Chapter 6
Muslim Vodka
[Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan, 2010]
[...]
Just as I wonder how we can escape the overload of vodka without offending anyone, one of the Uzbeks comes towards me and lifts me from my chair. I give him an exaggerated hug, a kiss on the cheek and I shout that from today onwards we shall remain friends for life. By holding onto him tightly, I just about manage to stay upright. Another man helps Anneke out of her chair and she also relies heavily on her buddy. If my new friend lets go of me now, I will fall over. I'm afraid they will make us dance together. One thing is for sure. We would collapse straight away if we had to move autonomously.
[...]
