3. 15 facts about Uzbekistan
When we go abroad, we can observe different costumes, different traditions, different routine...
Those 10 days in Uzbekistan were not different.
I took some notes on what caught my attention during this period and here they are: 15 facts about Uzbekistan.
1- Currency.
In Uzbekistan, people use Uzbekistani Som (1.00 USD is around 3000.00 Soms). But, it is common to use different currencies in different parts of the world. The unusual - for me - was having to carry such a large quantity of money around, since the largest note is 5000 and visa cards are not accepted in most places.
2- The Empire.
Uzbekistan was once part of the Timurid Empire. And the capital of the medieval empire was Samarkand, obviously, Uzbek people are really proud of it.
3- Bread.
Every meal in Uzbekistan has bread as a starter or as a side. The most famous bread is the one from Samarkand.
And, to be honest, the bread is amazing! One of the best things I tried during the trip.
4- Neighbors.
In the uzbek culture, the community plays a big role in every main event of one's life.
This means that the neighbors help when someone needs, including financial difficulties and organization of weddings. But, also, the neighbors take part on the decision-making process of important situations. So, some students told me that, before deciding on something important for their future, they should consider what the neighbors would think of it.
I found it interesting, because we barely know our neighbors in London. They are not part of our lives and I would never take into consideration my neighbors' opinion about my life decisions. Uzbek people have a lot to teach us about community.
5- Taxis.
Taxis were the main means of transport we used during this trip. Taxis are really cheap when compared to London prices, but the traffic is crazy. The lanes are wide and the asphalt is good in Tashkent. Yet, the cars go at high speed and it was a bit scary for me.
However, I have only seen one car crash during those 10 days. I think people got used to this way of driving, which is impressive for a foreigner.
6- Water.
As I said many times, Uzbekistan is a hot and dry country. Then, we had to drink loads of water to keep hydrated. We were advised to not drink tap water, so we and to buy water bottles every night to keep in our rooms.
Also, we were asked to brush our teeth with bottled water. This was more complicated, I forgot many times and ended up using tap water.
In the end of those 10 days, we consumed a lot of bottles of water which concerns me. I forgot to ask about it, but I truly hope there is a good recycle system.
7- Soap Operas.
Uzbek people really enjoy Soap Operas and they also watch Brazilian ones there. It is amazing, considering how far it is from Brazil to Uzbekistan.
Some people told me they were watching The Clone for the second time, the first was in Russian and the second in Uzbek.
I really enjoyed knowing about it, because it gave me some connection with Brazil. Brazilian people are crazy about soap operas.
8- Languages.
I was surprised by the great level of english of the students in WIUT. Yes, I know that they are in an international university. But, they live in a country which the main language is not english. And english is, normally, their third or fourth language.
In some restaurants you will not find english menus or a waiter that speak english. Most of the people in Uzbekistan speak uzbek and russian. But, the students were always really helpful.
9- Football.
Uzbekistan loves football. Uzbek people love talking about football, which I found amazing since I really like it too. If you go around Tashkent saying that you come from London or Brazil, the topic will naturally come up.
10- Tea.
It does not matter how hot is the day, you will have tea in the uzbek meals. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are pretty serious about their tea and, normally, the person that fills up the cups, fills the cups of the whole table.
So, if you ask for Uzbek people to pass you the tea, they will serve you. It is really sweet and polite, but it is still weird for me to be served by your friend.
11- Knives.
Normally, in a restaurant in Uzbekistan, you will only find a spoon and a fork on the table. You can ask for knives if you want, but with time you get used to it.
I think it happens because the meals in Uzbekistan are composed by: bread with sour cream and salad, followed by a soup and, finally, the main dish. The meat comes in pieces already, so you will not necessarily need a knife.
12- McDonald's.
There is no McDonald's in Uzbekistan.
McDonald's uses the same potato to make their chips all over the world, but, as it is not allowed to bring the potatoes to Uzbekistan, the fast food cannot work in the country.
I really liked the idea of it. And, with so many restaurants and fast foods, you really do not miss McDonald's.
13- Toilets.
A big part of the toilets we have been to has the asian squat toilets. I was a shock when I first saw it. I had no idea of what to do.
I am not going to lie and say that I got used to it, I did not. But, I found out that most of the time there are the two types of toilets in the same restroom. So, I could just wait until the other one was free.
14- Cars.
There are some cars that look a bit outdated. When I asked about them, some friends told me those were Russian cars. However, Uzbek people are also proud that General Motors produce some cars in Uzbekistan. And that explains why we see so many chevrolets in the streets of Tashkent.
15- Colors.
