Tag Archives | Central Asia

toilet in mongolia

Toilet Adventures on the Silk Roadistan Tour

By on October 15, 2012 in Asia, China, Europe, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia

I don’t understand how people function without toilet privacy. I just don’t. It was an absolute struggle through the Silk Roadistan Tour when I had to not only deal with the dreaded squatter, but also, the squatter with no doors.

October 15, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 26 }
kashgar hostel

Kashgar Made Bishkek Feel Western

By on August 16, 2012 in Asia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

My realization on why I may love Bishkek so much. When put into perspective, Bishkek is a modern, easy-going Central Asian city. I just didn’t know how much until we hit Kashgar in the west of China.

August 16, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 6 }
rodem house work station

Hostelworld Match-up: Speak Russian in Bishkek, Stay at Rodem House

By on June 21, 2012 in Asia, Hostels & Hotels, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

If you’re a lucky traveler heading over to Central Asia — Kyrgyzstan in particular — you might want to read this review of a hostel in Bishkek. Rodem House has several options for travelers in a clean environment and good location.

June 21, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 1 }
naryn monument

What’s there in Kyrgyzstan?

By on June 11, 2012 in Asia, Europe, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel, Turkey

I get this question a lot, and it is not the easiest to answer… because Kyrgyzstan is a different place. You don’t really go there to see a huge, popular monument, and you don’t go to walk around all day in a famous museum.

June 11, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 5 }
manas

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

By on May 15, 2012 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 16 }
pat bazaar skyscanner bag

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

By on May 7, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 13 }
dorm room

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

By on January 20, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 9 }
wintery slush

11 Things (Re)Learned About Bishkek Travel

By on January 12, 2012 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 7 }
man and eagle

Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan: A Photo Essay

By on January 11, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

One of the best experiences I had on my past visit to Kyrgyzstan was being able to get up close and personal with Kyrgyz eagle hunters. Kyrgyz men have been hunting with eagles for 6,000 years.

January 11, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 8 }

Somewhere in Kyrgyzstan

By on December 26, 2011 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Kyrgyzstan is a country with a unique landscape. It is composed of 94% mountains while the rest of it can sometimes resemble the steppe or even Mars. Here are some photos I took while on a ride out towards Lake Issyk-Kul.

December 26, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 12 }