Seeing President Emomali Rahmon Everywhere In Dushanbe

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, are 1,000 pictures worth one word? Yes: Rahmon!

Tajikistan's president, Emomali Rahmon, is all over the place. At least his image is ubiquitous. Living large on a modern building.

On a magic carpet. On a university building, waving hello to all of the fantastic students. When you've led your country since Soviet independence for 30+ years, who else is going to go up on billboard-size banners?

A painting at the National Museum. Dams project power, right? Still waving to unknown persons, stage left. "If they would just wave back, I could finally put my arm down. Being friendly is exhausting."

More magic carpeting, this time on one made of subservient flowers. Meeting Mr Putin. Always make sure you look bigger than the person whose hand you're shaking. Done!

Another painting at the National Museum. "Water is also powerful, right? Dam it!"

Alas, the painting is currently roped off. Is the table set up for memorabilia signings every Thursday between two and five o'clock? So many photographs to autograph....

Getting Amused At The Dushanbe Zoo

Seeing animals, ho hum. At the Dushanbe Zoo, there are plenty of rides and amusements when the fauna start to bore. Dare to ride?

Also, a bit sad. Pool tables to the left, slide in the middle, and flying chairs to the right. Unoccupied.

Water ride. Never get out of the blind duck that has flames coming out of its butt. Goalie, already committed.

Shooting gallery. "My gun can blow apart a brick wall!"

Measuring your strength. Do you have a mean right hook or a massive left calf? More blindness, this time on the trippy mushroom train.

Nobody into the pool. Ever.