Blog | 23 October, 2024

Traditions Beyond Borders: Exploring Cultures with AMC Bridge Global Team

With our team spread across the globe and many colleagues working remotely, it's fascinating to view both native countries and adopted nations through the eyes of our diverse AMC Bridge team members. As we continue celebrating the unique cultures within our company, we shift our focus from India and Ukraine to Uzbekistan and Ireland.

These two nations, while geographically distant, share a deep-rooted sense of tradition, hospitality, and pride. From the ancient cities of Uzbekistan to the green landscapes of Ireland, our colleagues offer a glimpse into what makes these places special. Whether it's the rich flavors of plov or the charm of local customs, let this journey spark new conversations and connections with your teammates.

Nodirbek Ulashev, Software Development Engineer
Where Time Stops but the Smiles Never Do

When I think about how to describe Uzbekistan to someone who has never been there, the first thing that comes to mind is our rich historical heritage. We have ancient cities that are incredibly well-preserved, alongside modern developments, offering a unique blend of history and progress. But beyond the places, it’s the people who really stand out. We are known for our warmth and friendliness, and I truly mean that—we are very welcoming and open.

One thing that makes our culture distinct is the way we interact with one another. Even if you don’t know someone personally, it’s common to inquire about their well-being, their family, and even how they are feeling at that moment. It’s a natural part of our social fabric, and I believe it’s a reflection of our close-knit, caring nature. People genuinely care about each other’s well-being, even in passing interactions, which I think is pretty special.

Spice, Rice, and Everything Nice

When it comes to my favorite dish from Uzbekistan, it’s definitely plov. You’ve probably heard of it—it’s quite famous. Plov from Uzbekistan is unique, even compared to other countries like Kazakhstan. The rice is different, and the way we cook the meat sets it apart. We prepare it in a very large dish, and honestly, just thinking about it makes me want to eat some right now!


One thing that makes Uzbek plov special is the attention to spices. We use herbs, pepper, garlic, and raisins. These flavors give it a distinct taste. It’s such a cultural dish for us that you can find variations depending on the region. For example, the plov from Samarkand—an ancient city in Uzbekistan—tastes different from the plov in Tashkent. In my opinion, Samarkand’s plov is the most delicious, though I haven’t researched why—it just tastes better!


Plov isn’t only for special occasions. Every Thursday, it’s a tradition in Uzbekistan to cook plov. Men gather in a chaykhana (Editor’s note: a traditional Central Asian teahouse where people gather to drink tea, share meals, and socialize) to cook it, which is a unique cultural experience. We also cook plov during holidays, and it’s made for large gatherings. It’s a dish that truly represents our culture, and I hope one day you’ll have a chance to try it in Uzbekistan!

One Day, Hundreds of Guests, Infinite Memories!

Our weddings are grand, to say the least. You might not have heard about them, but our weddings are huge, both in scale and importance. We invite everyone—family, friends, neighbors, sometimes over 300 people! The ceremony lasts one day, but it’s filled with a lot of food, music, and celebration. Weddings here are such an important part of our culture, and we make them memorable.

As internationally common, for weddings, men usually wear black and white, and women wear white. However, in some regions, there’s still a tradition of wearing more traditional clothing. One example is the chapon, a thick, warm garment given to the groom when he visits the bride’s home. It’s a very old tradition, and while it’s not commonly worn anymore, it’s still part of our wedding ceremonies. It’s something special that represents our rich cultural heritage.

History You Can Feel, Flavors You’ll Love

One of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Uzbekistan is Samarkand, where my parents are from. It’s a city rich in history, and the place that stands out the most for me is the Registan—a historic public square in Samarkand.

Samarkand is famous for its ancient buildings, particularly the Islamic schools, or madrasas, which are breathtaking. When you visit, you can truly feel the history around you—there’s so much to see, from traditional clothes to old customs still alive today. The food is also unique in this area, with dishes like Tandoor Kabob, where meat is cooked in a tandoor oven, and Qozon Kabob, where meat is cooked in a large pot over time.

What makes Samarkand so special is its age. It’s incredibly ancient, and when you walk around the Registan, you can almost imagine what life was like centuries ago. You can see how everything was organized—the bazaars, the madrasas, even the old armor used in wars to protect these historical sites. It’s a place that truly connects you to the past.

Uzbekistan’s Greatest Treasure? Its People and Their Hospitality!

If I could show a foreigner one thing about my country, it would be our hospitality. I’m incredibly proud of how polite and welcoming we are, especially to guests. In Uzbekistan, guests are treated with the utmost respect. For example, if you came to my house, I wouldn’t let you leave without sharing a meal with us. This hospitality is a big part of our culture, and it’s something I’m really proud of.

