Otabek And Feruza

We stayed with Otabek, Feruza and family for 2 nights. During our rest day in their home Stew and I chilled out! We didn’t move much and enjoyed the time off. ⁣

They kindly gave us the freedom within their home while they all went to work. we didn’t catch Otabek in the morning but he told feruza not to let us leave – just as well we were very comfortable in their space! ⁣

Otabek was a taxi driver and also studied and taught English. He popped back at lunch and bought us food! That evening we went to the park in Sirdarya. The park was pretty big! It had running tracks, a park with gym equipment, fountains and a shop nearby. It had been built by a large Chinese company as a way to appease the neighbourhood. Their factory could be loud and smelly but a deluxe park kept the locals happy and we could see why!⁣

We played around in the park that evening and we were joined by one of Feeuza’s students. ⁣

They gifted us with ice cream, pop corn ⁣

snd biscuits for our travels and a traditional Uzbek doll to remind us of them. I can’t wait to put her my bicycle! ⁣

There was no end to their kindness. We’d previously offered to take them out for coffee or dinner as a thank you, but Feruza questioned why we’d do such a thing!! ⁣

After two special days with Otabek, Feruza, Lymona and Matluba we packed our panniers and prepared to say our goodbyes.⁣

When we first started this trip I found meeting people and leaving so soon quite difficult. I love connecting with people and the bike tour makes it easier than ever. I love talking to people and sharing stories and it’s so rare in normal life to meet and bond with people knowing you might not see them again. ⁣

To be honest I’d got used to it and saying goodbye became easier – just part of the ride.⁣

But…for the first time, when we waved goodbye to Feruza and Otabek I felt quite choked. In 2 days we’d made new friends who took us in off the street when it was pitch black, when we were desperate with no place to go and they took amazing care of us. ⁣

I can only hope that in 2 days they felt as blessed by us as we did them.⁣

I hope our paths cross again. ❤️⁣