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 s...

According to the travel journals of 19th century explorers of the Central Asia region, getting here is fraught with peril, uncertainty and difficulty. For us it was no different. The first flight, for example, from Heathrow to Istanbul, afforded the passengers the opportunity to see the classic 1960s remake of Mutiny on the Bounty, with Marlon Brando as the humane Fletcher Christian, who finally overthrows the tyrannical Blythe. However, with Blythe adrift in the...