Souvenir: Key Chain Collector

          People had this passion, to collect things. Some used to collect miniature cars, anime toys, dolls, figurines, Santa Claus, etc. I tried to collect stamps too. But then, I shifted to be more interesting that is, to collect key chains. These key chains had been collected from different close friends of mine, lives either overseas or local here in the Philippines. 

The Key Chain Collections in Frame

Souvenir: Rug Doll

            One month prior to my departure back to Philippines on 14th of August 2011. It was a tradition to brought something from the place you've been to. So I decided to go around the Capital: Dushanbe. I personally survey every boutiques in town. Checking souvenirs, I can't find a unique token to bring with me and packed in my luggage. Finally, I have found what I'm seeking for. A doll couple, the dolls were wearing traditional clothes for men and women in Tajikistan.

Modified Assistive Devices in Districts of Tajikistan

           In partnership with Handicap International Tajikistan, I supported their monitoring-mentoring program in nearby districts of my placement. It was a hot summer day, but I enjoyed the scenery. It is a new environment, while walking on the road. I had seen so many standard types of wheelchair in my country. But this time, I saw this modified wheelchair park in front the house. I took the picture, since it was nice to know that they produced this kind of assistive devices.

Modified Wheelchair in Khorazun District

Modified Walker in Bokthar District

Modified Children Parallel Bars in Kurgan Teppa

Culture in Tajikistan

        The diversity of their culture were so different from my country that I grow up. I find so fascinating. For women, some of them used to have unibrow, the usually way of connecting the eyebrows with  "usma". This is a sign of beauty They have unique head scarfs and the dresses are similar to other Muslim countries, but it is shaded with light colors.

Traditional Caps for Men

Head Scarfs 

Tajikistan Dress

Traditional Clothes for Men

         The people have distinct features of gold teeth, it is a status symbol. The gold teeth is an expensive dental procedures. In old age group, they bow their head a sign of respect. For some, they  add a prefix "jon" at the end of their first name.

Tajikistan Religion and Language

          Majority of the local  people are Muslim. I had seen the practices of Ramadan in that place, how  they religiously do the fasting. The difference of beliefs and religion were not a hindrance. For that matter,  I respect their doctrines and practices during my stay. In addition, I had discovered that there is also Roman Catholic: Saint Joseph Parish in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. I did attended a mass once, the church was not accessible due to far distance of my placement.

 Language is medium instruction for people to unite in a certain country. Prior to my departure from the Philippines, I tried to research all the resources to be familiarize about the language of Tajikistan. The purpose, to refrain from a communication barrier. To no avail, I went to search a book in National Bookstore. There are no other essential references for the national language of Tajiskistan. Since the country was colonized by USSR, I anticipate that they communicate in Russian language. Thus, I decided to purchase a Russian dictionary, transcribed from English to Russian words, phrases and sentences. The first thing I focus on the simple greetings, such as Hello! (Ezdrazvite),  Good Morning! (Dobraye Utra), How are you? (Kak di la?), What is your name? (Kak vas zavut?), etc. 

       

          The partner organization provided a translator, it is a standard protocol that all volunteers need to learn the language. In-country training started in the second day upon my arrival, I found out that the native language is Tajik. I was given a Tajik book and a compiled audio. I was disbelief of what I've heard, they do understand the Russian language, but they responded in Tajik language. I feel strange at first, but I need to learn the native language. Staying there for a year, I am proudly to say that I am more fluent in Russian than Tajik. Either of the two, I used to combine the languages when I mingled in the community. Only a few people can express themselves in English language, especially in the elders under USSR era. The younger generation is starting to learn the language in school. I've seen some places in Tajikistan who can speak English fluently in Khojand and Pamir region of Tajikistan.