October 2025

How do you become “one of them” without losing yourself? From language and climate to cafés, poetry nights, and city news, this Tashkent diary shares a practical path to belonging—while keeping old friendships and roots alive.

A Russian family leaves home without haste and finds belonging in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Between a year-and-a-half New Year’s tree and new community ties, this quiet journey reflects uncertainty, empathy for refugees, and steady hope under the evening lights of the TV tower. Life goes on, and so does courage.