People met on backpacking 148 - Talking with the college students in Timur Square

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They were college students who filmed a video of themselves interviewing foreign tourists and submitted it to the school. At first, one student kept asking me questions, and the other student was absorbed in filming the video. Once they finished the questions they had prepared, they took turns asking me personal questions. Most of all, what impressed me was their active and polite attitude. In particular, their curiosity and affinity for Korea were great. Of course, I also asked them a number of questions. We had an interview and talked like this for about 30 minutes before breaking up. But after a while, two other female college students approached us and asked for an interview. They were also very active. Of course, it was okay. The interviews I exchanged with them are as follows:

Q: Excuse me. Do you speak English?

A: Yes, I do.

Q: Then, can I ask you to interview for us?

A: Interview? What is the purpose of the interview? Where are you from?

Q: Yes, we are college students. The purpose of the interview is to find out the thoughts and opinions of foreign tourists who came to Uzbekistan.

A: I see.  May I ask what your major is and what university you go to?

Q: Sure. We major in international studies at Tashkent State University.

A: I see. All right, I'll answer everything I know. OK. Go ahead.

Q: Which country are you from, and what is your first impression of Uzbekistan?

A: We are from Seoul, Korea. We've already heard a lot of good stories about Uzbekistan in Korea, but it was really like that when we actually came here. That was very kind of you. It was more than I expected.

Q: What made you feel so kind?

A: The young guys who helped me when I was lost last night were really nice.

Q: Can you describe the situation more specifically?

A: OK. It was around 8:00 last night when I suddenly had to go to the supermarket. I left the hotel and went to a nearby supermarket. But it's not there. I believed that there must be a supermarket or convenience store, such as a 7-Eleven, nearby and continued walking. But even though I came more than 500 meters, there were none. Coincidentally, I spotted several young guys sitting in a large street cafe at this time. When they heard me, they immediately stood up from their seats and said that they would guide me. Then, moving as one, they continued walking in a direction further away from the hotel where I was staying. On some roads, they crossed an underpass of about 50 to 60 meters. Even though I had already come a considerable distance, I didn't see the supermarket or 7-Eleven I mentioned. I was a little worried since it was nighttime. I said I would go back to them. Then they pointed to a store across the street and said it was there. But there was no super signboard. But when I actually went in front of the store and looked inside, it was a real supermarket. Really, it was a mini-super. Anyway, I bought what I wanted. Until the last moment, they helped me. They left me with a greeting, wishing me a pleasant trip. I was really touched by their kind acts. I have never seen such kind young people. There are faces that always come to mind when I talk about these things. The 1990s. When I first arrived in Casablanca and couldn't find accommodation, when I arrived at night in Stockholm, Sweden, and also couldn't find accommodation, when I was in danger around Central Park in New York, USA, when I got into trouble with taxi fares in Nairobi, Kenya, when I got into trouble with bottled water at a restaurant in Zagreb, Croatia, etc. These are the people who helped me at that time.

Q: What is your favorite Uzbek food?

A: I haven't tried many kinds yet, but 'Ragman' was delicious. Of course, all breads are excellent. I like Samsa, too. It's similar to Samosa in India.

Q: Oh, you've also been to India? Well, I'm envious of you. Anyway, I want to hear you say the good and bad things about Uzbekistan one by one.

A: Well, I still don't know what's bad exactly. The good thing, as I've already said, is that Uzbek people are very kind, and the street trees and parks are well-kept.

Q: Since our major is international studies, we are very interested in the international community and politics. If you have any opinion on the international situation today, I would like to hear it.

A: That's a good question. Of course, it was the same in the past, but I think the importance of diplomatic power today can't be overemphasized. That's what happened after the Cold War. In particular, I believe that today's global energy and food crises are causing tension.

Q: Why do you think so? Of course, the war has been going on for more than a year due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but won't it end soon and return to the era of peace?

A: Of course, when there's a beginning, there's an end. The problem is the very peace that you spoke of. The end of the war does not bring peace. If we want true peace, the people, united with stronger military power, economic power, and free will, must always be ready for war. That's how peace is maintained. I think peace in a more fundamental sense is when, well, liberal democracy flowers are in full bloom all over the world.

Thanks.