We had a very slow start today. Nick had tummy troubles and I woke up feeling really stiff and sore. I have a type of arthritis in my back which has started acting up because I was unable to pack enough of my beloved refrigerated injectable medicine. I have started my back-up meds so hopefully will have relief soon. It was a reminder to me that among our many privileges that allow us to take a trip like this, our health is a big one.

Millie was happy as a clam to not be dragged away to anywhere. She drew and we read a bunch of books. She is getting really into comics / graphic novels, and I enjoy reading them to her. We practiced some writing and sounding things out. She writes in mirror image 100% of the time unless I remind her to start on the left, and then she can do it correctly. I have to assume at some point she’ll figure it out. (Translation of below: bathing suit)

We made an unbelievable mess of our yurt. I love it in here, it is extremely cosy.

At around lunch time we started the drive towards the Barskoon waterfall. It was about an hour away and a beautiful drive. We listened to the audiobook of Stuart Little and it kept Millie quiet the whole time.

As we approached it started feeling like what I assume the Swiss Alps feel like. I don’t know, I’ve never been. But we were surrounded by huge mountains, blue skies, glacial streams, and happy cows grazing all around us in the grass.

We parked and did the short but very steep hike up to the waterfall. Considering how breathtaking the rest of the scenery was, the waterfall was a bit underwhelming. We dipped our feet in and it was ice cold. We sat there for a while and ate some snacks.

I love this photo of me and Millie even though my feet look like they’re size 15. I’ll miss her squeezey little hugs when she’s all grown up.

We hiked back down and drove into the nearby town for an early dinner. I got a beef noodle soup, Nick had a huge plate of dumplings, and Millie had pasta. Our total for the whole meal? $5. I predict when I get caught up on our budget spreadsheet Kyrgyzstan will be the cheapest place yet. Our yurt is $40 a night, and that includes a big breakfast.

We stopped in at a grocery store for snacks ahead of our drive tomorrow. We realized that we need to return the car by 11am (and they rejected our request for an extension) which means we need to set off at 6. As always I walked the aisles with wide eyes. One new-to-me thing: freezers full of bulk meat. Just grab n’ go chicken legs, etc.

When we got back at 5:30 we noticed another little girl in a nearby yurt. Millie was so excited to see another kid and walked up to her to play. She was German and didn’t speak any English but they immediately started playing. We let her skip her shower to get some playtime in. As always, it is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking to see how much she loves to be around other little kids.

While they played, Nick and I cleaned up the huge mess and got as packed as possible before our early departure tomorrow.