"Peace Corps Kyrgyzstan" Kyrgyzstan by His_Beloved

So, I gave up all the interesting toys and gadgets of Japan to move to Kyrgyzstan as a volunteer in the hopes of making a difference here. I went through three months of technical and language training in Tokmok, and in December 2004, I moved to Karakol City on Lake Issyk-Kul to work with Community Based Tourism (CBT). I will be here until December 2006, so if you come to Kyrgyzstan, you have to contact me and let me know - CBT is a nation wide NGO that is working to improve the lives of locals through grassroot tourism.

My new siblings in Koshoi.

As a volunteer, I live with a local family and only receive a small living stipend, but nevertheless, I find my life here adventurous and exciting. I enjoy everything from the chai culture, celebrating local holidays with my host family, trying to explain how I want my hair cut in my terrible Russian, and eat mysterious foods that have yet to be identified. The Kyrgyz people are incredibly hospitable, and I am grateful for the two host families that have adopted me here as if I were their own daughter.

Summer Yurt in Jety Oguz

Well, after surviving the long and very cold winter, summer has finally arrived and the pastures and hills seemed to have magically turned into emeralds with all the green. Along with the warm weather, herders have taken to living in the jailoos with their flocks of sheep and herds of horses - thus, it will be a common sight on many trips to see these yurts with families bustling about around them.

• Pros:The hospitality and friendliness of the people is unbeatable!
• Cons:The outhouse toilets.
• In a nutshell:Mountains, lakes, horses, ancient culture, what else could you ask for?