Kyrgyzstan

The itinerary for our day in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan said, "If Mother Nature cooperates we may have a chance to enjoy the leaves as they change into their fall foliage'.  Mother Nature did do a bang up job of making our leisurely walk in the Ala Archa National Park spectacular...but it wasn't just with fall foliage but a beautiful snow storm! 

The people of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan were traditionally nomadic people who did live in yurts.  During the Soviet times the nomadic lifestyle was forbidden and people were forced to move into towns.  The Soviets thought it was too difficult to control a nomadic people.

 See that little green building in the corner.  That was the only available toilet.  It was a pretty chilly 'long drop' but sometimes you do what you have to do! 

The national animal of the country is a snow leopard.  Unfortunately this is the only one we saw. 

The whole area was absolutely stunningly beautiful!  I love snow! 

Certainly different from the days we had just experienced in the Gobi Desert.  I'm more of a mountain person anyway!