Tashkent Diaries: A Well-Being Escape for School Leaders

 

Tashkent Diaries: A Well-Being Escape for School Leaders

Leadership in education is deeply fulfilling — and just as deeply demanding. As a Principal and Assistant Principal, we are often at the heart of decisions, emotions, and responsibilities that shape school communities. Amidst the whirlwind of school life, we gifted ourselves something simple yet powerful: a pause. That pause took us to Tashkent, Uzbekistan — a soulful destination steeped in history, culture, and a pace that invites reflection.

Touchdown at Hotel Uzbekistan

We began our journey at the iconic Hotel Uzbekistan, a landmark in the heart of the city. The blend of Soviet-era charm and warm hospitality made it a perfect place to unwind. Later that evening, we headed to Broccoli, a delightful modern restaurant where our first taste of Uzbek cuisine was both nourishing and memorable — a delicious start to our well-being retreat.

Up the Mountains: Amirsoy’s Embrace

The next morning, we embarked on a scenic road trip to Amirsoy, a ski village cradled in the mountains. The cable car ride to the summit offered breathtaking views and a profound sense of stillness — a rare luxury for school leaders. On our return, we stopped for lunch at a quaint local restaurant nestled in a grove of ancient trees. The highlight was an 800-year-old chinar tree, lovingly preserved. Sitting beneath its massive canopy, we felt a sense of timelessness — a grounding moment that mirrored the strength and endurance we strive for in our roles.

Shifting Perspectives at the Temurid Museum

The following day, we visited the majestic Temurid Museum. This experience was eye-opening. In our own history education, Amir Temur (or Tamerlane) is often portrayed as a ruthless invader. But in Uzbekistan, he is revered as a visionary leader, a unifier who laid the foundations for art, science, and architecture to flourish. This contrast in narratives was deeply reflective. As educators, we are reminded that perspective shapes perception — and leadership, like history, often wears more than one truth. We followed this with a visit to Temur Square, where the statue of Amir Temur stands tall — a national symbol of strength, strategy, and pride.

Exploring Chorsu Bazaar & Ceramic Heritage

No trip to Tashkent is complete without a visit to Chorsu Bazaar — a sensory celebration of spices, silk, fresh produce, and vibrant local life. We enjoyed authentic Uzbek street food and soaked in the rhythm of daily life. Next came the Ceramic Museum, where the finesse of Uzbek craftsmanship was on full display — a visual delight that sparked ideas for classroom discussions on culture and creativity.

Stillness at the Botanical Garden

A quiet highlight of the day was the Tashkent Japenese Garden. Amidst greenery and birdsong, we simply sat — resting, talking, breathing. As leaders, we’re used to movement, momentum. But here, stillness was the lesson.

 

A Moment of Serendipity at Shastri School

Our final day brought a beautiful surprise. After visiting the Shastri Memorial, someone suggested we explore a Shastri School in the area. On the way from the gardens, we stumbled upon one — and as fate would have it, met the school principal just as she was stepping out. To our joy, she greeted us in impeccable Hindi. We learned that the school teaches Hindi as a second language, and that brief, heartwarming exchange reminded us of the deep educational and cultural ties that transcend borders. It made our day — a moment of human connection that left a lasting impression.

Reflections from the Journey

This wasn’t just a travel experience. It was a soul reset. From the snow-tipped peaks of Amirsoy to the conversations in the school courtyard, Tashkent reminded us that well-being isn’t found in grand gestures — it’s in presence, perspective, and people. As school leaders, we returned recharged, reconnected, and reaffirmed in our belief that pausing is not indulgent — it’s essential. We often encourage our teams to care for themselves, but this trip reminded us to model that care ourselves.

A Journey Worth Taking

We came home with memories etched in light — mountain air, warm smiles, quiet gardens, unexpected conversations, and deep reflections. Uzbekistan gave us what every leader silently longs for: space to breathe, time to reflect, and moments that restore purpose. Would we recommend Tashkent to fellow school leaders? Wholeheartedly. Not just as a destination, but as a well-being journey. In this busy world of timetables, targets, and transitions — Tashkent gave us time.

Final Thoughts: Travel as a Leadership Practice

Travel isn’t just about escape. It’s about expansion — of heart, mind, and soul. For us, this trip was a reminder that great leadership is rooted in self-awareness and inner balance. And sometimes, the best school we can attend… is the world itself.