Bishkek seems to be a world away and it is. Lying in the central Chui Region, north of Kyrgyzstan, on a sloping plain at the foot of the Kyrgyz Range of the Ala-Too Mountains, it was planned by Russian engineers with the most practical of urban planning in mind. Partly like an Eastern European country, partly like a Soviet Union museum, Bishkek is a new city that is yet to build its own distinguishing landmarks and attractions.
No London or Paris, the city, however, can take pride with its a handful of boulevards, parks, monuments, museums, marble façade buildings in the style of the old Soviet Union—all possible venues for Bishkek's coming-out party.
Perhaps a greater attraction of Bishkek is its rich flora and fauna: mountains are covered with pine, spruce, elm and willow, with rare varieties of tulip and poppies that add color to the foothills during spring. Ibex, boar, snow leopard, hawks and eagles also call the Bishkek's mountains as home.
As for souvenirs, a stylish kalpak (traditional hats for men) or the richly patterned shyrdak (carpet) is enough to bring a piece of Bishkek with you. A gustatory treat is to try samsis (a staple food of the locals), "gamburgers," (a local adaptation of the American hamburger) and shashlyk (skewered dish of any meat) which are sold at stalls that dot the streets or are tucked in a bazaar. Eating Soviet-style cafeteria food in a university is only for the brave of heart.
