Soles of a Nomad

Bishkek isn’t a city you plan your trip around—but it’s one you’re glad you didn’t skip. With leafy streets, Soviet-era landmarks, and an easygoing rhythm, it’s a perfect place to pause, reset, and recharge before heading deeper into Central Asia.

For centuries, travelers arriving in Osh could count on one thing: the bazaar would be there. Empires rose and fell, but the market endured. So naturally, I managed to show up during the brief, perfectly timed moment in its long history when it wasn’t. Because travel, it turns out, has impeccable comedic timing.

Georgian food might be the most underrated cuisine in the world. From molten cheese-filled khachapuri to soup-filled khinkali dumplings and rich walnut sauces, every meal in Georgia felt like a celebration. If you travel for food, this is a country that will quickly win your heart—and your appetite.