Day 12: Final days in Kyrgyzstan

We had a leisurely start to our final morning at base camp, as our transport to Osh would not arrive until 10am. There were several sore heads in the morning as it was clear that alcohol and altitude were not an advisable combination. Roman remained unchanged, immune to the effects of vodka. "How's your head? I asked him. "I took 7 pills as I am 70kg. Now I'm fine", he replied. Another iconic Roman response! I made the most of the final people watching opportunities, listening into a lead Russian guide instructing his team of Sherpas. I wished I could have stayed at base camp for longer. "Sister, it's not too late for a final attempt at Lenin", a Sherpa that I'd made friends with called out. I laughed and shook my head. "Ah Everest next year instead then, see you there", he cheekily laughed.

The drive back to Osh was 6 hours. Roman announced, "Party bus" in a serious tone but with a glint in his eye that told me he wanted to smile. And with that we settled into 6 hours of Uzbek, Russian and Kyrgyz intense rap music! We arrived in Osh and all disappeared to our rooms for showers and naps. We went for an early dinner where everything from pasta to steak and pizza was available. The next day we flew back to Bishkek and spent the day packing, chatting in coffee shops and exploring the markets. Our final dinner was in a restaurant specialising in both Russian and Mexican cuisine, so I had the traditional Mexican dish of horse fajitas! After dinner we gave Roman and Sergei their tip. Roman nodded in approval with a half smile, but offered no words - we didn't expect him to. Sergei said it is the most fun trip he's ever been part of, but now he needs a rest from Australian people for a while. "That's fair mate", laughed Darren. My flight transfer was at 3am, so Alex and Patrick convinced me it was a good idea to not go to bed and celebrate our final night in Bishkek. "Final goose night Amy", Alex shouted as she waved a goose beer in the air! "No sleep needed", Roman approved. So with that, the three of us accompanied by the Russians headed to, of all places, an Irish bar! "Ah our lovely Russian boys are coming with us", Alex whispered and I was equally delighted that we'd won them over. It was the perfect ending that epitomised the chaos of our time in Kyrgyzstan.

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My favourite kind of adventure, is one that I can't predict and my time in Kyrgyzstan was exactly that. I left the UK with no preconceived idea as to what this trip would deliver but even in my wildest dreams, I could not have never written this story. A tale of wild mountains, unpredictable conditions, rogue Russian guides, cultural discovery and friendship. A true adventure. I've ascended snowy slopes, slid uncontrollably down scree slopes, laughed until I induced tears and been lifted onto a horse to cross a river. I've eaten enough horse products for a lifetime, had fascinating conversations with mountaineers, witnessed an avalanche and slept in a yurt. I've felt elation, happiness, doubt and apprehension. Most importantly I've made lasting memories and friendships.

For as long as I remember I've been captivated by wild environments and the concept of covering land on foot. This trip has further consolidated the unmatched joy I feel from adventuring into the unknown. For now, I'm content sleeping in my bed, eating non-horse based meals and sitting on soft furniture not rocks. But it will only be a matter of time before I hear Roman's beautiful Russian command in my head of "Make decision", prompting me to choose a destination for my next wild adventure! I hope to see you there!

Thank you Kyrgyzstan!

Let's climb another mountain again soon!

Amy xx

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