Miramsmeanderings: Bishkek and Ala Archer National park 9.10.13

Google and Facebook again! This morning we went in our bus about an hour from Bishkek to Ala Archer National Park and had a beautiful walk. We walked steadily uphill along a valley beside a truly lovely rocky mountain stream of rushing clear water. A most beautiful place with autumn colours. So good to be out in the fresh air and walking in such peaceful glorious surroundings. The most sumptuous lunch was served in the hotel in the park at the end of the walk. Amazing quantities and variety of lovely fresh food. Never seen anything like it. After lunch we were treated to a musical soiree of local instruments and a singer with a great voice. Fantastic. The manual dexterity of the musicians was mind blowing. MOst enjoyable interlude. Back in town we had a walk through the Osh Bazaar. Amazing quantities of all sorts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, meats and all sorts of other things. So very colourful. Then a drive to the History Museum. I had a quick look around then sat in the foyer for a rest as I was very tired. We then had a stroll around the parks in the middle of Bishkek. Bishkek is an attractive, busy city with lovely public buildings, open spaces, a great number of trees in lovely parks and treed boulevards. Tonight we had an omelette in the bar as the group farewelled Grant who was leaving early to return to New Zealand.

Bill on a small bridge over a stream in Ala Archer Nat. Park