Hi nomads and nomad-ophiles (is that a word?),
Sorry for the hiatus. I'm writing a long Memo with useful tips on transitioning and living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This post may be one of many. I thought it would be useful to give a quick rundown on all the Instagram Accounts I follow which have helped enrich my social life in Bishkek.
I've only included Public Corporate accounts, and some famous IGers (and not any of my personal friends for privacy reasons). However, as I'm sure you know, the best travel recommendations come from friends and colleagues. So, get out there and be social!
When I think about day-to-day technology use in Canada versus in Bishkek, I think Bishkek wins hands-down. In Canada, we use Whatsapp mainly for chatting with our friends and Instagram for posting pictures and following our favourite celebrities. In Bishkek, Whatsapp and Instagram are used to interact with businesses as well as our friends.
Some of the things I've done using Whatsapp and Instagram that I have never been able to do in Canada include:
1. Made reservations at a high-end restaurant for dinner
2. Booked a weekend hiking trip
The other great thing about using Instagram in Kyrgyzstan is that there is an auto-translate feature. Here some great sources and follows that will help you feel like a local in no time!
News:
@kyrmagazine
@danaker_org
Arts, Culture and Shopping:
@artplace_kyrgyzstan
@tedxAUCA
@munararasulova
@crafts.kg
@ormonshop
@batken_decor
@dolon_style_official
@rio_sds - join if you like social dances like salsa at clubs or classes
@thenomadmuseum
@kokboru_kg
@kok.boru - your #1 source for knowing when Kok Boru games are on, who is playing and how much tickets cost. I couldn't really find info anywhere else.
@scarf_kg_sharf
@raritet_kg - great bookstore with English books as well as Kyrgyz cultural and tourism books
Travel:
@yellowtourkg
@cbtnaryn
@cbtarslanbob
@kolfestkg - music festival held in Issyk-Kul
@nomadsyurts.centralasia
@axmatbeckow - organizer of GoTooGo
@destinationsouthshore
@advenlifetravel
@ecotrek_trekking_travel
@karakyz_yurtcamp
Food:
@Torrogrilbar - amazing delicious steaks for reasonable prices
@the_chef_kg - high quality Michelin style food
@maidamanty - "little manty"/ hole in the wall restaurant but delicious
@organickg
@la_maison_bishkek - authentic french restaurant
@tatami_kafe_kg
@papparoti_kg - best
Housing:
@apricot_guest_house
@matsunoki_kg
Blog/Lifestyle
@life_in_naryn
@slioy