Yuliya Starikova, Learning and Development Manager
Where the Weather is Moody, but the People are Always Sunny 

For most of my life, I lived in Ukraine, but I have always loved to travel. For the last two and a half years, I have lived in Ireland and it is a truly wonderful country. It’s often called the Emerald Isle because it stays green all year round. It gives the feeling that there’s no real winter, like it’s always somewhere between spring and autumn. The nature here is incredibly beautiful, even though the climate might not be comfortable for everyone. Like other countries in the region—Scotland, Wales, and England—the climate is moderate, with winds and frequent rain. But that’s what makes the rare sunny days so special. When the sun comes out, both the Irish and expats rush outside to make the most of it.


If I had to describe Ireland, I’d say it’s a small country with people who have big hearts.

What makes Ireland unique? It’s really the people. They’re known for their “thousand welcomes” and incredible friendliness. Just the other day, I was at a bus stop in the rain without an umbrella, and an older woman offered to share hers—such a sweet gesture you don’t see everywhere.


Another thing that’s unique about the Irish is their positive attitude. Complaining just isn’t in their culture, except maybe about the weather. And they have this delicate way of offering criticism—it’s always hidden within a compliment. Their politeness and openness really set them apart.

Irish Flavors with a Story

What’s my favorite local dish in Ireland? It’s probably Guinness stew. It’s like a hearty meat stew, but cooked with Guinness beer—similar to some of our dishes back in Ukraine. The dish has a rich history, tied to the tough times Ireland faced, like during the Great Famine when many people died or emigrated, including 1.5 million to the United States. Irish cuisine is deeply rooted in potatoes because of that period, though not everyone relies on them!

But honestly, my favorite dish is Seafood Chowder. It’s a thick, creamy soup packed with all sorts of seafood in a tangy sauce. What makes seafood chowder special for me is its history. It’s a fisherman’s dish, cooked in taverns and pubs for centuries, and it’s still made the traditional way. There’s something charming about eating a dish that connects you to the past, especially one tied to the sea.

A Night of Fire and Dance After the Winter Chill 


When it comes to interesting traditions or holidays in Ireland, most people think of St. Patrick's Day or Halloween. And sure, Samhain, the pagan celebration marking the start of winter, is celebrated with spooky house decorations and impressive laser shows. But I want to talk about St. Bridget's Day, celebrated on February 1st, also known as Imbolc. It’s all about fertility and renewal, kind of like a spring festival.

St. Bridget is depicted with red hair and symbolizes fire, rebirth, and life. I once saw a nighttime procession—women dressed in beautiful white clothes carrying bowls of fire, putting on a mystical show with music and dancing. It was incredible, especially after the long winter. The fire lit up the night and brought such an atmospheric feeling of warmth and renewal.


Where Rocky Shores Meet Centuries-Old Traditions

The most beautiful place I’ve visited in Ireland has to be the Aran Islands. They’re absolutely stunning, with rocky landscapes divided by stone fences, gardens, and pastures, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. It feels like something from another world. What makes them particularly interesting is their isolation from the main island of Ireland. There are three small islands, and they’ve managed to preserve traditions and culture that have been around for centuries. While some of this is for tourism, the locals still take great pride in their heritage. Their main activities—farming, fishing, and agriculture—haven’t changed much over time.

When you’re there, it feels like time has stopped. The islands are full of ancient ruins and sacred places, like pilgrimage sites for saints and sages. It’s really fascinating from a cultural and historical perspective.

While the Cliffs of Moher are the most famous spot in Ireland, and they’re undeniably beautiful, the Aran Islands offer something much more intimate and unique. On the smaller islands, I’ve encountered just a handful of people in a day, and one even greeted me in Gaelic. It’s a place I’d highly recommend if you want to experience Ireland as it was hundreds of years ago.

In Ireland, Guinness Isn’t Just Beer, It’s Practically a Blessing!

If I could show a friend visiting Ireland for the first time just one thing, it would be Guinness. Guinness here is practically a religion. You simply can’t visit Ireland without trying a real pint of Guinness, poured perfectly as it should be. It’s almost an offence to the Irish if you say you don’t like it. Even if you’re not a fan of dark beer, Guinness isn’t just any beer—it’s practically the drink of the gods!

Having a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub is like seeing cherry blossoms in Japan—it’s a must-do experience. I could suggest something more profound or existential, but honestly, it’s such an iconic part of the culture. Even in the most remote villages, on the edge of Ireland where you can practically see Canada, you’ll find a fresh supply of Guinness being delivered to the pubs. It’s like a sacred ritual—Guinness is truly everywhere, and it’s something you just have to try in Ireland!

Return to blog page

Subscribe to our news

We will keep you updated with the latest news

scroll down to explore
to the top