Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan. The country’s largest body of water is a popular summer attraction, with resorts and amusement parks dotting the north shore. These photos were taken in Bosteri, near Cholpon Ata.
Kyrgyz Cemetery. Burial traditions in Kyrgyzstan involve graves with sometimes colorful portraits of the deceased and an elaborate structure, sometimes alluding to nomadic traditions, to stake claim on the area.
Teen Challenge, Kyrgyzstan. In the village of Tuz, about 30km east of Bishkek, is a rehabilitation center for former alcoholics and homeless men and women. It is a working-farm sponsored by the Christian organization Teen Challenge. This center accepts people from any religion into its program, although one employee acknowledge that many of the “students” make the decision to convert to Christianity.
Crossing borders. Everyday dozens of Kyrgyz residents wait at the border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, waiting for foreigners (usually Kazakhs) to hire them to carry goods on foot across to the other side. While Kazakh citizens would have to pay export tariffs on cheap merchandise purchased in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz citizens can avoid the fees by repacking the goods into duffle bags and claiming them as their own. A workday can last up to 12 hours, while a carrier can make between $20 to 85 a day.
