I think the most interesting thing during this second stay in Samarqand has been the interactions with different locals (although the Afrosiyob site was like another world, an awe inspiring place). We played basketball and volleyball with people, went to a cafe and icecream after hanging out in Registon, and even met plenty just walking around who were so excited to meet Americans. The pure “Can you take me to America” question always follows – if only we had the means to help all these people achieve their dreams. But after speaking Uzbek with them, which draws more attention than I often would like, creates this opening for a bond that would not be there otherwise. That is the true fruits of learning a language, in my opinion. And especially with the students from SIFL, we really got to know more about uzbek culture and their personal lives – and they had plenty of questions we got to answer as well. Marriage, relationships, family dynamics, religion, technology, and more – and despite being students like them how different priorities and freedom of choice can be based on where you live.