We checked in at passport control, paid ten dollars for the privilege of visiting the tower and off we went to eat.

The tower itself is the highest structure in central Asia. 375 meters tall with the observation deck at 97 meters. The restaurant is two stories above that. The restaurant revolves or actually rotates back and forth each hour giving you a complete view of Tashkent. We got there at a nice time—just before sundown. So we could see the city by day and the night lights later. The food was very good and very reasonable. About seven dollars each. Afterwards, we went down to the observation deck and looked out over the city. Tashkent is a pretty big city!! We went downstairs and took pictures of us standing by the model of the tower. It resembles a soviet rocket, ready to take off. Then into another famous Tashkent taxi and off to home.

Posted by: joelunchbox

THE REST OF THE STORY

this is a bit long but I don't see a good place to break it...

My ex and I are still on very good terms. If she isn’t my best friend she is pretty close to it. One of the good/bad things about exes and best friends is that they know you pretty good. I had been fighting her advice/commentary on my upcoming trip but realized that to keep her as my friend, I had to accept her comments. So, I asked her exactly what did she think I should talk over with Lola on the trip.

Cars, I and my son own a lot of cars. Yes, I will tell her about the cars. Finances, sort of vague but, yes, we will talk about finances and her working here. In addition, I made a note to discuss religion more in depth and to somehow talk about my adventures in internet dating. I did not want her to be searching the internet and come upon any of my posts without foreknowledge of them.

I am uncomfortable talking about former girlfriends. On my trip to Moscow, I had bought some tea—black and green. I packed those up. When I unpacked—finally—I was able to volunteer some tea for the household. And it was some good tea! We talked seriously a little bit here and a little bit there. I asked about how we would deal with Sabina—her homework, allowance ( I don’t think they really do that there), what Sabina knew about us and the upcoming move. That is definitely one of those conversations that is a big plus to be able to see someone’s eyes!! That was about midway through the trip. We touched on other subjects on through the following days.

Well, the last day rolled around and I hadn’t really found a segue into the previously mentioned subjects. Lola had arranged for Sabina to stay with her sister so we had the final afternoon and evening together. The afternoon was spent cooking, eating and making a trip to the internet café. Somehow this trip we had avoided eating out very much. Possibly because I had mentioned that I was leaving the remainder of my trip allowance with her?? She asked what I wanted to do for dinner and I didn’t want her cooking, cleaning and all of that on the last night so, I suggested we eat at one of the restaurants across the street. It is so nice to go walking with someone you love into the night.

We made it safely and ordered some soup (forgot the name) and some sashlik. Theirs was ground beef, whereas, her brotherinlaw’s was meat cubes. It was very good including the salad that had some kind of fried string potatoes in it!! YUMMM!! A short walk back to the apartment and we found ourselves sitting across from each other with funny looks on our faces.

Lola and I think much alike. I think she had some things held back that she wanted to talk about too. She looked through my passport and casually said something about when did I visit Moscow and why? Well, if that wasn’t the door opening, nothing was. I asked if she would like to know about my adventures in internet dating? Why, yes, she would. I started with Cathy, my first overseas adventure to Kiev. Please look at my previous posts to get filled in there. Short story---she was too young, I was too old but it was a nice vacation. I talked about how after that experience I had sat down and spent some time (six months) trying to figure out what I was really looking for. And how a year later, I met a nice girl, more in line with my age and how I visited her in Moscow. It is painful to talk about that experience because it taught me a lot about myself. Basically I entered into a relationship without defining what I wanted/needed in a relationship. The trip was nice but when I got back I knew it wouldn’t work and ended it. I told her I then took another six months to get myself figured out. And how I was doing a google search for dating sites and that somehow, the hole in the wall site she was listed on, popped up. Well, she knew the rest! I told her that it was literally a miracle that I found her. I have never been able to process a search that came up with that site ever again. I have it saved in my favorites, though. I asked about her internet experiences and we laughed about both of our adventures.

I then told her I need to tell you something. Drum roll please. I said I need to talk to you about Cars. She knows I work on cars, She knows I own some cars. She now knows that I am party to a collection of more than a dozen cars. My first wife didn’t believe me, I made sure Lola will not be surprised when I take her on “the tour”. Haha

We talked again about her working, and money. We had touched on those subjects before but it was a little more serious now. She was in my lap and we were talking and kissing and hugging and talking. She is really a one in a million girl.

I had packed while she was dropping Sabina off, so we found ourselves with nothing to do but…….clean the apartment. Kind of a drastic change going from numb lips to mopping the floor!! I was happy to show her that I knew which end of the broom was which. I had already amazed her with my ability to cook breakfast, make tea and clean dishes and do homework!! Our final act was to carry the trash out across the street to the trash cans. I liked how she divided scraps into a separate bag, in case someone was looking for something to feed their dog. She even mentioned it to the other guy at the trash cans! Haha

Luckily I had packed and found my alarm clock. Did I mention that I don’t usually sleep before a flight? I didn’t want to stay up because Lola would stay up too and she had a very important driving exam the next morning. I pulled out the alarm clock and we lay down on the bed to talk and hug and kiss some more. And then…sleep.

