Today after taking the time to sleep in I found myself wondering, what is there to do in Bishkek for a non-Russian speaker? And getting little other advice I found myself following google maps to see Osh Bazaar again. Nice walk, interrupted by a political rally. This time by the supporters of the guy with the red flags all over Bishkek... So his supporters were all wearing red and carrying larger versions of the red flags. Fliers have been popping up all over so the formerly saturated wall postings are now once again recovered in fresh fliers. The blue and red ones I've gotten used to seeing have competition from a fresh coat of bright green fliers. This election is now in RGB!
I'm sure I'd have more interesting thoughts about this if I knew anything about any of the candidates. The only thing I know is the one who's face is 8 stories high farther down our block apparently cheated on his master's according to one of the girls in the office who knew him in school. They're all supposed to be corrupt in different degrees from what I've heard, and I don't know much about them. So it's weird because I see a political rally and think, "Cool! Bright colors, people who *WANT* their photo taken and not looking like a tourist when I shoot photos. (obviously I'm a journalist not a tourist when it's newsworthy)"
Eventually made it to the bazaar and took more photos because last time was obviously not enough. Then did the stereotypical expat thing and had dinner at Fatboys. A local restaurant with a menu in English! How exciting. Did an atypical meal of Turkish plov, Chinese beef, and British cider. Multinational meal! Actually a delicious combination too. I'd recommend it and have it again. Then proceeded to walk back to the flat.
As I arrived fireworks started exploding over Bishkek. Sounded very eerie as midway through the call to prayer began at the mosque on our street so their was an odd blending of booming explosions and a deep voice resonating through the clear night. Something very violent about the contrast in the sounds. But that might just be because I'm only used to hearing fireworks on the 4th of July and new year's day - so the sound is unfamiliar when unexpected in a foreign city. Regardless, the combination of the sounds in the air, the presence of political fliers EVERYWHERE, spontaneous rallies and men with megaphones definitely has injected energy into the stagnant and quiet life I seem to have become accustomed to in Bishkek.
I have no clue what the schedule looks like, but after the rally yesterday and another today - I feel like this weekend will continue to get more and more interesting. And Tuesday should be very exciting at this rate. But part of me hopes it's really rather dull as dull tends to mean peaceful and orderly. Soon one of the girls will be taking us out later so hopefully will enjoy the first taste of Bishkek's night life - for now just relaxing around the flat listening to music. Hope you're well!
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