There are a lot of free parking areas in Tashkent city and all of them have parking “masters” and most of them work unofficially and their income is also unofficial. I call them parking masters because they stay in the parking area for the whole day and help drivers park their cars and leave the parking area safely, and for this small service, they get tips.

I actually see a need for the parking masters because for me it is really hard to find a free parking place and then park my car properly. Although they cannot speak, they show with their gestures where to move, when to drive and when to stop and last they show “thumbs up” when the parking is done. Besides their help, they show you such friendliness, they show their smiles and positive mood and they always wish you a safe drive.

They wear neon color jackets so that drivers understand that this person is going to help with the parking. While leaving the parking area, drivers leave some small amount of money to the parking masters. I am thankful for all the parking masters for their honesty and hard work, despite their disabilities.