I was here for a mission trip in 2005, I loved it! We were in Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata and Karakol. The roads outside of Bishkek are really, REALLY bad. I suppose they could be worse, but it was my understanding that they have not been improved since the Soviet Union left, which was about 10 years ago. So there are some big potholes! But Cholpon-Ata was my favorite. We got to work with some orphans there, we took them to Lake Issyk-Kul to play! In Cholpon-Ata and Karakol we stayed with host homes so we got to eat some really good food. My favorite was pilaf, naan bread, and their melons. Oh those melons, mmmm…. Definately want to go back.