TRAVERSE Issue 37 - August 2023 | Seite 12

TRAVERSE 12
adventure in itself . The largest of the Kyrgyz city ’ s , Bishkek has a population of just over one million people . Not surprising given its history is just 200 years amongst a region that saw travellers passing through for over a thousand years . Somewhat at a crossroads of routes pertaining to the Silk Road , a bazaar grew yet a city didn ’ t .
A city tour with Rusmoto takes in the bazaar , an amazingly vast conglomeration of stalls selling everything from foods to clothing , household goods to medical procedures . It ’ s a market on a grand scale that embraces all walks of life and beliefs . The first sign that something is different in Kyrgyzstan .
Leaving Bishkek is an experience vastly different to most rides . Traffic is not as hectic as imagined , there ’ s a lack of two-wheeled vehicles . In fact , the motorcycle is seen as somewhat of a pauper ’ s transport , something you only use if unable to afford two more wheels . It ’ s a strange divergence from the norm , seen especially in Bishkek , the people of other regions openly embrace the traveller aboard a bike .
TRAVERSE 12