Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The snow-capped Hissar mountains on the outskirts of Dushanbe.

A family outing to the capital.

Lee in front of a monument to Ismail Samani, the 10th c Persian, considered founder of the Tajik nation

Neighborhood kids.

Fabric seller in the market.

Foreign Languages Institute hallway: "Knowledge of foreign languages is essential to meet today's challenges and to promote international relationship for Tajikistan."

Herbs and spices at market.

Main street: Rudaki Blvd.

Plasticware in the market.

Computer store on Rudaki Blvd.

Ready-to-plant greens in the market.

Walking in the beautiful Dushanbe botanical garden, we came across some wedding photography:

Our wonderful hosts:

Picnicking at Varzhob.

At the chaikhona in on Rudaki Blvd. Dushanbe

What will be the dominant influences in this city?

Old Soviet ideas?

Media from the West?

...via ubiquitous satellite dishes?

Money?               Islam?                Iran? China?

What will these kids grow up valuing and believing?

What is the future for these university students?