I live in a relatively large apartment complex on the main street in Kulob, Somoni street. The entrance to my apartment is accessed through a courtyard at the back of the building, and I live on the 3rd floor.
There are usually a number neighbours, usually children, in the courtyard when I leave for work in the morning and come home in the evening. The children usually greet me with a flurry of “hello”s when they see me, to which I always respond by saying hello in English and asking them how they’re doing (in Tajiki).
One of the children stands out. He is a small boy of no more than 3 years old I see most days. Each time he sees me, he makes a point of coming up to me and shaking my hand, which is endearing. Sometimes, as I’m leaving my apartment or coming home, I’ll hear his voice from across the courtyard. He’ll be out of sight, but I’ll still hear him say “Acai” which is Tajik for “Mr.” He’ll then emerge from behind a tree, car, etc. 50 meters away, running full tilt (full tilt for a 3 year old, which makes it especially endearing). He’ll run right up to me, stick out his hand (which is usually covered in dirt), shake my hand, and run off again. Sometimes, when his hand is especially dirty, he’ll offer his forearm to shake instead (which is the customary thing to do in Tajikistan when one’s hand is dirty, wet, etc.)
He’s remarkably good at seeing me from a distance, and I can say with confidence that at least half of the times I’ve either left or come home he has spotted me. It’s still always a nice and funny surprise.
