Next Move

I am writing to you from my favourite Uzbek restaurant. No self respecting Russian would set foot in here as it’s a hive of ethnic activity with most ex Soviet groups represented. I feel like I am on holiday already. Some groups suck and slurp back the laghman (noodles) while others dive into the manti (dumplings) while still others indulge in shashlik (BBQ meat). Meanwhile everyone drinks tea out of little bowls. The air is smoke free and filled with the sound of dozens exotic languages none of which are Russian. It’s wonderful.

I usually don’t dine alone as ordering can be tricky. I have been here long enough I can decipher most things on the menu even though I still can’t read Cyrillic. I had forgotten the word for dumplings so I pointed at the neighbouring table and the waitress proceeded to lift plates of food in the air in a gesture that said “This?”. She started with the typical round Uzbek bread and a piece broke lose and fell off the plate and on to the table. To hide her crime she stuffed it into her mouth as quickly as she could to the chargrin of the poor customer whose bread it was. The rest of the meal went smoothly although the too attentive waitress insisted on taking utensils and half soiled napkins before I have finished with them. It’s not as if they are in a hurry go have me leave as the bill takes its time arriving even after I request it.

Here I sit contemplating my future while looking over my plans and contemplating further moves. I leave Moscow in 11 days for Paris to see my mother for a short period of time. We leave the same day but I head to Lisbon on the recommendation of an ex-girlfriend. From there a short overnight train takes me to Madrid and my flight to Katmandu. In the capital of Nepal I will meet up with Eileen, Isabel, Jeremy and Mac for a month saunter to Everest Base Camp. While all of them fly home to Canada I will stay and tour friendly Nepal for a week. It is here where my next moves is undecided.

Stay tuned.

Tyson

Tyson Brookshttps://tysontravels.wordpress.com