Kyrgy

Shalom from Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgy (locals say)

travelling over the local roads

    Our first stop was Bishkek the capitol of Kyrgy. Here we stayed in a hotel that actually had lawn, a pool and a deck with tables and chairs, plus internet!!! Therefore as soon as we arrived we knew it was appe ’ time on the deck. We are still finding it hard to pick up what we think are typical appe’s  but it is fun looking. Have to admit every once in awhile the idea of a regular supermarket where you can find what we are used to and know the price on the packet does have its appeal. But whatever we find we have fun and the company is good.

    Next we headed up to Diety  Orgus – a mountainous area that is guarded by seven bulls (red clay type hills). All of a sudden after all our heat we were back in pants and sweaters – what a nice change! Here we were up in the mountains – camped beside a nice river – believe me when I say body freeze on getting washed up!!!  We managed to get a couple days of hiking, walking the ridge and therefore great views.

Seven Bulls protecting the valley

hiking in Diety Orgus mountains

picnicing on the steep slope side with Keith and Sandra

 But because it was summer solstice while we were up here we had a party to celebrate Christmas in summer. Russell and Colin even cut down a small tree and we decorated it with whatever was at hand. We cut up red and green peppers, hung pine cones with red thread, red bracelets, candy and even had red ribbon left over from our dress in red party. Our tree looked gorgeous. We all became a secret Santa – buying silly presents, drinking champagne, having BBQ  lamb and playing a few games. Fun was had by all.   

decorating the tree with truck mates

  

     There was a whole groupings of yurts in the meadows. They move up here for 5 -6 months of the summer to mind the herds of cows, horses (I can’t believe how many were up here), sheep and goats. These yurts look like great big mushrooms sitting in the field of mountain flowers. They are made from water proof felt wrapped around frames. Some of the yurts are very decorative while others quite plain. While talking to some of the locals they introduced us to mare’s milk. It has been fermented like beer. I have never tasted anything like it in my life!!!! The look on Russell’s face as he took a big swig of it was priceless!! It tasted like sour vinegar!! The next time different locals offered it to us – Russell still gave it a sniff and just shuddered. And I thought he was tough!

one of the many Yurts !

   Next we were off to Song Kol - an alpine lake that was surrounded by a huge valley/plateau 30 -50 miles in circumference and then tall mountains surrounding us. Here again the valley had yurts with the animals everywhere. Never figured out how they chose where to camp or was it first come, first to set up. We ended up adopting a couple of Kyrgy kids here as they found us quite novel. Their parents and other locals came over to play Ulan Tuk. It’s a national Kyrgy game but might not hit the Olympics for a while yet. There are 2 people on the two teams all riding horses. It is called sheep/goat polo. First the sheep was slaughtered in front of us and then the legs and head removed.  A rider would take the goat way out in the field – once dropped the2 players would race out and pick up the goat  trying to butt out the other and then the other 2 would join in the foray. Then when one had it –he would race over and drop it onto a small square mat (target) and gain a point for his team.  The game was actually very physical and maneuvering the horses quite tricky as well. It was supposed to represent hunting from the horses. Once the men were tired the younger kids had a go and were they ever gutsy with their riding and game playing. We also had many families come out to watch. It was very entertaining and provided fun for the locals as well. When all was done the goat became that night’s meal!!

Goat polo or a tug-of-war ?

young players waiting their turn

our adopted Kyrgy kids playing with Sylvia's Christmas present that they took home 

    The Kyrgy”s  make their felt from the wool of the sheep. We went to a Woman’s Co-op where they demonstrated how it was done. First they whack the wool with long metal bars into small pieces,  then they place it on a straw rug – making a design with the colors as well. Next it is rolled up very tightly and hot water is poured over it. Next she grabbed us to dance on this long tube for an hour. Well we cut that a bit shorter but when it was unrolled and washed it looked pretty good for a bunch of westerners. When we were up in the mountains we saw many of the women  making it as well while the men were out with the animals or just sitting around as most men do here while the women work.

break dancing while flattening the felt

     Our next party night was a Bad Taste Night where you dressed accordingly and played some outside (ie pass the onion – still don’t like them raw) and inside games. Russell and I are improving our trivia status – in fact Russell’s team won and he also won the worst dressed man!!

bad taste dress party

Russell on a horse after too much 'mares milk'

Food: every country seems to have a different version of the Turkey Doner (BBQ meat sliced onto a bun) in Kyrgy  - it was the meat, fried coleslaw, cucumber, French fires with mayo and ketchup. It actually tasted really good.

Our guide actually tried to show us how to cook some traditional meals. As they tasted very good don’t be surprised if we try them out on you!

Next is China where blogging and facebook is taboo – should be interesting! First we have to get access to the blog sites.