It pains me a great deal that my my camera failed me on a recent trip to Tajikistan. I was forced to use my camera phone which challenged me to no end. To get a sharp image you have to shoot subjects that are relatively stationary. "Stealing" pictures of people's front sides proved to be very difficult, hence the following back shots. Urgh! As disappointed as I am, I thought these dresses were too interesting not to share. Nearly all women there own and wear these dresses which look a lot like bathrobes from the 1970's.

The country is in an early Spring after one of the most brutal winters on record. The women seemed especially happy to be out and about enjoying the 70 degree day.