Let’s open with a time lapse going up another valley off Issyk-Kul late. Spectacular scenery on our way up to another waterfall hike at a site made famous by OG cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin…

First however, we did another religion combo – a Chinese mosque and a Russian Orthodox church in Karakol. Distinctive Chinese architecture on the former, including some interestng posters. The latter was originally made without nails (tho’ we detected some), and while we entered it (unlike both mosques we’ve visited), we weren’t allow to take pix. Adjacent was a pretty, and apparently very good, school. A couple of wildflowers, and autumn leaves on the apricot trees. Also, there are many cemeteries on the side of the roads, and here’s another one…

First up, the gorgeous gorge, power pole construction (?!), and two monuments to Yuri Gagarin, who saw Issyk-Kul lake from space and then had to visit. A rock monument to the meeting of ancient tribes centuries ago, then a shorter hike to an equally lovely waterfall. Then, interesting things on the road, lunch, kids, and a bike shop. (Sorry, I can’t remember the little town…)

In this batch, a couple more cemeteries, and our session about eagle hunting. We learned about the practice (beyond falconry!), saw a couple of flights, and got to get up close and person with these magnificent birds. In addition to eagle hunting, we experienced dog hunting and archery, and learned about the events of the Nomad Games!

Our next interactive activity was Yurt making. We went to the workshop of a craftsman who showed us how they bend the willow branches (which makes Kyrgyz yurts different from Mongolian yurts). Cool spot next to the river with a few animal skulls and exotic chickens. Then, we went across the street to his home to set one up as a group.

On this tour, we’re using a Whats App group to share photos & videos, so yeah, a couple of the above and before have been shot by my fellow tourists. You can tell especially if I’m in ’em…

The next morning in Koshkor, we went to the Women’s Collective for a lesson on how to make felt carpets out of wool. They had quite a nice gift shop! (Kids, a got ya a lil’ sumpin’…)

A long drive along a beautiful river (means Blue Horse in Kyrgyz). We stopped for a great picnic lunch…

Made it to our guest house in a small village surrounded by hills and mountains, and before dinner got a lesson on how to make and fry bread Kyrgyz style…

Another eventful couple days. In fact, I was so worn out that I skipped dinner and went to bed early sleeping well under the heavy blankets. I’ll let you know what happens today…