I started my day by touring the grounds of the guesthouse. It seems that they have an elementary school there with a big playground and buildings. We ate breakfast and then went to our first press conference. We were asked various questions in Russian about our background, as Julia translated for us. Then we traveled to the Osh State University art department, where we met Mr. Ibragim Junusov, the Dean. This was also our first trip to a school in the area. We always were treated almost like celebrities at schools, and this was no exception. After tea in the Dean's office, where the teachers expressed their gratitude for our presence, we played a short concert, and then heard a concert by faculty and students. We performed a Kyrgyz song written by Mr. Junusov's mentor, and he was almost moved to tears. He then presented us with Kyrgyz traditional hats, and we played the song again while wearing our hats.
(Performing a Kyrgyz encore in traditional hats)
The Dean is actually a famous pop star in the country. He is well known for a song expressing hope for national unity and reconciliation between the various ethnic groups in the area. He composed this song after some violence broke out in the region and now is something of a legend there. We also heard our first comuz performance. The comuz is a very popular classical instrument in Kyrgyzstan, but we also heard singers, pianists, and a saxophonist playing Kenny G. Mr. Junusov also performed a song for us, and I believe that he dedicated it to Lee-Ann. Afterwards, we went to a chaikhana (a traditional Uzbek style teahouse) and had a taste of the food there, which was delicious and included local fruits, plov (which is basically rice and meat), and nan, a local bread.
(A lavish feast at a traditional chaikhana in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, with our host, Ibragim Junusov, on the right)
We were hosted by Mr. Junusov, who spoke of his wish to tour the US and his recent travels to Europe. Then we flew from Osh to Bishkek in preparation for the next day.
- Joe
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