Chinese visa shenanigans

Spent 3 nights in Bishkek back at the Apple Hostel. First day didn't do very much at all. Second day headed to the Chinese consulate only to discover that arriving at 2pm meant that they were shut. Third day arrived at the right time between 9-12 only to be told that they could not process an application for me there. I'm not a citizen and don't have a residence stamp so no. Don't understand why that's necessary when EU citizens have a 15 day visa free option. Wish we had that. But Brexit. Oh dear. But it looks like I might be able to apply from Kazakhstan as the online form through which you apply for a Chinese visa gives Kazakhstan (Astana and Almaty) as two cities where you can submit documents. Since it's only a six hour / six dollar trip by bus, I might as well give it a go. All I lose is a little time. So that's the plan for the 25th.

Managed to meet up with Fintan and Sophia who Lisa and I picked up on the way to Osh. It's crazy the way you keep meeting people again.Read more