The famous warm lake Issyk Kul Oblast, Kyrgyzstan

Yes, I went around Lake Issyk Kul.

Going to Issyk Kul meant a long road trip was ahead.

I cannot seem to find my photos of Issyk Kul, Cholpan Ata or Karakol. I will need to print them in the future.

Issyk Kul

Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Issyk Kul means warm (Issyk) and Sea (Kul) in Kyrgyz. At the time, Kumtor, a Canadian gold mining company, dumped some chemicals into the lake. Local people were angry at foreigners at the time.
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
I remembered taking these pictures from Cholpan Ata.
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
We stayed in one of these buildings for a night.

Karakol

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan.
Karakol was interesting. A Russian "discovered" Karakol goes the story.. I will add photos of the Dungan Mosque and mountains outside of the city when I find them.

Balakchy and the Kungoy Ala-Too

Balakchy, Kyrgyzstan.
I got along really well with this English teacher in Balakchy. After dealing with Cholpan Ata and Karakol, this school was heaven. Balakchy means Fish (Balak in Kyrgyz) City.
Kungoy Ala-Too, Kyrgyzstan.
View of the Kungey Ala-Too on the way back to Bishkek.
Kungoy Ala-Too, Kyrgyzstan.
Kungoy Ala-Too, Kyrgyzstan.

Reflection

Lost photos. Lots of drama with local government officials. Horrible Peace Corps volunteers. Enough said.