Recently, my father gave me a ride from Karakol to Bishkek. On the way back, he decided to stop by the western bus station to find clients for Karakol. He found one guy from Ak-Suu village and three tourists from Portugal, whom taxi drivers wanted to overcharge. The Portuguese wanted to visit the Burana Tower to see the place, and my father immediately agreed to take them there, as he himself had not seen the tower yet. After that, they went to Issyk-Kul. The Portuguese wanted to stay in Cholpon-Ata to see the petroglyphs, but my father persuaded them to come with him to Karakol, where it would be much more interesting for the guests of the country, and he offered them free accommodation and meals. Arriving at night at my home in Karakol, the guests got to know my family. They had dinner together and communicated, although my father acted as a translator for the other family members. Late at night, one of the Portuguese felt unwell. He had vomiting all night. He was given medicine, and after some time he started to feel better. Most likely, he felt bad because he had lunch at a café in the Boom Gorge.
In the morning, after having breakfast together, my father offered the Portuguese a free tour to Jeti-Oguz, specifically to the "Daughter's Hair" waterfall. They immediately agreed, of course, they needed to pay for the gasoline.
They really liked Jeti-Oguz. One of the Portuguese turned out to be a professional photographer who photographs football players during matches. He took many beautiful photos in Kok-Jaik. In the evening, they returned and decided to have dinner at Zarina café (1st floor). The Portuguese said that the interior of this café is very similar to Austrian cafés. After dinner, they came home, where a second dinner awaited them. At that moment, my grandmother and aunt with children were at home. At the table, everyone got to know each other again, sang national songs of Portugal, and danced kara-zhorgo.
This is how the first day went.
The next morning, my father again offered them a tour of Karakol, specifically the Dungan Mosque, the Orthodox Church, the Local History Museum, and the Przhevalsky Museum.
After visiting the sights of Karakol, they went to the bus station and headed to Bishkek. My family got so used to them that after they left, my father, in the store, habitually spoke English with the saleswoman, and it was a good opportunity for my younger brothers to talk to them in English and make friends.
The Portuguese were very grateful for the hospitality and kindness of my father.
P.S. They had a guidebook that contained all the information about Karakol and other places, including the best cafés, hotels, etc. The Portuguese bought this book in Portugal. So, entrepreneurs in Karakol and all of Kyrgyzstan in the hospitality and café business, I advise you to improve your service and customer care! Then you will be written about in similar guidebooks in foreign countries.
