After breakfast, I said goodbye to my host(ess) at the Park Hotel and took a mashrutka to Karakol’s bus station. One taxi drivers wanted KGS700 while another KGS600. I stood my ground with KGS500 and eventually one agreed.
Unfortunately it was an hour’s wait before we departed, with one empty seat left for an adhoc passenger along the way. I managed to get some wifi while waiting which meant I could attend to some other planning and bookings.
With a lunch stop and drop-offs for various guests, the trip took 7h today. It was very uncomfortable in the back row with three people. Far less comfy than a mashrutka, took longer and cost more.
Upon arrival around the corner from the my station at Bishkek, I didn’t even know I had arrived. Fortunately I spotted on Google Maps than my destination was around the corner. Then the driver had the cheek to ask me for another KGS100 which I refused. I’d go by mashrutka anyday!
I skipped dinner and had some kefir and muesli, plus an apple which was given to me by a fellow passenger (probably fresh off his farm as he was handing them out like there was no tomorrow).