Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Return of the Prodigal Daughter

Every time I land in Bishkek, I am filled with mixed feelings – excitement and worry. On one hand I look forward seeing my family and friends, on another – I always wonder: will I connect with the city? Will it recognize and welcome me, the prodigal daughter who has left it in the end of the 1990s? I have visited Bishkek in the last couple years several times. I hardly go to new trendy places and popping everywhere Western-style cafes. Instead, I look for clues to put together in my mind the image of the city I used to know.

I have grown up and moved on, so did the city. It has changed tremendously since the times I walked as a little girl on its avenues. I no longer recognize many of the streets, buildings and faces. They seem all so foreign, so distant from my memories. And only few signs like my kindergarten (which is still a functioning kindergarten with original building and playgrounds), old alleys and frescos of the Soviet-built buildings bring the memories back.

If you ever visit Bishkek, make sure to do following:

Go to chaikhana for proper tea experience
Visit one of the big parks, like Victory Park or Dubovyi Park
Take a trip to the mountains outside Bishkek
Buy some fresh veggies and fruits at the Osh Market
Pop into State Historical Museum for some extra knowledge
Treat your eyes and ears at the Philarmonic, Opera or Drama Theater
Pay your respect at the WWII Memorial or check out infamous Lenin statue
Read a newspaper or book sitting on one of the benches of the Erkindik Avenue
Watch changing of the guards or check your email (thanks to free wi-fi) at the Main Square
Stock up on latest Chinese fashion at Dordoi Market

And most importantly, have fun and try to meet some locals. They are lovely, trust me (I used to be one of them)!!!