Down and out in Bishkek

I have spent the last few days in a wild delirium, not leaving my shithole hotel room for thirty six hours at one point. I don't know what I ate, but it induced hallucinogenic dreams with such intensity that I remained conscious of them even after waking, as if they were still happening. And then this morning, things were back to normal, like it never happened. I don't get sick easily but this time it was really nasty.

I had the misfortune to be in one of the worst hotels I have seen in a year. That is no small feat. It was a real dump recommended by an older German couple who obviously have some skewed conception of what is acceptable. The staff was surly and unfriendly, the water didn't run, the lightbulb exploded when I switched it on, and there were massive holes in the wall (one in the shape of Uzbekistan, another in the shape of Tajikistan - very helpful for planning). Some parts were fun I guess; I did manage to karate kick a filthy cockroach climbing the wall.

Bishkek is not at all what one would expect from central Asia. It is like unislamic Islam with women walking around in hip hugging jeans and singlets with the wailing of the Aazaan (call to prayer) in the background. In many ways, this city is really western, though there is a real blend of Asian and Soviet culture as well.

I am still rolling with Daniel, the German guy, and we have succeeded in making many local friends. Many people speak English (this feels like it's a million miles from China), and usually speak four or five other languages as well. I have never seen anything like it. It has led to some great insight into Kyrgyz culture.

Hopefully my health improves soon, as the plan is some days of trekking in the mountains...