Photo: Author Missile-riding cowboys, dead goat polo, and mountain yaks (that last one’s an entree). It’s time to take a closer look at the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek Unless you’re driving in from China or a neighboring ‘Stan, every Kyrgyz trip starts and ends in the capital, Bishkek. The surrounding mountains may call out, especially once you’ve eyed up the Soviet concrete and rush-hour traffic, but they’re not going anywhere. Take a day or so to explore the city. It’s been 20 years since independence, but entertaining reminders of Communism and the Cold War are easy to spot. Photo: Irene2005 The fresco of an American cowboy, complete with stars ‘n’ stripes t-shirt, riding high on a Pershing missile, is a highlight of the State Historical Museum . Then there’s the statue of Marx and Engels, glaring across at the American University. Other things to look out for are the former home of the Soviet military leader Mikhail Frunze, an unusually high number of karaoke stalls, and pictures of Santa Claus, a latter-day Kyrgyz hero after a Swedish logistics company informed the Kyrgyz government they were the best-located country for the speedy delivery of Christmas presents. Issyk Kul The warm-water lake of Issyk Kul is only half a day’s drive from Bishkek and after Titicaca is the largest alpine lake in the world. The Soviet navy used part of it for testing torpedoes. Today, you’re unlikely to get caught in the middle of a military exercise, but unless you want to be overwhelmed by Russian families holidaying in resorts and health spas, avoid the lake’s northern shore. Far fewer people (and less development) mar the south. Photo: Author This is also the region to check out the Kyrgyz pastime of eagle hunting.

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