Beauty of Kyrgyzstan - Places we visited in Issyk-Kul Region

Beautiful nature in the land of Kyrgyzstan :)

Here we are!!! Let me share with you the wonderful nature in the land of Kyrgyzstan :)

Broken Heart - Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

On our way from Karakol to Bokonbayevo Village, we passed through few places, mostly beautiful nature that were not to be missed!!! First, we stopped by to see a large cliff that looked like a heart broken into two, that was why it was called the "broken heart". 

Djety-Oguz or "Seven Bulls" Rock Formation in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Soon after, we stopped again to see the 35km length Djety-Oguz (in Kyrgyz language, it means "seven bulls" since the rock formation composed by tertiary (Paleogene) reddish deposits shaped just like it. There were many legends about the this rock formation, so with the 'broken heart' and they had become the symbols of the Issyk-Kul region and favorite images for photographs and paintings (As to say: "If you have not seen it yet, means you have not been to Issyk-Kul region").

Sea buckthorn tree - Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Not far from here, we saw many sea buckthorn trees on the side of the road. Our driver stopped by and cut one of the branch full of it and gave it for us to eat when we reached to our next accommodation. Remember the last post where Issyk-Kul Brand Shop was one of the must visit places in Karakol and sea buckthorn juice was one of the local product produced and sold over there? So this was how the fruits and the tree looked like. You could eat it raw and just plucked it directly from the tree.

The first waterfall - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

We drove to Barskoon Gorge and hiked up to see the cascading waterfalls named as "Tears of the Leopard," "White Beard," "Splashes of Champagne," and "The Bowl of Manas", named after the legends. So many legends to be found here in Kyrgyzstan. The above photo was the first waterfall we visited, which was also the nearest and easiest to reach.

"Tears of the Leopard Waterfall" - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

The "Tears of the Leopard" came from the story of the female leopard cried when she lost her three children while went hunting. The tears then became a waterfall with three ledges. This was the second waterfall we visited, said to be the most beautiful one among the three. Here, you could see the beautiful Tian Shan furs (spruce-like trees) and barberry trees (you could see the barberry fruits on the picture above :)).

One of the two Yuri Gagarin monuments at Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

We saw one of the first astronaut's monuments in the area - Yuri Gagarin - as he often visited this place, spent some time here to recover from his mission to space.

Horses for rent - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

The view was really beautiful. The air was fresh. Nature was all you could see. You could pay and ride the horse if you wanted to. I chose to hike instead as I had been eating too much and needed to do some exercise :D

All these places were located near the Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest and deepest mountain lakes in the world that did not freeze even in the coldest winter, surrounded by the beautiful Tian Shan mountains. You could check the Kyrgyzstan map out and see how big the lake was and where were the places I mentioned located. And wherever we went, we could see the beautiful Tian Shan following us.

Royal Gate Yurt - Issyk-kul, Kyrgyzstan

The above photo was one of  the yurt camps that were available for rent (quite a new one), overlooking the lake and also the snow capped Tian Shan mountain range. We stopped there to have our lunch and I had a chance to see the view inside the yurt. Most yurt was equipped with personal bathroom (unlike some who had separate share bathrooms and toilets). You could see yourself how beautiful it was!!!

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan 

And before we moved to our "private rent" yurt camp (since it was only us stayed in the area for the night), we headed to one last beautiful nature of Kyrgyzstan called the Skazka Canyon or known as "Fairy Tale Canyon". 

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

This was the place where you could see the limestone clusters, bulging sandstone and the colorful soil, one of the best destinations to visit in Kyrgyzstan. If you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan, this place is a must visit place!!! 

With our lovely guide - Ms Aisuluu at Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan 

Formed as a result of thousands years of ice, water and wind erosion, this magnificent desert like landscape had transformed into an array of sculptures and formations, where red, yellow, orange and brown spires of rocks rise out of the earth and into the sky.

Talking with stone - Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

At this point of time, you could see all the photos I took, it was like I was the only visitors of this magnificent place and it seemed like those produced for the post cards, weren't they? We were very lucky and grateful indeed because there were not many visitors visiting this place when we were there. I mean, some area was small and meant to be climbed in a very small group of people. I could not imagined how it would be if a big group of people visiting this place at the same time.

