Bishkek

Got picked up by Josh and Emma and we drove from Almaty to Bishkek in Kygyzstan. The drive was uneventful but crossing the border was a chore. Josh was driving so Emma and I had to disembark and cross the border on foot. We got through relatively quickly but had to wait for maybe an hour for Josh to get through in the Subaru. This meant a long time standing around in the heat. And all we took to walk through was our passports and phones so no water, no sustenance. Eventually Josh emerged and we could see that all the doors and boot of the car were open so it looked like customs were doing a full inspection but it turned out that it was quite cursory. Once over the border Bishkek arrived quickly and I was dropped off at my apartment which for the price is amazing.

Had a quick sleep and then went to meet E/J at Pinta Pub Frunze which turned out to be like a German beer hall. Had a bunch of lamb and chicken kebabs before wandering back home for a good night's sleep. Stopped for an ice cream and was stopped by a reasonably persistent but very polite beggar. Who eventually got the message and disappeared.

Another country entered. I think that's 20 now since I set off.Read more