Navruz holiday - Dushanbe style

With a holiday that celebrates both the new year and spring, it's a perfect time for a fresh start. The city has new signs and decorations. Trees and flowers have been planted on the main boulevards. The grass is green. The plum trees are blooming. The fountains have been turned on. And people are wearing new clothes. Beauty all around!

Yes, I know I've taken a lot more photos of women. Just for balance, here's what some guys are doing--just hanging out, being vain, and taking care of kids:

I'll end with the cute little girls...

...and with us, wishing everyone a happy Navruz!

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P.S. I know I'm painting a pretty rosy picture of Tajikistan. I think it's because we live in a relatively nice neighborhood in a capital city that's very concerned with image (and because our Tajik and Russian language skills are non-existent/limited).

Click on these links if you want a more realistic picture of the economic situation, the marginalized, public health issues, drug routes, and freedom of religion.