This was one of the highlights of the trip to Krygyzstan. These was such a beautiful area and this was what all the pictures had shown when writing about Krygyzstan. We left Bishkek and drove for a couple of hours to Lake Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul means hot lake b/c it never freezes in the winter. It is the 2nd largest mountainous lake in the world. There are thermal springs and mud bath centers on the lake. We drove the whole length of the lake--another couple of hours-- to a small Russian town called Karakol. It was founded by Russian settlers in 1869. We didn't have to drive too far out of town to these red sandstone rock formations. The first formation--not such a good picture but is resembles a broken heart--I am copying this part--and the legend says that this is the heart of a beautiful woman who died of a broken heart after two suitors killed each other fighting over her. The other two pictures are of the "seven bulls" from which the valley takes it's name.
Most towns still have statues of Lenin. Usually right in the town square--really makes you realize you are in the Former Soviet Union. 
No comments:
Post a Comment