Lake Issyk-kul

The next day took us to various sites around Lake Issyk-kul's north side. They weren't as grand as yesterday's sights but I liked how much more laid-back and relaxing the second day was. I was able to become much closer to other people including Sharon.

We first stopped by a nomad camp except the area was huge. It turned out to be where the Nomad Games were held a few years ago. There were these strange-looking statues as well, I'm sure it's something related to nomad culture and spirituality. I walked around the fence's perimeter, staring out at the great expanse before me while the horses roamed and lazed about.

We were soon called back to head out to a gorge where we were going to have lunch. With the river as our backdrop, we had fresh fish. and while I shared stories of how Mongolia is one of the most magnificent countries I've ever been to. Piquing Ayan's curiosity. After everyone had left the table, Sharon and I had some more time to talk a bit more about our lives and travels.

Our last stop took us to the shores of Lake Issyk-kul. The beach was surprisingly empty so I was able to walk around and think about my life a bit more. I later joined Ayan and Pasha, one of the two Belarussians in our group, by the waters. It felt good to take off my shoes and have a soak in the cold waters.

As we walked back to our van, it seems like the day was coming to an end. We stopped by the final restaurant at one of the resting stops. It was just a bunch of bread, but it was good bread. Back in Bishkek, we said good-bye and went our separate ways except I was still going to go on another adventure with Ayan, Max, and Pasha the next day. We were going to do Ala-Archa National Park.

I found myself going in the same direction with Sharon, turns out we had the same hostel. As usual, there was nobody by the reception but I had the owner's number so I made a call and he was able to check Sharon in. We planned on having breakfast tomorrow. She was going to go to Kazakhstan next, with Hiro and Mohammad.Read more