Category Archives: Things to Do

Starry Song Kul Nights Trail in Kyrgyzstan: From Kyzart to Kilemche

From Kyzart through Kilemche: Starry Song Kul Nights Trail in Kyrgyzstan

I have all the components that would make up a terrible trekker.  I am afraid of heights.  I am claustrophobic, which comes into play when trying to stuff me into a tent to sleep.  And all animals distract me, which can be a horrible problem when trekking during spring, and all the baby animals are […]

Ukraine Uncovered: The Kharkiv Metro System

The Metro Systems of the Soviet Union were elaborate and a source of pride for the now exanimate nation.  Coming from a nation whose public transportation networks are so undeniably terrible, I am always impressed with Soviet metro systems as they are fast, efficient, inexpensive, and have competently served numerous cities for decades. The Kharkiv […]

They are Building a Road to the Mountains in Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan

balykchy, kyrgyzstan on issyk-kul lenin on a building

“They are building a road to the mountains here,” the cordial local from Balykchy said optimistically to the three of us.  We were standing in front of a statue of two snow leopards and Sayakbay Karalayev.   I gazed away fixated on the street art on the side of the building across the street as […]