Frank Mabley and his wife Jean Kummerow were our speakers today and presented a fascinating look at the country of Uzbekistan, which they visited in April 2024. They traveled there at the invitation of a former exchange student that Frank hosted in 1998. Uzbekistan and its fellow "stans" located in Central Asia are unknown to most of us due to distance and their history of previously being part of the U.S.S.R. I think we were all taken by the dazzling art and architecture we saw in their presentation. Even the subways are works of art. Uzbekistan had a long hay day (120 BC to 1553 AD) as part of the "Silk Road". This country, which is 80% Muslim, has recently begun to attract international visitors and welcomes them warmly. Apparently Rotary has not yet gained a foothold there but, given the current environment may certainly get there. Thank you Frank and Jean!