Traveling Companion

This man boarded our marshrutka (shared minibus) from Karakol to Bakonbaeva. He was a bit inebriated. He kept us all amused and insisted on wearing his kalpak (Kyrgyz hat) during the ride. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.  

Kyrgyz Marketing

Some other travel companions on our bus from Karakol to Bakonbaeva along Issyk-Kul's southern shore. They took care of us, offering apples and vodka (we kindly refused the latter). www.uncorneredmarket.com/2007/10/a-perfect-day/  

More Smiles

Too Close for Comfort?

When squished in the back seat of a bus, you can become close with your travel-mates (from Karakol to Bakonbaeva).www.uncorneredmarket.com/2007/10/a-perfect-day/  

Mutton Stop #1

After getting through the worst of the snowbound mountain passes after, we stopped at a makeshift cafe for huge chunks of mutton and tea. Taken on a seemingly endless journey from Bishkek to Osh.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.  

Mountain Honey

What better time to stop for mountain honey than in a snow storm? The trip from Bishkek to Osh normally takes 8-9 hours in good weather. Add in a Kyrgyz family vacation element, bad weather and broken headlights and the total trip time turns into 18 hours.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.  

When the Snow Chains Don't Fit...

...just put an additional passenger in the back of the car. Thanks to a blizzard, numerous mutton and tea breaks, and broken headlights, the trip from Bishkek to Osh took 18 hours instead of the normal 8-9 hours.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.