Tag Archives: Bishkek
manas

I’m Chasing the Magic… What Keeps You Traveling?

By on May 15, 2012 in China, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Central Asia, the lands of the ancient Silk Road, and the route of much trade, war, and magic, has been my obsession for a long time — only I haven’t explored that much of it beyond my beloved Kyrgyzstan… until now.

May 15, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 9 }
pat bazaar skyscanner bag

The Time I Sent Pat to Get a Loaf of Bread in Bishkek

By on May 7, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan

So, I sent Pat to get a loaf of bread for breakfast — only I didn’t send him to the big grocery store down the street where everything is easy to grab. I sent him to the little convenience stand in our complex where you basically have to talk to the worker, or point as I expected would be the case.

May 7, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }
dorm room

Thrifty Thursday: One Month of Intensive Russian for Less Than $850

By on January 20, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Thrifty Travel

In this post, I break down the numbers involved in taking intensive Russian language lessons in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Even with food, travel and accommodation, the price is no contest. Seriously, have a read and be inspired!

January 20, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
wintery slush

11 Things (Re)Learned About Bishkek Travel

By on January 12, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Bishkek as a travel destination. In some ways it’s great; in others it is severely lacking. Overall, I love traveling to Bishkek, but there are some factors you should know about — some of which I cover in this post.

January 12, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 5 }
orto-sai bazaar

Kyrgyz, Russian & English: A Bishkek Bazaar Language Mash-up

By on January 6, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

Two American girls walk into a bazaar… The bazaars in Bishkek are always fun to shop at, but they are even more interesting because of the trilingual conversations Erica and I often had there. Read on about the Kyrgyz-Russian-English convos in this post.

January 6, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 3 }
foyer

12 Things Learned About Russian Language Learning

By on December 13, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

In this post I take a personal journey down the road of things learned about Russian language learning. What words can I just not say right? How much more can I complain about the absurdity that is Russian? You’ll have to read to find out!

December 13, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 12 }
manas airport

Let’s Talk About Sex… With Your Taxi Driver

By on December 2, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

I’ve had plenty of taxi fun while in Bishkek (see this old post, too), but the final ride on the morning I left really takes the cake. It’s a long one, with no photos, so grab a cup of coffee before getting started.
My morning on my last day in Bishkek. It could have been worse, I guess. I … Read more

December 2, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 28 }
russian warning sign

Week 4 Wrap-Up: Holy F#*k, I Know Russian

By on November 26, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

And we’re done, people! I told my teachers that I surprised myself during my final week of lessons. Big improvement from the week before, thanks to finally getting good sleep and no longer being ill.

November 26, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
my russian learning classroom

Questioning One’s Purpose: Thoughts During Week 3 of Russian

By on November 23, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

Learning or relearning a language is like a roller coaster. I’m up and then I’m down… and it sometimes isn’t easy to see the light! This past week has been especially hard, but I’m back and ready to smash my final week here in Bishkek.

November 23, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 4 }
horses outside bishkek

Taxi Cab Convos in Bishkek

By on November 18, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

A taxi ride in Kyrgyzstan always ends up making me feel a little self-conscious and worried about my reproductive future. Ha, I know, right?! If only there were a ring on my finger and a bun in the oven, I could finally earn the respect of my taxi drivers.

November 18, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }