Tag Archives: Central Asia
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 }
man and eagle

Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan: A Photo Essay

By on January 11, 2012 in 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 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }

Somewhere in Kyrgyzstan

By on December 26, 2011 in 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 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }
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 }
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 }
packing for k-stan

I’m Unprepared… and I Like It

By on October 24, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Pre-Travel, Soviet Travel, Turkey

I bought the Istanbul section of the Turkey Lonely Planet, and have yet to look at it. I booked a hostel for the first night in the city, and I have no idea how to get there. I know when my flights will be landing; I know when they should be departing.

October 24, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 8 }
Day 201: Feeling Lost, the Negative Side of Travel

Day 201: Feeling Lost, the Negative Side of Travel

By on July 21, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Travelers always talk about how there is a readjustment period when returning home from long-term travel. Sometimes they talk about how roaming the earth can make them feel a bit lost (it reminds me of my time with the intriguing traveler… Read more). I can attest to both of these feelings, as I’ve experienced them many times in my travels throughout

July 21, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
palm tree

10 Places to Hit Before I Hit 30

By on November 8, 2010 in Pre-Travel

Tick, tick, tick… that’s the sound of my internal travel clock ticking. Tick, tick, tick.
… Read moreWhen I’ve been settled for a while, it seems as though my internal travel clock starts screaming at me to make some plans involving far-flung places. I sometimes envy people who are satisfied with the status quo as they don’t have to deal with the

November 8, 2010 · Read full story · Comments { 32 }