Day 50 & 51: Bishkek

DAY 50

Like in Kazakhstan, all foreigners must get themselves registered when they get into Krygystan. However, instead of the 5 days grace that Kazakh gives to foreigners, Krygyz only gives 3 days allowance. This time, I had no local to help me register. It was then I realised how difficult it is to do it without knowing how to speak Russian. I was directed from one office to another and yet another. None of them want to register me or rather none of them wants to entertain me. And it is not like the offices are in the next room or the next building. Each office that they directed me to are at least 1km away from each other. And so I spent the whole day walking around and still did not managed to get myself registered. (Petr!!! Where are you?? I need HELP!!!)

Then while I was looking around for this particular office which I cannot find, a local who does not speak english offer to help me and bring me to the location. I thought he was really so kind hearted but after getting me there, he asked me for money. Say what he have no money for food etc. Ya right. No money to buy food but have money to buy cigarattes. Ofcourse I refuse to give him.

Finally, at about 5pm, I decided to give up. There will never be an end to it. Forget. I decided to spend alittle money and get an travel agency to do it for me. I wasted one whole day just because of this.

I spent my second night in Krygyz in darkness again. This time, they cut the electricity even earlier. It went down at about 7pm. The whole town and all the streets were in darkness. Still, I went out for dinner with the teachers.

DAY 51

This was where I had been staying for the past few nights. The London School in Bishkek.



I spent the whole day exploring Bishkek city. Before I moved off, I got to fill my stomach first. Got my self a Kebab. Wooh.. What a long knife he has. Is the necessary?



Here is a roadside stall vendor. He is wearing a traditional Krygyzstan hat. Every guy in the country have at least one of these. Here, in Krygyz, they sell cigaratte stick by stick other than by the packs. I am wondering if this is good or bad? It is like a double edge sword. Thats what I think.



Victory Square. It is built in the shape of a Yurt, A traditional Krygyz "tentage".











World War II Monument.







Too bad I cant read russian. Dont understand what it says.



The Circus.



This monument serves as a reminder that Krygyzstan did played an important role on the Silk Road. Ya, just in case you dont know, I am still on the Silk Road.





Here are some Silk Road Arts. It gives an insight on how the Krygyz Used to lives and their traditions through drawing. How I wish I can experience it.





















Parliment Building.



The White House of Krygyzstan



A statue of a girl in traditional Krygyz dressing.





Some other statues.







Out of so many statues, you will definately see this guy's statue everywhere, in every Ex Soviet countries. I am sure you know who he is. He is Lenin.



Do you know how does Krygyz flag looks like? Heres their flag flying high.



And ofcourse you will see soldiers guarding it.





I was there just in time to catch them changing shift.



I also went to visit the museum but left within 10mins as everything was written in russian and I do not understand a word. However, in the muesum, I was surprise to see a tourist information which was setup with the help of a fellow Singaporean. The purpose of it, is to help the locals. He helped the local to organised this so that when tourist comes in to get free information, they might browse around and buy something. He himself loves to take photographs and so he uses his photographs to make into postcards to give to the locals to sell. Very thoughtful of him. He is teaching them how to fish, instead of giving them fishes. I ended up buying a postcard to show that I support a fellow Singaporean. Too bad he is not around. If not I can get to talk to him. Only the locals are there.

Here are some pictures taken in the information center.









While I was looking at my map on the streets, a guy approached me and asked if I need any help. I think this is what I call Good kamar. When I was back home, I always go to tourists who look lost looking at maps on the streets and offer them my help. Now I am getting help in return.

I got to know that there will be a horse festival coming up and I really hope to attend. Krygyz life revloves around horses. Everyone here, both guys and girls know how to ride a horse. I think this festival will be a very good chance for me to be expose to their culture and lifestlye. This only problem is that this event will only take place after my visa expires. So I am now thinking of extending my visa. It will cost quite a bit of money but I think it should be worth it.

Then I went dinner/bar with the teachers again. Told them about the horse festival and they too were very interested. It will be a great insight to the nomad life. And we are all going. NICE!!








*Click HERE to return to the Main Page of The Cold Journey.*