spring time in bishkek

we have had rain the last couple of days and after several weeks of warmish weather... the temperature has dropped as well. wet and cold... we are told that is what spring is all about in bishkek.

the other side of spring is that (most) people stop wearing their best johnny cash outfits and start adding some color to their wardrobe... which is just a fancy way of saying everyone starts dressing like they are heading to a 80s costume party (see first photo). but despite the rain... life is moving outside of the apartment blocks. trees are starting to bloom. flowers are growing in gardens. there is a larger variety of fresh fruits and veggies at the markets. life is good after a long, cold, dark winter.

we unofficially kicked off spring by barbecuing mystery meat ribs and making macaroni and cheese. seriously... you can take the americans out of the states but you can't take the american out of the americans!