Miramsmeanderings: Drive to Biskek, Kyrgystan 8.10.63

Today we drove through spectacular mountain scenery to the quaint town of Bishkek, a long journey. First we had a nice breakfast which was much more westernized and so really enjoyed. We left Naryn at 9.30am and the road now improved. We passed through more great scenery and stopped at the summit of the Doloo? Pass, 3,700 metrres. It was a beautiful day and we went climbing up the hillsides to where we had a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Eventually arrived at a very modest grey, dusty little town with a lovely background of mountains, some with snow. Here we had a demonstration of felting. All done by hand. Felt is used in many different ways, bags, furnishings, rugs etc. etc. so is important in their way of life. Lunch was served in the yurt at the same place. Interesting food, quite pleasing to western tastes, yogurt, breads, salads. Some of us had a little walk around town to try and get some money but no go at the bank. The local people were friendly and wanted photos with us and to know our ages. The men wear the cutest hats, like small bowls with a flat top and embroidered. Then onto the bus again to continue towards Biskek, the capital of Kyrgystan.
On the drive today we stopped briefly at a roadside settlement? of a few caravan type dwellings and a yurt or two. The local ladies were selling mares milk sweets, water etc. Not to my taste. The toilets? here were a brick 3 sided waist high wall with a few planks over a hole. Beyond description. Not something to be entered!!! Bushes much more preferable.
We got onto a road that had been finished? 5 years ago so a much more comfortable ride although there was still much work to be done. But, suddenly we cruised to a halt and the two drivers leaped out in a great hurry and inspected something. On their return we were told the bus had a problem. By this time it was dark but arrangements were made quickly and we were transferred to another bus for the remainder of the journey. Fortunately we weren't too far from Bishkek. The hotel in Bishkek was very pleasant and the four of us had a lovely light dinner of salads in the restaurant with Grant. So good to be having our kind of food after China.

Doloo Pass view