UZBEKISTAN SEPT 16 2015

September 16, 2015

Morning came too quickly as he was up and making noise well before 7am. I didn't get back to sleep. I read a few email and messaged a bit. I needs food so...get with it!

Breakfast was minimal, cereal and 2 eggs. The ladies had taken all of the fruit an left only some grain,

I went to find some cash, which took two tries but it was my own fault. The first try, I hadn't walked 10-15 feet far enough Aarrgghh!

Anyway, I made it back in time for our 10:30am departure. We were missing 2- delayed by one day, and one who cancelled.

Off we headed, to the mountains. It was morning in the big city and traffic was tough but manageable. My time getting to the National Park was monopolized by a woman from Tampa that talked over whomever was taking, she storied your story to tell hers and didn't stop taking, I was nauseous the ride, I tried now and then to just try and turn to take in he view.

Finally we stopped for a quick scenic viewpoint - a better view could not be had on this glorious day, Snow capped mountain peaks, multicolor vegetation, and a river running below,

We continued on but only 5 minutes more where we reached Ala Archa National Park, 40 kilometers south of Bishkek.

In Kyrgyz, the archa, which gives the park its name, is a bright or many colored juniper which the Kyrgyz people have traditionally held in special esteem, using smoke from its burning wood to chase away evil spirits. However, the archa is not supposed to be planted near the home, because it is believed gradually to sap the energy from human beings living close-by.

The hike started out slow as we all had our varying paces and levels of jet lag. Some were falling behind or waited as the rest moved on.

Evergreen trees here an there, and some scrub shrubbery, at the lower elevation. This gave way to low grass and rockiness of the higher altitudes.

The climb was steep but vigorous, but exhilarating. I forgot my jet lag as I kept climbing. We were to reach a waterfall, eventually, but the guide kept saying that it was 20 minutes away.

We kept running into other hikers, along the way. They were all quite friendly as we all had the same mission. Finally one of us asked about the waterfall. The answer wasn’t good. This time of year it was a trickle and it wasn’t really worth the effort unless you were prepared for a much longer hike.

We all decided that the next outcropping would be our pinnacle. There was an outcropping that projected out into the air…with only the cliff and valley below. It was an amazing place to get shots and perspective on the valley.

The drama of the perched pock, precariously placed / split away from the cliff. It provided a commanding view of the valleys meeting point. I had to go. Michael joined, even with his fear of heights didn't go near the edge but I did and it was exhilarating. For a moment, I stood alone, a part of the view.

The bluest of blues and not a cloud in sight. I absorbed the energy of the Kyrgyz nature. I felt as if I was on a journey that was fresh and unspoiled by others. We were connecting with the land and the sky.

A riverbed below and the valley flaming it told us stories of the torrent of water that once

Rushed though, carving the view we saw today.

Returning to the base camp was more difficult. The steep incline was much easier to navigate up than down. I jumped and slid and many other maneuvers as I travelled to the bottom.

I sat by the information center, in the shade, and waited for the rest. It was a bright day and I had a bit of redness on my face. It was good though, I needed the natural vitamin D.

Soon we all collected and the guide escorted us back, the short distance to Bishkek.

We were hungry now and in search of food. We ate a cafe nearby, recommended by the guide. We all needed a relaxing evening and this was comfortable. The food was...slow and poor quality I had a pumpkin colored water...not the soup promised. My rice was fine ...hard to screw that up. Total was 350 soms, cheap. It was food…i survived.

Next on the agenda was a walk around city city center.

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the end of WWII, this monument is designed to evoke three symbolic yurt struts curving above an eternal flame. It sits within the dauntingly over-sized sun-bleached expanse of Freedom Square.

There was a wedding party taking photos here. It was believed that they were from Azerbaijan as many come for their weddings. Tess convinced them to let us take pics. Then they wanted video of us wishing them congrats on their wedding. It was interesting to be the object of interest.

We went for a stroll through the large city park, Oak Park. It is lush, green and popular with the locals. There were many people taking advantage of the amenities. In one area, there was open air art exhibit or art sale as it were. We moved through ti so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to make any purchases but did take some quick shots of pieces that moved me. There was some amazing pieces - unfortunately or fortunately - they were all to large for me to bring back. I do have the memories and pics.

On the back side of the History Museum, there is a Stature of Lenin. It stood at the from of the square but has been replaced by a statue of Manus, in the Main Square…more fitting. He is the leader who united all 40 tribes.

Continuing through oak park, there were these random statues, here and there. One statue of a spooky lady caught my attention. She was creepy and awesome.

At the national flag, we saw the changing of the guard. This is done every hour. The high stepping would have injured some. Their legs moved higher than the Rockettes.

One last site in the center - Black and white statue - pushing away the bad / corruption / old ways - with democracy and Change in white. It was fascinating and odd at the same time.

What a long day, We returned to the hotel and a rest was needed. l stayed in room posted pics - wrote a bit had a quick snack. I was not leaving the room…too tired. I wen to bed hungry but didn’t care.

Zzzz