You need to wear shoes with strong grip as to prevent slippery while climbing. It was not advisable for people who had weak knees. It was advisable to walk with your guide as well since the area was huge. You might get lost if you wander around alone because no signage available. And yes, we were lucky too for the great weather!!! :)

Statue of Sayakbay Karalaev - Kyrgyzstan

We passed by the above statue on our way to our camp. It was the statue of Sayakbay Karalaev - a Soviet and Kyrgyz famous storyteller and manaschi (a reciter of the epic Kyrgyz poem Manas). You could find his face in the 500 som note of Kyrgyz money too :)

Sunset view at Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan 

We had a really great time exploring the Skazka Canyon and our driver drove as fast as he could so that we could catch a lovely sunset view from our yurt camp :)

View from our room - Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan

We stayed at Elistet Yurt camp, a very beautiful camp where all of our yurts were overlooking to the lake (you could wake up with sunrise view in front of you). The room was very big for 2 of us (they gave us one double and one single bed inside). There was standing jacuzzi inside the big bathroom too where you could take a bath and listen to the radio at the same time.

Overlooking Issyk-Kul Lake - Elistet Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan 

Below, we could take the staircase down and visit the lake that were made looking just like a sea or the beach with sands. The mountain views at the side was equally marvelous. Apart from the usual green mountains, you could also see the colorful ranges of mountains :)

Dinner at Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan 

They prepared our dinner freshly cooked there. As the appetizer, we were served beef cooked with cucumber, colorful paprika and tomato together with the local bread and butter. A big bowl of chicken soup was perfect for a cooling night (and also for its nutritious value). As main, we were served with white rice and another sautéed beef with vegetables.  

Full moon night at Elistet Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan. My favorite photo :)

It was a full moon night. There were cats and dog at the area. This cute and playful kitten entertained us during our stay there. He ran here and there surrounding us. They even wanted to come inside our rooms. Hahahaha... It reminded me of my roommate who ran here and there, trying to shoo the kitten away from entering :D Thank you Claudia for capturing the lovely photo above. Love it so much!! Also for the local beer treat ;P Cheers!!!!

To summarize, let me share this Youtube video "Welcome to Kyrgyzstan" where you can see the beauty of Kyrgyzstan with a lovely music and song :)

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Breakfast buffet at Renion Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 

After 2 days of a very limited choice of breakfast buffet at Jelsomino Hotel in Astana, our 3rd day buffet felt like a feast!!! Upon looking at a wide variety of fruits on the buffet table, my eyes were sparkling right away as if looking at gold bars in front of me :D

I had a bit of constipation for the first few days of my travel as I did not drink enough water (in flight and during travelling) and did not eat enough fruits that were good and helping my suggestion system. 

That was why I was so happy looking at the breakfast spread and immediately filled my plate with variety of fruits, took a cup of yoghurt, and another plate of salad plus the aromatic Americano from the coffee machine. 

Later on I squeezed some parts of my stomach with two sunny-side up eggs, chicken samosa, and beef samosa :D

In our itinerary, we supposed to visit the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However it was Tuesday and the museum was closed. Therefore, our cheerful and high spirit guide directed us to another museum, Almaty Museum, and briefed us the history of the city. 

Almaty Museum - Almaty, Kazakhstan

The name of the city, Almaty, used to be called Alma-ata, meaning 'father of apples' because apples grew wild in the Tian Shan mountain, and Almaty was the origin of these cultivated apple.

It is the largest city in Kazakhstan with a population more than 2 million people. It used to be the capital of Kazakhstan until year 1997, the government relocated its capital to Astana. Too many people living in Almaty while road was narrow, also air pollution and traffic jam was getting worse. Nevertheless, Almaty is still the most developed, most ethnically and culturally diverse city, as well as the major commercial, financial, and cultural center of Kazakhstan.

Republic Square of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Next, we visited the Republic Square, also known as the Independence Square or New Square with the former presidential palace, now used as  Almaty's city Mayor's office. Many national celebrations were held in this square. Below, they build underground shopping center back in 2007 and finished in 2012, currently under renovation again.

Ascension Zenkov Cathedral - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Museum of Musical Instruments, 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park - Almaty, Kazakhstan

We moved to Ascension Zenkov Cathedral (a Russian Orthodox church, built entirely of wood, erected without a single nail) passing through the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (wooden building built in 1908, in old Russian architecture style, and filled with more than 1,000 instrument items inside); Panfilov Park of 28 Guardsmen (named after the Panfilov heroes who were the 28 soldiers of an Alma-Ata Infantry unit who allegedly died while defending Moscow from the German invasion during the World War 2 and the park used to be the old cemetery park), Memorial Complex World War 2 and the Eternal Flame.

