با گوشت دودی و دوست های خارجی

Quick: Think about Tajikistan. Think about all of the things I've told you about living in this tiny post-Soviet republic, and make a list (presumably mental, unless you actually want to write it out, and I’m not judging if you do).  Only needs to be three or four things, no need to be super detailed, and don’t fret, I can wait…

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Alright, now that that’s done, does the phrase “Brazilian barbeque” come up at all? I’m guessing no, and if it did, you can read Farsi and understood the title of the entry, in which case you’re a dirty cheater. But yes, Brazilian barbeque was how I spent my last full weekend of the semester in Dushanbe, and if I may say, it was a marvelous time.

So how did I manage to experience Fogo de Chao (or any other Brazilian steakhouses you know, I myself do not) half a world away? In a word, AIESEC. In more than one word, yes, that organization that I occasionally mention on here managed to accomplish one of its major goals by organizing a Brazilian-style barbeque run by, surprise surprise, the two Brazilian interns working in Tajikistan.

Now, I would never say that Tajik food is bad, and even if/when I get tired of the local fare, living in the capital means that there are other options, although being a student, I can usually only afford the Iranian/Turkish/knockoff fast food places if I want to go out. But in regards to meat, something I usually don’t have anyways, I’d forgotten how good a piece of grilled meat, that hasn't been burned black, can taste.  Add in that Brazilians are quite good at grilling in the first place, and what you have is an experience that was surely a first for most of the Tajik members, and was for me, with the addition of Tajik naan and chai, as well as Russian pickles, a taste (pun intended) of familiar culinary globalization.

So if anyone reads from the other day reads this: Nicely done ladies and gentlemen, it was a nice way to round out the semester.

Also join AIESEC. It’s awesome.

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One final note to any readers, regular or otherwise: As I've mentioned several times in this entry, I’m finishing my first semester here this week, so this will be my last regular post from Tajikistan until the end of January or the beginning of February. I’ll be headed off to Europe in the mean time, and I might post something while I’m there, but as Europe isn't very Tajik, I probably won’t.

As always: Ташаккуру Худо ҳафез.