Bishkek

7. - 14.08.2014

During my field work time of three month in Kazakhstan, I spend one week in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. I have to refresh my visa, so I'm not here for fun (; But during the waiting time of one week, I use the time to explore Bishkek by walking, go shopping at the bazaars and relax in the big banya as well as go hiking in the mountains and meet lots of new people.

On thursday Azim and me go by car to Bishkek.

Bishkek feels so nice for me, because I know here will be no study work for me to do. I just enjoy the relaxing time and be a real tourist.

Verena and Sophie, who were doing field work for their thesis in Kazakhstan last year, are now in Bishkek for an internship.

Verena, Azim, Sophie
and me
(from left to right and down)



Shopping at Ош базары (Osh Bazaar)



Bene and Sophie



The Osh bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in Bishkek.



Here you can buy so many and nice food products,
but also cloth, Kyrgyz souvenirs and much more.






The typical bread



As I walk back from the bazaar to my Hostel, I pass by an IKEA!



The Ала-тоо аянты (Ala-Too Square) is the central square in Bishkek.
The National Historical Museum is seen in the background.

As the square was built in 1984 a massive statue of Lenin was placed in the square's center to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan as a Soviet Socialist Republic. But in 2003 the statue of Lenin was moved to a smaller square in the city. A new statue was installed in its place.

Karl Marx, me and Friedrich Engels in the Oak Park.






The Дордой Базары (Dordoy Bazaar) is also a big bazaar in Bishkek.



This bazaar is special, because it's a huge container area
outside of Bishkek, where you find everything to shop.



The shops are in the container below.
In the upper containers are the storage rooms.



Today we came late, so the bazaar is already closing.

Later Sophie and me go for some relaxing time to the Zhirgal Banya, which is a huge public sauna. The washing and relaxing in the sauna is one of the favourite activities of kyrgyz and also kazakh people. I think in winter time it's awesome. But it's not good for a joint activity of couples, because men and women are stricty separated.

Walking back from the banya to the hostel



At nighttime there are lots of fun activities at the Ala-Too Square.






I ♥ Bishkek

The next days I'm leaving the city life again for a natural trekking-tour to the Kel-Tor Lake.

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