30 May 2006 A weekend at Issykul Issykul lake is the second largest inland lake in the world. We spent a weekend in a soviet-style sanatorium with a group of teachers training for an English for Business qualification.

19 May 2006 Our first morning in Bishkek We woke to a crystal clear, cool, sunny morning. From the Ak Keme Hotel we have a fabulous view of the mountains to the south of Bishkek.

17 May 2006 Farewell Dushanbe Due to fly out of Dushanbe for Bishkek on 14 May we eventually departed 18 May. With our suitcases packed and our 22 packages taken away by the removals company, we could fit in one last evening of dancing in Dushanbe. Rodney swept the yard at 5 Guliston Street, Katharina brought her I-Pod with the music, great pot-luck food and drink, and candles as darkness fell. A fitting farewell.

28 April 2006 Birthday roses

3 May 2006 On stage Our last-but-one Scottish Country Dancing session on the stage at the Padida Theatre – the stage is covered but the auditorium is open air under the stars. After the dancing the group treated us to dinner at Dushanbe’s newest fine dining venue – the Grande Dame.