Kyrgyzstan is at once stable and dynamic, a changing place for all. Soviet collapse around the time I was born, revolution in 2005, revolution in 2010, recent Kumtor gold mine disputes, and now southern separation and road closures with four rounds of unsuccessful negotiations. All interesting to view comfortably from a computer in the states.
But when protests, violence, and roadblocks put a block to cross-country travel in the mountains and between small villages, such things become a pain. The government of Kyrgyzstan rightly noted that the Issyk Kul riots would be problematic for tourism, and sought to remedy the situation quickly. But for the rest of us, getting to Osh and anywhere in Tajikistan remains problematic. I feel really bad for the vegetable seller and oil truck drivers too. What a terrible way to lose time and money waiting days in a traffic jam.
So I have resorted to flying a sketchy airline that is banned from the EU, on a gorgeous flight over high mountains. Hopefully I'll be in Tajikistan by the end of the week.
More pictures to come.
But when protests, violence, and roadblocks put a block to cross-country travel in the mountains and between small villages, such things become a pain. The government of Kyrgyzstan rightly noted that the Issyk Kul riots would be problematic for tourism, and sought to remedy the situation quickly. But for the rest of us, getting to Osh and anywhere in Tajikistan remains problematic. I feel really bad for the vegetable seller and oil truck drivers too. What a terrible way to lose time and money waiting days in a traffic jam.
So I have resorted to flying a sketchy airline that is banned from the EU, on a gorgeous flight over high mountains. Hopefully I'll be in Tajikistan by the end of the week.
More pictures to come.
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