UZBEKISTAN SEPT 14/15 2015

Sept 14/15, 2015

And so it begins. A journey I've desired for many years, is upon me.

Crazed as usual, I worked much later than expected. I raced through so much work, I hope I didn't miss anything, not nought time,,,but there never is. I did my best.

I only had enough time to had some food, my first of the day, take a shower, and head to the airport to make it to the checkin at 10:10pm. I made it.

Easy checkin and a breeze through security and I was at my gate. There were several large groups of teens/early twenties off on first adventures. the world awaits them. I hoped for them, much success and an open mind to absorb all that the will experience,

On board, the seats were small and wouldn't lock in a reclined position. In contrast, I did receive a warm towel to clean off with and a piece of Turkish delight to begin the journey,

Above the Atlantic and headed east, first stop Istanbul.

There was a fish or chicken choice so only bits a pieces of food. I took my sleep aid and fell asleep during my viewing of "Tomorrowland". It was so so. I was able to get a decent amount of sleep.

We were awakened for our breakfast of eggs mushrooms and potatoes. After, I kept nodding off.

Upon arrival, Istanbul was bright and sunny. I wish I had a few days here to revisit places I'd been over 6 years ago. Another time,

Some Yogurt and a banana made for a great snack in between flights. Ataturk Airport definitely a bazaar with runway. I window shopped through the many Turkish goods.

Time for boarding, I made my way to the gate. Off to a new land, soon.

The flight from Istanbul to Bishkek was full and rowdy. I couldn't resist the sleep that hit me when first on the plane. This was quickly over as the noise was too great. I was up now.

I did have some pasta on this leg...food to eat. That was good.

Landing in Bishkek...almost no lights visible in the city. This was a bit freaky. We arrived around 2/30am...a but early. No immigration issues..yay! Luggage took 30 minutes to get there and then customs security check...long line as everyone's luggage was X-rayed

The driver had a sign with my name and quickly me and a Romanian woman who lives in NYC, were on our way to the hotel. A twenty minute ride later an we arrived. It seemed like a residential house. It was fine...a low rise hotel in a residential area would present itself in the light of day,

The key to my room wouldn't work. My roommate was already there. I tried 3 keys that they gave me and no luck. He finally came to the door and yelled out " you have the wrong room".

I explained and he opened the door. He was a young guy...late twenties ? He was from Utah but Indian (India) and with a name of Michael Grant. I wondered it he was adopted. Anyway, he was curious to me out as he proceeded to wrap his whole head with cloth to sleep. Sleep, Brian!