Roaming Kyrgyzstan: Beyond the Tourist Track [Paperback]

Jessica Jacobson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2008

The small, mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan contains a surprising number of natural wonders, scenic beauty and cultural treasures. From the national pearl of Lake Issyk-Kul to world class skiing at bargain prices, horseback rides across vast empty plains, or a night in a shepherd's yurt, travelers will find ample opportunities for unforgettable experiences.Roaming Kyrgyzstan provides practical tips on travel, lodging, cuisine and activities for those who want to get an insider's view of the country. You'll find the best whitewater rafting, where to go for succulent lamb kebabs and how to get a peek at Kyrgyz weddings.Suitable for adventure traveler, the business visitor and the expatriate, the book guides visitors beyond the typical tourist destinations into the experience of Kyrgyz life and culture.In addition to travel tips, Roaming Kyrgyzstan contains a series of vignettes from the author's two and a half years living in Kyrgyzstan.She tells of her colleague who was kidnapped to become a wife, of a typical meal in a southern teahouse and of circumnavigating Lake Issyk-Kul solo by bike. These provide an inside view into the people, places, cultures and traditions of this magical, hospitable, and fascinating country.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jessica Jacobson holds an MPA from Princeton University and works in the international development field. Fluent in Russian, she spent 2.5 years living, working and exploring in Kyrgyzstan. She has traveled to over 50 countries and is the author of Roaming Russia as well as many published articles and essays.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595526861
• ISBN-13: 978-0595526864
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #357,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched travel guide with personal stories to make it even better!, November 1, 2008

By 

E. Berman (New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Roaming Kyrgyzstan: Beyond the Tourist Track (Paperback)

There is still such a dearth of good travel books on the lesser known former Soviet republics and this books seeks to close the void. Written by someone who apparently has lived in Kyrgystan for several years and has developed intimate knowldge of the country and its people, the book is both a VERY detailed practical guide to traveling there and a novel with little vignettes from the local life. This latter part really enhances the book. I also loved the fact that the book has pictures and detailed maps. I read the book just to learn more about this country having traveled extensively elsewhere in the former USSR but now I can't wait to travel to Kyrgystan.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Close Up Knowledge About A Far-Off Place, November 14, 2008

By 

Gary Presley (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roaming Kyrgyzstan: Beyond the Tourist Track (Paperback)

I've read this book in bits and pieces, chapters and vignettes, and what strikes me each time is the author's love of place, love of "the adventure of new experiences." Jessica truly is a citizen of the world, and her observations are insightful, candid, and with all that, passionate for this place so far away from everything familiar to Americans. Read it if you intend to travel to far-off places. Read it if you want to learn about far-off places.