We have learnt a few new things today, in no particular order:

It is safe to say that Bishkek is not an attractive city.

Bishkek food has not left an impression on us (yet).

I (Laura) have even more of a capacity for sleep than hitherto realised.

Our collective Russian leaves a lot to be desired.

The Kyrgyz love the Marco Polo sheep (not to be confused with its Irish counterpart, the Marc O'Polo sheep) and stones (non-size specific).

Tonight we are off to see a concert at the repressively soviet-looking Philharmonic Hall which should be interesting. We spent the morning hiking up an identity crisised valley/gorge/canyon (NO ONE KNOWS) where we found no less than two specimens of wild rhubarb and no edleweiss. We also did not find the waterfall clearly marked on the map. However the countryside was stunning.

We are having difficulty uploading photos but you will be blessed with images as soon as we can. (In the meantime, as we have to give you AN image, here is one of one of the most beautiful buildings of our time...)

Thanks for your messages!

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