AMA #1: “Where did you see the most beautiful smiles?”
Author Archives: Liam Doherty
The Hotel Quarantina and Ask Me Anything
Commencing a double-decker quarantine, here’s how I came to be here and what I will be doing in this time. Plus, Ask Me Anything!
Big Up The Banya
As my body is being seared, and in front of me stands a burly Kyrgyz fellow, butt-naked but for his woollen hat, whirling a towel around like a lasso and causing us untold discomfort, it occurs to me I should write about the Russian banya.
See You on the Other Side
I quite often get questioned on how I bid people farewell. Here is why.
Day 1 of 5: Hitchhike and Chirp
The first day from a spontaneous hitchhiking trip across Kyrgyzstan.
Japanese Buddhism in Kyrgyzstan
Utkur knocks the gong, before beginning the mantra, “Naaam-uuuuu-myooooh hoooooo reeeeeng gehhhhhhh kyooooooo”, in a deeply resonant, throaty chant that sends goosebumps shooting down my arms and makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
Dima
I spoke to Dima, an Israeli-born Russian who works as a security equipment salesperson in ex-Soviet republics. Dima has spent many of his adult years travelling and spent three of his younger years in hospital after having his arms almost blown off by a shotgun. For that story and for Dima’s thoughts on freedom and lessons learned from his parents, read more below…
Oscar
I spoke with Oscar, a Spanish 24 year old teacher of world history and bar owner living in Bishkek with his Kyrgyz wife.
On Letters
There is nothing in the digital sphere that can compete with the handwritten letter.
Bema
I spoke with Bema, a 31 year old Kyrgyz polyglot who formerly worked as a tour guide and owned her own pizzeria here in Kyrgyzstan.
The Works and Chirps of a Guernseyman 