Souvenir shops - Almaty Green Bazaar

Meat products, pickles, dairy products, honey - Almaty Green Bazaar

Dried fruits, spices, sweets - Almaty Green Bazaar

From there, we walked all the way to the Almaty Green Bazaar on Zenkov Street. We browsed through the souvenir shops, stationery stalls, clothing, various local food products such as: dried fruits, dried nuts, sweets, honey, spices, pickles, products from animals meat (kazy - horse meat sausage, kurdyuk - salted or smoked sheep butt lard), kimys and shubat (fermented horse and camel milk), as well as cream, cream cheese, yoghurt, kefir, kurt (dried cheese), and so on. 

Dried fruits and nuts tasting at the Almaty Green Bazaar

You cab try some of the products before buying or even without buying. Kazakh's local dried fruits products includes apricots, raisins, apples, cherries, and mulberries. These fruits are carefully selected, sun-dried, and packaged to preserve their natural flavors and nutritional value. Kazakhstan is also known for its premium quality nuts, such as: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts. These nuts are harvested, shelled, and dried to ensure maximum freshness and taste. These types of dried products are very good gifts to bring back home as it is easy to store and carry inside your luggage.

Rakhat chocolate factory - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Located at about 5 minutes walk from the market, we stopped at the Lotte Rakhat JSC (Joint Stock Company) chocolate factory and confectionery store. The well-known one is the one with light blue cover - as shown at the above photo. If you take the Air Astana flight, they will give you the smaller piece during your flight as sample and national proud. 

Here, they also sell a wide variety of chocolate, sweets and biscuits, perfect for the sweet tooth person!! And also, a perfect gift to bring back home. Fyi, LOTTE Rakhat JSC is the only confectionary enterprise in Kazakhstan that has developed the production of special products for people with diabetes. This range includes several names of chocolate, sweets, cookies and wafers with lowered caloricity and sugar substitution for an equivalent natural raw material.

Almaty Central Mosque

We visited one of the largest mosques in Almaty and in Kazakhstan. It was designed to accommodate 7,000 worshippers, built on the site of the old Tatar mosque that dated to 1890 and caught fire in 1987. 

Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Cableway - Almaty, Kazakhstan

After having our late lunch, we headed to the Kok Tobe Hill by taking the cable car. "Kok Tobe" means "blue hill" in Russian language. It is a popular recreation area for local and also a nice place to see Almaty panorama city view and snow-capped mountains view at the surrounding plus sunset viewing from the top of the hill.

Kok Tobe - Recreation area on top of the mountain - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Up there, there are small amusement park containing Ferris wheel, apple fountain - wish fulfilling fountain while tossing a coin, small zoo, the Beatles statue, Kazakhstan local souvenir and handicraft shops, playground and rope park for children, and so on. 

 

Enjoying sunset at Monteverde Cafe on top of Kok Tobe Hill - Almaty, Kazakhstan

We found a table and comfortable sofa where we could have our coffee, dessert, ice cream, local beer, and even food for dinner at the Monteverde Cafe. We sat down, relaxed, chit chatted and watched the sun went down. Such a beautiful scenery up there.

If you have more time, you can also visit the Shymbulak mountain and ski resort, located around 25 km from the Almaty city. The place is popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and great amount of snow through the winter. 

So, hope you had an idea where to go, what to do, and how Almaty looked like by now and enjoyed looking at the photos too :)

The first step

Punggol

Yeah, I was late to catch the sunset. It was a last minute decision to just go cycling and catch the orangey sky from afar, because I just ate too much. Not that being ungrateful for the food I had eaten, it was just it had exceeded what it should be for the day. Hahaha.... 

You should have heard this proverb before, "The first step is always the hardest. But once you take your first step, things will get easier from then on."

I had just overcome my first step to go back to the evening cycling. My last was too long for me to remember. Perhaps after finally cutting my long hair, I had become lighten, and eager to fly again, as if removing stack of stones from my head. 

My accompany (the bike, not the guy in the photo hehehe....)

The weather was good. It was not a windy night, but as I cycled, the wind blew gently towards my face, so yes, it was still good and enjoyable. 

