April in the South

In April, we went with another family that runs a car rental business to the south of Kyrgyzstan. We were able to visit Batken, Osh, Isfana, and many of the surrounding areas. Ah-mazing trip!

One of the reasons for the timing of the trip was that the 2nd week of April is the height of the Aigul blooming. It is a lovely, orange-red flower (seen recreated in metal, at the top of this bench) that only grows in this particular area of Kyrgyzstan.

We were able to hike up this hill to see the blooms, this was toward the beginning, it got a bit steeper the further we traveled up the hill.

This is the lovely Aigul. It is protected here in Kyrgyzstan and so you cannot pick it and take it with you...pictures are the way to go!

My kids, sitting amongst the Aigul blooms.

Family shot!

This is around the reservoir outside of Batken, leading west toward Isfana.

We camped out one night, in the mountains south of Isfana, up against the Tajikistan border. It was COLD! Next time, we'll be sure to bring some warmer sleeping bags and clothes, particularly for the children!

At least on the morning after, we were all still friends and loved each other, though a little tired from being up most of the night rotating kids in between us to keep them warm!

Father and son!

In the rocks and caves around Batken are lots of beautiful rocks and even a few fossils.

These next couple of shots remind me of my home back in Colorado.

The striations and bright colors are just lovely.

We took a little hike into Kanigut cave...but we didn't find any of the fabled treasure.

A traveler with his milk on his donkey.

Watching them make their bread in their oven in the ground.

Talking to one of the local wisemen.

Some old abandoned forts are in this area; used for fighting as recently as 100 years ago.

Hospitality in this area was amazing...lots of good food and tea and conversation was to be had.

Part of the road that we drove on in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

Another tower and mausoleum outside of Osh.

The view over Osh, from Sulaiman Too.

The bazaar in Osh.

The view of Sulaiman Too as we drove away.

A new business and some spring trips around KG

As our language visa came to an end in January, we decided to go ahead and start a new business here in Kyrgyzstan. We are so thankful for all the pieces that fell into place this spring and really, over the past couple of years, to start Taigan Expeditions...our very own educational consulting and cultural tourism business!

This is our new business logo! You can check out what we have to offer by going to our FB page or our website at Taigan Expeditions.

As we began our new tourism business, we got busy checking out more of this amazing country. We are even more in love with the people and land here after our trips and would be thrilled to have you come out and enjoy many of the things there are to see and learn here.

We took a day trip with some friends...a hike in the snow!

The kids took their staves on the hike.

They enjoyed a few snow ball fights and getting wet crossing the creeks.

Finding rocks and bones in the creek.

Then, Indy took some trips with other local businessmen. This trip was to the Naryn region to see what the hunting and tourism opportunities might be. They loved the frozen lakes....especially driving their vehicles across the frozen water.

This lake had some caves they were able to explore.

Eating in a roadside cafe on a mountain pass in Naryn.

Coming back home, the clouds settling in at sunset over a mountain pass.

In March, Indy and Krypto took a few days to head to Almaty, up in Kazakhstan. It doubled as a business visa run and also a couple of days away for the guys to have special time together to chat about Krypto turning 13 and what that means. They were able to do the Family Life "Passport to Purity" kit together and we'll make this a tradition for our other two children's 13th birthday as well.

Krypto, and the above picture is Indy, in front of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Almaty.

In April, Indy took a trip out east, to Saruu. There are some amazing options for fishing out there and seeing the local goat polo (ulak tartysh) team perform their national game.

Indy with the team, after playing the game.

An action shot of the riders fighting over the dead goat while they play the game.

Following the game, they were able to take a horse trek through a red rock canyon to some natural hot springs that feed into a sort of Turkish bath. It was nice to relax and enjoy the steam after the game and the horse trek.

Krypto is a Teenager....ahhhh!

Our oldest is 13 years old! We celebrated on 2 days...one day on the weekend so he could have friends over to play a board game and then a bit on his actual birthday day.

His little sister made him a gift and even decorated the box for packaging.

Gwangi made him a paper board game of his own design.

His gift from Mom and Dad was a board game that he wanted. I had picked it up in the US last fall when Sissi and I were back for my sister's wedding. He was surprised and thrilled about the game.

His one request was to have his two friends over to play a game...they picked "Onward to Venus."

Chocolate Lava Cake for the special day!

On the morning of his actual birthday, we made this list together over breakfast, "13 things we love about our Krypto!"

My boy, outside our apartment, in the park.

Being silly and adorable.

Loving life! This boy is incredible and kind, has a heart for others, and can always be depended upon to help in whatever way we need it. Cannot say enough how much I love him!

Good Food and Secret Sisters!

My friend's love language has most certainly got to be cooking ;)...now I know that isn't an actual love language, it's her way of gifting/giving herself and her time to people, but let me tell you, the woman should have a cooking show!

She had spent the whole day before we arrived making food, all of our favorites, so that we would have a special visit and lots of time to sit and chat. I did sit at her kitchen table and talk, while she rewarmed things, we put dishes together and taste tested things...it was all amazing, from chicken wings with her homemade bleu cheese sauce, little smokies, spinach dip, ham and cheese rolls, and so many other appetizers on our first night (sorry, no pictures.) Then, on the second night, she made chicken and beef enchildas with homemade beans, homemade salsa, Mexican rice, and guacamole. Delicious!

...and of course, everything looks better (and tastes amazing) when it's served on Polish Pottery ;)!

You've got an amazing kitchen my friend, and I can still say that after being in your kitchen in Colorado as well.

This year's Secret Sister program was another special time...and because we were going to be in Germany after the holidays, my Sister sent my gift to my friend's house.

She could hardly wait for me to open it. I got this lovely "Joy" ornament that I am going to keep out all year to remind myself to live in the moment, to live with Joy, to be full of Joy in all circumstances that life brings because we have the best reason of all to be joyful, and we celebrate His birth on Christmas day!

She also hand knit this lovely prayer shawl in my favorite colors. I could hardly believe it when I saw it, so very lovely and soft and just perfect!

When we got back to Kyrgyzstan, I hung up my new Joy ornament and the mini Aachen ornament that I purchased in the local gift shop we walked into from my previous post (the one where we were shocked to find a Kyrgyz Nativity.)

They are both such precious memories of this holiday season and the time we were able to spend with our friends. This weekend, I'll be taking down our tree, but the Joy ornament I'll be hanging in my bedroom, by the mirror that I use everyday to get ready, so I can be reminded of the news that I've heard, and that we share, that causes such great joy for all people!