Soles of a Nomad

Watching Kok Boru, Central Asia's famous dead-goat polo, begins with one thought: This is the strangest sport on Earth. But somewhere between the flying horsemen, the astonishing displays of horsemanship, and the realization that the game makes perfect sense in its own world, something changes. Maybe that's what the best travel does—it doesn't make the world less strange. It makes strange disappear. At least, it does for me.

Issyk Kul is a lake that doesn’t behave like a lake. Stretching beyond the horizon, it pulls life, culture, and some of Kyrgyzstan’s best experiences into its orbit. From quiet villages to yurt camps and canyon day trips, this is where the journey slows down—and gets interesting.

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.