I did not put earpiece this time as I expected the road to be crowded with people. It would be dangerous not to hear what was surrounding me as I cycled. So it was such a good time to listen to many sounds - people's conversation in many different languages, parent's warning their kids when they were on the road, ringing bell sound, car's engine, cicada, frogs, dogs, and so on. 

My nose too smelt so many different smells as I went by. The smelly public toilet, grilled chicken, perfume or deodorants, sweat, and so on. 

My mind was running too. I just let it running wild, to explore whatever it wanted to recall, remember and imagine. Sometimes I smiled as I remembered something; sometimes I felt sour when recalled another. 

Waterway Point at night

But most importantly, my energy was still there, even after so long. Perhaps the enjoyment of doing what I loved doing had given me those energy to keep going. That was why when a friend of mine wanted to start exercising, I suggested him to just doing what he loved doing rather than signing up in something that he doubtfully had motivation to do. 

Well, at least it worked in me. I loved cycling and I just loved doing it :)

Time for the day

It was simply satisfying and I really hoped that I could do it more often in the near future. My weight had increased lately and I seriously had to do something about it hahahahaha..... Wish me luck please!!! I hope everyone is in good health and happy inside out!!! Cheers and keep up what you are doing!!! Jia you!!! 

Full Moon at Waterway Park Punggol - Singapore (5 July 2020)

Remains of the sunset - Waterway Park Punggol

This evening I decided to leave home a bit late (after having my dinner), instead of the usual sunset time as I wanted to avoid the crowd (especially on Sunday where people come in pair - as couple- and families who would exercise or walk together along the park).

So I missed the dark orange sky and only left with the remaining as shown in the photo above. It was still beautiful though :)

Full moon (lunar 15th May 2020 or 5th July 2020)

However, as I rode along the seaside, I was awarded with the mesmerizing full moon that came in front of me. It started really low, as if it was located so so near to this earth.

Pardon my camera phone as the quality of the photo was not as beautiful as many DSLR camera would capture :)

Beautiful view of the full moon - Waterway Park Punggol (5th July 2020)

As I rode to different areas of the park, I stopped once in a while, to capture the beauty of the moon as it had different backgrounds and surrounding.

Full moon view at Waterway Park Punggol (5th July 2020)

Sometimes I would give notice to the passerby who walked from the other side, to make sure they too see the beautiful moon behind them (sometimes they were too preoccupy with their exercise and did not notice their surroundings) 

Full moon view at Waterway Park Punggol (5th July 2020)

SB was really kind to me tonight and blessed me with the beautiful moon view all along my cycling journey :)

Bright full moon at the Sunrise Bridge (5th July 2020)

This view was not something that I would take for granted. Its appearance would depend on the good weather (especially during raining season) and the clouds at the surrounding.

Full moon view at Waterway Park Punggol (5th July 2020)

It shone so bright and gave different colors to its surrounding :)

Full moon at Punggol Park - 5th July 2020

Just like any other things in this world, it changed all the time. Its location, its height, its color, its brightness, and so on. So we had to adjust ourselves towards it and be flexible in order to capture them from every different areas :)

Full moon view near Waterway Point

It could blend nicely with buildings and infrastructures below them too, still beautiful :)

Capture memories with my life's accompany :)

And last but not least, I took it together with my life's accompany - the bike that I had used for so long, endured so many hardships, and changed many wheels as it burst sometimes (thanks to hubby who had personally changed it by himself - I was lucky for having such a talented hubby who could repair so many things in life :). Without him, it would not last that long hahaha.... :P).

I hope you too feeling happy watching it and do not forget to watch outside your window tonight to see if it shines so bright right now. Share the joy and happiness with people who you stay with at this point of time. So, stay safe and healthy. Until next time! :)

Sydney Itinerary Day 6 - Cumberland State Forest, Leura Village, Blue Mountains, River Cruise and Fireworks at Darling Harbor

At 8.20 am, hubby and I were waiting in front of YHA building, next to the Central train station. Days before that, I registered for a tour to Blue Mountains at a stall near the Circular Quay Station. After comparing few agents, I thought this was the most suitable one with what I required. We paid AUD$236 for two to the above places (exclude fireworks, which was free of charge).