Wherever you look in Uzbekistan, you see different patterns and colors. For someone that just came from London, it is quite different. But, it is amazing and it reflects the joy of Uzbek people and and how friendly they are.
I am already missing that colorful happy place. Hope to be back soon!
Those 10 days in Uzbekistan were not different.
I took some notes on what caught my attention during this period and here they are: 15 facts about Uzbekistan.
1- Currency.
 |
| Uzbekistani Soms |
2- The Empire.
 |
| Amir Timur Square - the founder of the Empire |
3- Bread.
Every meal in Uzbekistan has bread as a starter or as a side. The most famous bread is the one from Samarkand.
And, to be honest, the bread is amazing! One of the best things I tried during the trip.
4- Neighbors.
In the uzbek culture, the community plays a big role in every main event of one's life.
This means that the neighbors help when someone needs, including financial difficulties and organization of weddings. But, also, the neighbors take part on the decision-making process of important situations. So, some students told me that, before deciding on something important for their future, they should consider what the neighbors would think of it.
I found it interesting, because we barely know our neighbors in London. They are not part of our lives and I would never take into consideration my neighbors' opinion about my life decisions. Uzbek people have a lot to teach us about community.
5- Taxis.
Taxis were the main means of transport we used during this trip. Taxis are really cheap when compared to London prices, but the traffic is crazy. The lanes are wide and the asphalt is good in Tashkent. Yet, the cars go at high speed and it was a bit scary for me.
However, I have only seen one car crash during those 10 days. I think people got used to this way of driving, which is impressive for a foreigner.
6- Water.
As I said many times, Uzbekistan is a hot and dry country. Then, we had to drink loads of water to keep hydrated. We were advised to not drink tap water, so we and to buy water bottles every night to keep in our rooms.
Also, we were asked to brush our teeth with bottled water. This was more complicated, I forgot many times and ended up using tap water.
In the end of those 10 days, we consumed a lot of bottles of water which concerns me. I forgot to ask about it, but I truly hope there is a good recycle system.
7- Soap Operas.
Uzbek people really enjoy Soap Operas and they also watch Brazilian ones there. It is amazing, considering how far it is from Brazil to Uzbekistan.
Some people told me they were watching The Clone for the second time, the first was in Russian and the second in Uzbek.
I really enjoyed knowing about it, because it gave me some connection with Brazil. Brazilian people are crazy about soap operas.
8- Languages.
I was surprised by the great level of english of the students in WIUT. Yes, I know that they are in an international university. But, they live in a country which the main language is not english. And english is, normally, their third or fourth language.
In some restaurants you will not find english menus or a waiter that speak english. Most of the people in Uzbekistan speak uzbek and russian. But, the students were always really helpful.
9- Football.
Uzbekistan loves football. Uzbek people love talking about football, which I found amazing since I really like it too. If you go around Tashkent saying that you come from London or Brazil, the topic will naturally come up.
10- Tea.
It does not matter how hot is the day, you will have tea in the uzbek meals. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are pretty serious about their tea and, normally, the person that fills up the cups, fills the cups of the whole table.
So, if you ask for Uzbek people to pass you the tea, they will serve you. It is really sweet and polite, but it is still weird for me to be served by your friend.
11- Knives.
Normally, in a restaurant in Uzbekistan, you will only find a spoon and a fork on the table. You can ask for knives if you want, but with time you get used to it.
I think it happens because the meals in Uzbekistan are composed by: bread with sour cream and salad, followed by a soup and, finally, the main dish. The meat comes in pieces already, so you will not necessarily need a knife.
12- McDonald's.
There is no McDonald's in Uzbekistan.
McDonald's uses the same potato to make their chips all over the world, but, as it is not allowed to bring the potatoes to Uzbekistan, the fast food cannot work in the country.
I really liked the idea of it. And, with so many restaurants and fast foods, you really do not miss McDonald's.
13- Toilets.
A big part of the toilets we have been to has the asian squat toilets. I was a shock when I first saw it. I had no idea of what to do.
I am not going to lie and say that I got used to it, I did not. But, I found out that most of the time there are the two types of toilets in the same restroom. So, I could just wait until the other one was free.
14- Cars.
There are some cars that look a bit outdated. When I asked about them, some friends told me those were Russian cars. However, Uzbek people are also proud that General Motors produce some cars in Uzbekistan. And that explains why we see so many chevrolets in the streets of Tashkent.
15- Colors.
Wherever you look in Uzbekistan, you see different patterns and colors. For someone that just came from London, it is quite different. But, it is amazing and it reflects the joy of Uzbek people and and how friendly they are.
I am already missing that colorful happy place. Hope to be back soon!
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