Rest Assured 4
- krolesh
- Jul 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Kyrgyzstan National Museum
The epic of Manas is famous throughout Kyrgyzstan, a hugely long poem telling of the exploits of the Kyrgyz hero Manas. The epic is over 1,000 years old, and the plot revolves around a series of events that coincide with the history of the region, primarily the interaction of the Kyrgyz people with other peoples in the area, of Turkic, Mongolian or Chinese origin.
You should read it one day, the full version's only 500,000 lines long.
There's loads of statues of Manas around the capital, as well as other memorials to him.
Amulets, kept for their protective or healing powers. From left to right, a lynx, a bear, and an eagle.
Old Islamic maths book.
Dolls for kids
Sheep ankle bones, used for the local game, "Khan Talabai." I used to play a game with these when I was a kid. We called it "knucklebones."
Another local game
Ancient Koran texts, the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a direct revelation from God. Besides it's religious significance, the Koran, or Quran, is widely regarded as the finest work in Arabic literature, and has significantly influenced the Arabic language.
It's a comprehensive treatise on the correct code of conduct for all facets of life, and Muslims believe it was orally transmitted to the prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years, by the Angel Gabriel.
Old Russian currency.
Kyrgyz leaders from the 19th century.
Traditional female attire. Really has the Arabic vibe doesn't it.
Female tribal leader, who took over from her husband when he died.
Good 'ole Russian handcuffs, for keeping the Kyrgyz riffraff under control
Military coat
Kyrgyz sportsmen on their way to an international meet
Looks like fun doesn't it
The band
Making military clothes during the really Great Patriotic War, the fight between the Russians and the Germans during World War II.
Delivering supplies to the army
Traumatised military medics
Kids donating clothes from home for the war effort
Russian leader Leonid Brezhnev comes to town
Famous Kyrgyz actors
Music night
Kyrgyz currency, it's actually quite beautiful
I rubbed this lamp profusely, but nothing happened. It was a dud, a gift from the Saudi Arabian government to the Kyrgyz President. I wonder if they told them it was broken.
If it'd worked I would've wished for
no more flatties for my whole trip
the phasing out of all fossil fuels by next Thursday
everybody suddenly loving themselves and each other, and the richest 1% of the world's population suddenly deciding to donate all their money to the poor
Another glitzy gift from the Arabian Peninsula.
Traditional dancing attire
Famous Kyrgyz writer, diplomat and public figure Chingiz Aitmatov
Last Days In Bishkek (For A Little While)
I really enjoyed chilling in the Kyrgyz capital.
Local shopping mall, VEFA. Everyone hangs out there.
Simon and Karin and I went to Faiza, a local eating place Ayganesh had recommended to me. It was super nice, but we got there so late we missed most of the food.
Lots of soups, including the popular lagman noodle soup, lots of dumplings and stuffed pastries, like manty and samsy, and loads of meat meat meat.
We went to the bar next to my hostel. No, it's not a brothel, despite the neon.
Specialist baklava bakery. Yes, it's true!
Local popular eating place Navat, with the complimentary aryan drink they give you when you sit in.
At some point the staff broke into a ten minute dance. It was pretty trippy.
My order was potato dumplings, ashlyum fu (Dongan noodle soup), and another carafe of kompot.
So good.
The piped music included a komuz version of "I just called to Say I Love you." Yes, really. Komuz is a traditional Kyrgyz stringed instrument.
A Holiday From My Holiday
Hey guess what?
I'm going to Europe!
Very soon!
I've decided to spend a couple of weeks over there, to catch up with my daughter Manu before she leaves to go and live in Canada. I won't get the chance to see her for ages otherwise.
It'll also give me the chance to catch up with other dear friends, some of whom I haven't seen for a very long (embarrassingly long) time.
Yay!
Return flights to Europe from Bishkek are crazy cheap, and, while I'm really trying not to fly too much, seeing my family in any way I can will always take priority.
I've arranged to store my bike and all my stuff here in Bishkek, and will go to Europe with a little day bag. I love travelling that light.
So, surprise surprise, in the next post you'll see pics of Brussels, and the south of England - my first stops on another mouthwatering but super short European adventure.
As usual, the universe continuously refuses to stop delivering.
And I'm never gonna say no, am I❤️
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