2 am arrived and we got up. Off came the sheets to be folded and the final packing was done. On cue, the apartment owner showed up, reimbursed me forty dollars—I thought I was staying until Sunday! OOPPPPSSS and then into the waiting taxi. A short quiet trip to the airport. They wouldn’t let her into the airport. Dang!! Luckily I pretty much remembered what to do. One hug and it was time for her to go.

Hints for leaving Tashkent: you will need to fill out two customs forms, you will also need your one form from your entry. You will need to get an “approved” sticker for your carry on when you check your baggage. I went into the airport. A pretty girl was sitting at the intersection, I asked if she spoke English, she did and directed me to the Moscow flight’s gate--pretty girls everywere...... The plane loaded earlier than I expected and we took off right on schedule.

The wait at Moscow was uneventful. I missed Therese and Anna! I did talk to a missionary (not really but close enough) coming back from south of kiev. And a big game hunter returning from bishket. You would think Russians wouldn’t get excited about weapons….. Our flight was delayed one hour—bad weather somewhere but time passed pretty quickly. SVO was almost deserted compared to just two weeks before. I didn’t see my favorite cosmetics girl working though. Sigh….. Boarded the plane and a mere eleven hours later I was in ATL. My bags arrived with me!! Funny how you don’t take stuff like for granted anymore!!

I look back on this trip and on one hand we didn’t do very much. On the other hand, we did everything we needed to. I feel much more comfortable around her daughter. Did I mention that having a daughter scares the bejeesus out of me!! I feel so much more at ease with Lola also.

Oh!! We bought wedding rings this trip! We think a lot alike. I think she had a price break in mind and we hit almost every jewelry store in the bazaar. We found a set that we liked at a price she liked. We also bought her daughter a set of pierced ear rings. Her ears aren’t pierced yet but I wanted her to have something to remind her of Tashkent when she grows up. We haven’t decided when she will actually get her ears pierced yet.

Pretty much a perfect trip in my book. Even the baggage thing gave us some important insights into each other.

Posted by: dagpop

Hi Joe,

Sounds like you had an adventure. Sorry I did not get back to you. Rima had to have surgery in Tashkent. She is recovering and hopefully she will be back after Christmas. I wish I was in your shoes to be able to see her.

Posted by: joelunchbox

Thanks Dagpop, I found it difficult to get to the internet cafe. Even though it was pretty close, we just seemed to be doing something all the time. Usually homework.

I am sorry to hear about the surgery but glad that she is doing well. I have been trying to make an effort to meet and keep track of FSU people that I meet so Lola will have some friendly surroundings when she comes here.

I forgot to mention that we called Alex and Alexandra and ate lunch with them and I think it was his cousin's family. It was interesting trying to tell Lola why I wanted to eat lunch with A & A. I am pretty sure it wasn't jealousy but another personality trait we may share is Not being very socially outgoing. She, actually I think we all were a little stiff at first but everyone warmed up to each other through the meal. His cousin is a beekeeper intashkent. I wanted to bring some of his honey back but we never had the chance to track it down inthe markets. I wish he had spoke english. I had never met a beekeeper who made his living strictly from bees. I did ask him about the bee hive problem we are seeing here and he said they haven't suffered anything like it in tashkent. If I go back I hope I can get a tour of his business.

A fews years ago I would never had made the effort to get to know some people I bumped into on a plane. Of course, just a few years ago I would never have written to a stranger via the internet either. Again, if anyone needs wood flooring work, I believe Alex knows his trade. PM me for a phone number--they are in springfield MO.

Posted by: joelunchbox

One final note. I really enjoyed Tashkent. The rent is very reasonable, the food is good and inexpensive. I am probably in a special situation because I went to meet one person and was not looking for anyone when I got there. We didn't go to any nightclubs/discos because we all went out (Sabina is 7 years old) together.
If you are going there Lola can give you information on clubs and such. I think you will need to have a working level of russian if you hope to meet someone on the street or whereever. Tashkent is the capitol and as such has a wide diversity of cultures present. There were very many attractive girls there and opportunities to meet people pop up everywhere.
So if you are interested, don't let my somewhat droll report disuade you.
No, I am not employed by the Uzbek tourism bureau. But maybe I should be?

Posted by: dagpop

If Lola wants to talk to another person from Taskent, she is welcomed to talk to Rima.

Posted by: WhittierRWBound

I re started my start to be RW bound. I met this Elena (just this week) and she is in Tahskent. When I read in her profile Uzbekistan, I thought, dam is it going to be safe there? I this palce still Russian Federation (yes I need to learn)? So reading this thread, and your story Joe, I feel much better. Joe thank you for writing this, I am taking notes, just in case. Your thread is now in a folder I call Elena

Posted by: AkMike

Don't stay away so long next time WRWB!