We filled our stomach with a regular cup of Cappuccino from 7-eleven, our favorite coffee, since it offered the cheapest coffee in town (at AUD$1/cup), and made ourselves a quick sandwich made of sour dough rye bread with ham that we bought a night before.

Morning walk at Cumberland State Forest - Australia

The driver cum tour guide drove around the town picking up the rest of the participants before heading to the Koala park. Those who chose to enter the park (by paying additional fee), would enter and see the Australian wildlife animals. The rests who chose not to (including us), were brought to Cumberland State Forest for a short distance walk. The trails were not long. It just took us less than half an hour to walk through it. The place was filled with Eucalyptus trees, growing very high up to the sky. Many birds were detected too filled the place with their sounds. What a calm and beautiful morning to spend with!!! :)

Beautiful spring flowers :)

Nearby the area, there was a shop selling potted plants and its equipment. There were many beautiful spring flowers for sale too! If I were to stay there, my hubby would have bought many of them and plant them back home. Too bad! We could only take the photos with it and record in at the back of our memory :)

Short break next to Nepean River

When time's up, we fetched the rest back from the Koala park, and we were brought to the Nepean River. The driver provided us with juices and cookies.

Picnic lunch at Leura Village :)

In a while, the journey continued. We were brought for an early lunch at Leura Village. Many went into the restaurants available at the site. However, hubby and I chose to sit at one of the bench and had picnic :) We brought fresh salad with roasted sesame dressing and had it again with the bread, ham, and cheese. The air was cool and quite windy but it did not stop us from the picnic :D Just loved to have the simple meal (simplicity was the best!!!) ;)

The beautiful Three Sisters from Echo Point - Blue Mountains, Australia

Finally, we were brought to the Echo Point where we could see the beautiful Three Sisters. Those who chose to pay for the Aboriginal show, were brought to the site (Waradah Aboriginal Theatre).

3 Scenic rides plus scenic walkway at Blue Mountains - Australia :)

After it was over, we all went to take the 3 scenic rides, which was Scenic Skyway (Australia's highest cable car), Scenic Cableway (Australia's biggest cable car), and Scenic Railway (the steepest incline passenger carrying railway in the world), plus the Walkway - where our tour guide explained to us more about the area, the animals, the plantations, and so on.

Watching beautiful sunset from Fantasea River Cruise - Sydney, Australia

After that, our tour was ended. We were driven back to Sydney Olympic Park, and stopped at the harbor there to take our river cruise by Fantasea. I did not expect that it turned up to be the best part of the tour where we could finally see the sunset view from the back of our boat. Oh man... it was simply marvelous!!!

Beautiful houses along seaside - Sydney, Australia

We could see many mansion and beautiful houses along the seaside, where many would even have their own yacht waiting at their doorstep. Many riches stayed there obviously! Just could not stop admiring its beauty!!!

Beautiful night view in Sydney from river cruise :)

The evening sky turned into dark as the sun went down and we were able to see the night view of the Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and also Darling Harbor, where we stopped.

Our last night dinner in Sydney :)

We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, just the two of us. The appetizer plate alone was enough for both of us plus a glass of local draft beer. It tasted like heaven :P

Just nice after that, the fireworks were going to start!!! It was displayed weekly every Saturday at 8.30 pm. Wow!!! It was displayed beautifully with many varieties!

Messina at the Star :)

When it's over, we decided to keep walking to the Star - the Casino in Sydney city, just few minutes walk from the Darling Harbor. Both of us went inside the Casino to see how it looked like. After that, we headed to Messina to have the delicious Gelato again :D This time I chose Macadamia and Italian Nougat. Hmmm... nyummy!!! 2 scoops at AUD$6.80 :)

My hosts in Sydney :) Thank you all of you! :)

We went back using the light rail then train. As the light rail went by, we slowly said goodbye to the beautiful city. That would be our last night there in Sydney. It had wrapped our night beautifully and perfectly. I had no idea when would I return again but for sure, this time, we were really blessed with perfect weather this Spring, perfect accompanies, meeting wonderful people that I had not met for long, delicious food from everywhere,, and not forgetting our hosts - Hadi and Virny - who had allowed us to stay at their home for the past one week there. Thank you, thank you, and thank you everyone for everything!!! We felt very grateful and thankful. Without your help and presence, our trip would mean nothing. Thank you to my sister who had come accompanying us for the first few days of our stay there. Thank you everyone!!! :)