World Image issue 17 February 2015

Kyrgyzstan, May 2014
By Michael Shmelev
Our May trip to Kyrgyzstan was very busy. For
14 days we visited the most different corners of
this small but vibrant and diverse country.
In the mountains we covered with snow, and in
the southern desert plateau unbearable
scorching heat.
We crossed the rocky fords, climbed alpine
switchbacks, shaking on rough roads and drove
broadband highways.
Listened to the regular breathing pearl of Lake
Issyk-Kul and watched as the first rays of the
sun reflected off the white peaks of the Tien
Shan mountain ranges. Met sunsets in the
picturesque valleys and admire the starry sky,
which can be found only in the mountains.
No lived day was not like the other. Only one
throughout our trip was a constant - always
good, open and responsive people of this
country.
I am deeply convinced, that people is measured
primarily wealth of any region. One result of
our busy trip was the photo report, which I
suggest you read it. So, in a way!
The first few days it was decided to allocate to
acclimatize for what we settled on the wild
southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
For three days we met here dawn and see the
setting sun.
Finally fulfilled my dream - to see how the
white mountains rise on the horizon above
surface of the water, as the first rays of the sun
strike tops, and as the sun disappears behind a
giant wall of monumental Tien Shan.
Michael Shmelev
Website = photosociety.net Page 27 email = magazine@photosociety.net