Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Sights and Sounds

I wanted to post a quick update about the past couple of days. We aren't able to visit HotDog again until Friday, so we have had time to explore Bishkek. Yesterday we took a long walk down the main street by our apartment. We took our time and just observed the sights, sounds, and smells. We visited the outdoor market across the street and Stu bought a lot of fresh fruit and veggies. We also made a trip to the grocery store and stocked up on some provisions (including Diet Pepsi...Woohoo!!! I had been going through withdrawal since we arrived without my Diet Pepsi). We thought we did a good job with reading labels until we arrived at the apartment and found that what we thought was a cheese spread was actually cheese-flavored butter:)
Last night we went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We sat outside and just watched the crowds go by. The weather is perfect so I think everybody was out taking walks with their children. Stu and I sat there and stared at every baby that crossed our paths. They are all so beautiful.
Today we were lucky enough to be able to go up into the mountains for a little hiking with two of the other couples with whom we are traveling. The scenery was breathtaking; we were surrounded by snow-capped mountains and our trail was full of streams with some of the clearest water I've ever seen. Stu and I have been to many places around the world, and I have to say that this place is the most beautiful I've ever visited. I have some amazing pictures I'll share when we get home. We then went to a huge outdoor bazaar where we were able to barter for some wonderful traditional Kyrgyz items. We finished the day with a great Italian meal with one of the other couples.
Now we are going to head to our apartment and hopefully watch a few episodes of Arrested Development before the electricity is shut off. Several of you have asked about the electricity problem: Evidently they are having a massive energy shortage so they are doing rolling shutoffs. Unfortunately for us, that means that our electricity is out usually between 2:00 until 6:00 in the afternoon and then again between 12:00 and 6:00 in the morning. Of course, that is not set in stone because the other night our electricity went off at 9:00 at night and didn't come on until the next morning. We have a candle by our side all of the time because we never know when the lights are going out.
I think we're shopping more tomorrow (said as Stu groans beside me). We're actually just trying to kill time until we get to see HotDog again on Friday. But we are having the time of our life. We have absolutely fallen in love with the city and country and can't wait to explore it more.

16 comments:

JennStar said...

I am so glad that your trip is going we well!!! It soulds absolutely beautiful over there!

mommyto5 said...

So glad to hear all is well, sounds like the trip of a lifetime!

Margaret and Tom said...

OH I can't wait to hear where you went in the mountains as I would love to go there on our 2nd trip! You will have to fill us in on the details :)
Glad you are having a wonderful time, we also felt the same way about the wonderful beautiful people in Kyrgyzstan and the beautiful natural scenery.

Anonymous said...

We are so thrilled that our baby girl is beautiful and healthy- we knew she would be! the scenery sounds breathtaking. we can't wait to see the pictures. Give her a sweet kiss from Annie Fannie. Tell her we are all taking great care of her big brothers and even though they miss their mom and dad, they are getting taken care of and are having some major fun. I took them to Wendy's, the playground and to Owen's baseball game a couple days ago. Hugs to you both

Troy and Rachel said...

Sounds like you are making the most of your time there! Can't wait to hear about your next visit!

Laura said...

Oh my Gosh! Again, I don't read your blog for a couple of days and look what I've missed!
I'm so excited you have me Hot Dog, the cheeks remind me of my Tiger! The biggest most squeezable cheeks ever!
Can't wait to hear more!
hugs.

Maria said...

Oh, it sounds wonderful. It makes me long to be there all the more! I know you are counting hours until Friday. Tell your travel buddies I said "Hello". Give HotDog a sqoosh and koosh (hugs and kisses at our house) from me! Can't wait to see pix when you can share. Have a great time. Tell Stu to enjoy his shopping tomorrow!

Hilary Marquis said...

So glad things are going well. Enjoy your shopping excursion! Tim dreaded those as well...Kiss that sweet baby :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Allison and Stu! Your trip sounds amazing so far, and I'm glad you're making the most of your time there. Give my new little cousin a big hug and kiss for me on Friday!!
Love,
Cory

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to see and hold her! I got to hold Raya on Tuesday. But You know how I love kids. I'm thrilled you are enjoying the trip, & am sad you don't get to hold Hotdog everyday. But soon you will have her rotten like all the other Brahm grandkids. We will miss you on Mother's Day. Before you know it, your little girl will be graduating fron college, as my BabyGirl is about to do. Enjoy your quiet days (and nights) while you can. They be filled with laughter and tears in a little bit. We love you!

Christen L said...

WOW WOW WOW! So much to catch up on. (we've been gone on vacation...) So happy to hear things are going well and I. can't. wait. to see/hear more about Hotdog!!

Rachel said...

Wow, that is so crazy about the electricity! It sounds like you guys are doing great and taking it all in. It's Friday morning for you now, so I hope you have a great visit with HotDog today!

Anonymous said...

Your trip sounds like it's going wonderfully. I can only imagine how gorgeous your little girl is. Our S had exceptionally full cheeks as a baby too. :) Very good for kissing!

Good luck for a smooth rest-of-your trip and lots of time with Hotdog!

~ Joanna (Who, incidentally, no longer works at the company of doom)

Anonymous said...

Hey guys- thinking about you and Josie today. Allison, have a happy Mother's Day on Sunday. We are gonna try to see the boys this weekend if possible. The pool's open and ready for you all whenever you are. We love you

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you guys!! I know how wonderful it must have been to see and hold your baby girl for the first time. You have to watch out for those little girls with big cheeks! They will steal your heart in a second. Glad you both are enjoying this new city/country to explore. You'll have lots to tell Hotdog when she's older. We can't wait to meet our new playmate!

Love, Wrong Jen-Jen

Anonymous said...

Oops, forgot to say... Have a wonderful Mother's Day! I know it will have special meaning this year with Hotdog in your life. And Happy Anniversary you two! I hope you're able to celebrate all the good things.