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Part 1 · Q1Where are you from?

Well, I come from Tashkent, which is the capital city of Uzbekistan. It is a quite big city with, um, around three million people. I have been living there my whole life, and I really enjoy the atmosphere because it is a mix of, you know, modern buildings and traditional architecture.

Part 1 · Q2What do you like most about your hometown?

I think the thing I like the most is the food culture. We have these amazing bazaars where you can find all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional dishes like plov. Also, the people are very friendly and hospitable. When you visit someone house, they always offer you tea and, um, sweets. It makes the life there very warm and comfortable.

Part 1 · Q3Do you think your hometown has changed much in recent years?

Oh, absolutely. There has been so many changes in the last decade. They built new metro lines, shopping malls, and parks. The city is becoming more modern, but I think sometimes they are destroying old buildings which have, like, historical value. So it is a bit of a mixed situation, I would say.

Part 2 · Q4Describe a place you have visited that left a strong impression on you. You should say: where it was, when you visited it, what you saw and did there, and explain why it left a strong impression.

I would like to talk about Samarkand, which is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. I visited there last summer with my family during the holiday season. The city is famous for its incredible Islamic architecture, especially the Registan Square which has three massive madrasas decorated with these elaborate blue and turquoise mosaics. When I first saw it, I was completely speechless because the photos do not do it justice at all. We also visited the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, which is a row of, um, beautiful mausoleums. What really impressed me was how they managed to preserve these buildings for hundreds of years. The craftsmanship is just, you know, unbelievable. I also tried the local cuisine which was more better than what we have in Tashkent, especially the samsa and the fresh bread from tandoor ovens. I think this trip gave me a lot of new informations about my own country heritage, and I am planning to go back again this year.

Part 3 · Q5Do you think tourism has a positive or negative impact on historical places?

Well, I believe it is a double-edged sword. On one hand, tourism brings revenue which can be used for restoration and maintenance of historical sites. For example, in Samarkand, the ticket fees help fund the preservation work. On the other hand, mass tourism can cause physical damage to fragile structures and, um, sometimes the local government prioritize profit over conservation. I think the key is to find a balance between making these places accessible to visitors while implementing strict regulations to protect them.

Part 3 · Q6How important is it for young people to learn about the history of their country?

I think it is extremely important, actually. Understanding history helps young people develop a sense of identity and, you know, appreciate where they come from. In my opinion, when you know about the struggles and achievements of previous generations, it motivates you to contribute positively to your own society. Unfortunately, many young people today are more interested in social media than learning about their roots, which is quite concerning. Schools should make history more engaging by organizing field trips to historical sites rather than just, like, reading from textbooks.

Part 3 · Q7Some people say that technology is making travel experiences less authentic. What do you think?

That is an interesting point. I partially agree because nowadays everyone is so focused on taking photos for Instagram instead of actually enjoying the moment. You see people at famous landmarks just posing for selfies without really, um, absorbing the experience. However, I also think technology has made travel more accessible and informative. For instance, translation apps help you communicate with locals, and review websites help you discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. So I would say technology is a tool, and it depends on how you use it.