Etappe 101: From Ferghana to Niyazbotir

The fun day in Ferghana was followed by a great experience. I had arranged to meet Mohammed in Niyazbotir, a village between Ferghana and Andijan. The 45 km ride there was at least partially on a relaxed side road. As a gift for the host, I wanted to buy some strawberries by the roadside. When I stood somewhat clueless at the stand, someone approached me and spoke to me in English about my bike. It was the son of the stand owner, who was now working in Dubai and was visiting Uzbekistan. He insisted on giving me a huge bowl of strawberries and wouldn't take no for an answer. Touched by this gesture (strawberries are not cheap in Uzbekistan!), I continued riding until I reached Niyazbotir. Mohammed was already waiting for me there with his bike. So we rode the last two kilometers to his village together. He told me that, just like his brother, he was an English teacher at the village school, while his wife taught Russian. When I arrived at their home, I also met Mohammed's mother, wife, brother, and son. They sat me at a well-laid table and I had to eat a lot (no problem!). Mohammed's brother in particular asked many questions and spoke good English. After the meal, they asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital in Pakhtakor with them. It was possible that Mohammed's sister-in-law would give birth today. Uh, how can you say no to that? I was already fearing that they would take me into the delivery room, but in the end, there was no need to worry and we only dropped off Mohammed's wife at the hospital. However, the ride in Mohammed's brother's Marshrutka was still adventurous. They also asked me if I wanted to go to school with them the next morning. Of course, such an opportunity doesn't come along every day! Late in the evening, I was taken to the village football field, had to take some photos, and received, among other things, a t-shirt from Uzbekistan's ecological party as a gift.

The next morning, I had breakfast with Mohammed before heading to school. Everything was in a frenzy when the students saw their English teacher accompanied by a European. The fellow teachers were no better. After a few photos and questions (Are you married?), Mohammed and his brother took me to the first classroom. We visited a total of five classes and it was the same game every time. After the obligatory 'Good morning, teacher!', the children were allowed to ask questions in Uzbek, which Mohammed and his brother translated for me. Initially shy, the questions started pouring out later on. Of course, photos had to be taken as well. Some may have seen a European for the first time, as the village is very remote. The school breaks were used to inspect my bike and play with the bell and helmet. Both are considered overrated in Uzbekistan. There was a small snack at noon before I continued on my way. After all, I wanted to reach Kyrgyzstan today. I think Mohammed and his family would have liked to keep me a few more days, but they had to leave themselves to take Mohammed's mother to Andijan. They have given her a pilgrimage to Mecca, and before departure, everyone has to participate in a three-day course to learn the rules of behavior in Saudi Arabia. Overwhelmed by so much hospitality and impressions, I got back on my bike.