Making friends at the airport

The journey here was relaxing and safe. It took me about 12 hrs alltogether (including transfer). From Stuttgart (Germany) I took a flight to Istanbul (Alaturka Airport, Turkey) and then on to Bishkek (Manas Airport, Kyrgyzstan). Last time I was in Bishkek it took me more than an hour to get through the passport control. This time it went very quickly.

But I didn't know that they would check the luggage tag before leaving the security area. Mine was obviously stuck on the back of my boarding pass, which had remained in Instanbul. But they wouldn't let me leave without the luggage tag. I had to wait for everyone else to leave in order to prove, that this really was my own luggage. While waiting I tried to make conversation with the officer. Problem: He only knew Russian and Kyrgyz. So I proudly presented him my only 2 words I know in Kyrgyz - not realizing that in combination, they could be quite misleading - "Thank you - Donkey". Fortunately he must have realized that I didn't mean what I was saying. I'm glad I didn't get myself in trouble, but I know I was close...

So again, after about an hour of waiting, Philipp and his boys were relieved to finally welcome me outside - at 3 am! When we arrived in our neighborhood for the first time I realized what was happening. After all the farewell parties and goodbyes I had arrived in a new life - for real!

I like our new apartment very much. Phil has done a great job chosing it. And: He even got me flowers!