Arslanbob

Leaving Osh, I head for Arslanbob via Marshrutka and shared taxi, spending the night at a CBT house after starting to chat with a French couple and hearing of how great the experience is.

Israel, the Uzbek owner (the whole town is Uzbek), speaks great Russian having spent five years in Moscow, and is the most gracious host, having already adopted Louis and Marianne as son and daughter. To him everything is клас (class, translates as super) and I enjoy his enthusiasm for life, part of it due to the fact that he’s slightly inebriated as he talks. Nevertheless, the man loves to high five, smile and shake hands.

With myself acting as translator, the French couple, myself and Israel have a great conversation over dinner about travelling, the region and some of his knowledge. For example, French is the most romantic language, Russian comes third, but second place, that’s a secret. He asks Marianne and Louis if they’re getting married any time soon. When they reply in the affirmative, he’s handshakes and high fives all around.

Israel tells Marianne that her face, her entire expression indicates that she’s ready to have a boy, a mighty tiger who she will name Arslan (after the region) and that Louis must give her the gift of a son tonight. Afterwards, Israel tells Louis if he wants to take Marianne as his wife, they will have to engage in some friendly combat (with myself as referee), Louis can pick fighting style as Israel claims to be the local karate instructor. Should Louis win, he wins Marianne, 100 hectares of land and a 16m x 9m apartment, if Israel wins, Louis will do whatever he says.

With laughs and giggles had by all, we call it a night.

The following day I take a tour of the local sights, bumping into an Uzbek tourist by the name of Mohammed-Sadi (Misha) at the small twin waterfalls.

We head up to the discotheque to take in a view of the town and proceed to the large waterfall, taking a less than direct route and still beating everyone that goes the quick way.

The walk to the big waterfall.

The view from one of the mountains we climb taking the long way to the waterfall.

The big waterfall.