If I'd thought that my time in Kyrgyzstan so far had done anything to harden me, then I was in for a suprise. The coming weeks were set to be the ultimate endurance challenge as I headed from the city of Osh into the Fergana Range of the western Tien Shan Mountains. This would be my home for the next two weeks. The valley to which I was heading is really off the beaten track. It's somewhere you won't find written about in the Lonely Planet, you won't find ma...

I have spent more than two weeks working in Osh now, and things that initially seemed strange now go on around me like the norm. I am even getting used to the toxic fumes pumping out of the ancient Russian cars which trundle around the city's decrepid dusty tracks in slow motion. Today, on my day off before I venture into the mountains (on to 'site') I have explored the local markets in Osh. The 'Bazaar' is one of the largest in Central Asia, stretching mor...

Since arriving at the small and deserted airfield in Osh just a over a week ago, the reality of being here on work has long set in. I will be based here for at least another two weeks before heading out to 'site' in the mountains. I have found, however, that working in a country is perhaps the best way to become directly involved in the local culture. While I was in China, I think that my view was perhaps warped by staying in nice hotels, visiting major tour...

It was just over a week since I returned from my trip around China that I received a phone call informing me that I'd successfully gotten a job as an Exploration Geologist, in Kyrgyzstan. The six week placement departed just 2 days later and here I am, in Bishkek - the capital of Kyrgyzstan. I am destined for the city of Osh, the second largest city in the country. However, due to an unfortunate accident in London Heathrow, involving a passenger falling down...