Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Our arrival into Bishkek airport couldn't have been more different from Tashkent. No admin, paperwork, crowds or other annoyances. We did get creeped by the sinister fleet of huge dark grey US Air Force planes parked in neat rows on the tarmac. Following a scenic taxi ride beside the snow-capped mountains that surround Bishkek, we got to our scuzzy $10 hotel in the evening and promptly went out looking to be fed. Although the centre of the city was mostly dark with no street lights there was a great atmosphere on the central promenade with street photographers taking pictures of local visitors against a gaudy backdrop of soviet architecture and plastic flower wreaths in the shape of hearts. Karaoke machines were being used outside on ever corner by what sounded like wounded cats. The next day although we noticed many similarities with Tashkent such as very little traffic and imposing government buildings, the people looked much more fashionable and were incredibly friendly. We wanted to head out to the eastern part of the country, towards the Tien Shen mountains and Issyk-Kul Lake so enlisted the help of the local CBT office. CBT is a Swiss-funded non-profit organisation which stands for Community Based Tourism. It organises a network of homestays, guides and drivers around the country and is incredibly helpful.
Comments
John Lewis
Nice to see that John Lewis have opened a new branch in Bishkek.