This chapter I dedicated fully to my unique experience as a traveller, staying in a hostel!

So, like I mentioned in the last chapter, when we rolled into our hostel in Bishkek, I was beyond wiped out. All I wanted was to crash on the pillow and nap for ages. Total recharge mode. I totally didn’t get to check out the area around the hostel since it was still snowing and freezing, and I was just completely knocked out.

Staying in a hostel for the first time felt a lot like being in a guesthouse. Joey picked the place, and honestly, I’m just chill with whatever. I’ve tried all sorts of places to crash in my life, so I figured it can’t be that bad. And you know what? My room in this hostel was actually pretty decent. It was clean, the toilet was neat, the bed was way big enough for someone my size, and since we were there in winter, the room was warm and cozy. It’s Apple Hostel, right at Chymkentskaya 1B, Bishkek 720030, Kyrgyzstan. Their website for more details: https://applehostel.kg/

That night was something else! I crashed hard because I asked Karl to grab us some KFC for dinner. By the time they got back, I was so out of it that I could barely open my eyes, and I didn’t even finish my food. I think there were a bunch of other guests around, and I actually heard Karl chatting with a lady in Tagalog. We bumped into so many Pinoys on this trip, so I figured she was just another traveler. Then, when Karl knocked on my door to bring me my food, this random kid suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran right into my room! I was totally drained, just standing there watching this kid go wild and even jump on my bed. I couldn’t do anything but stare helplessly from the door. The lady who was talking to Karl was trying to get her kid out but only shouted from the doorway. I grew up with no younger kids around, so I had no clue what to do except watch and smile awkwardly, hoping she’d just drag her kid out. Thankfully, she eventually got her little one out of my room, and I hurriedly said goodnight to Karl and shut my door. That was crazy—I totally wasn’t ready for that!

So, I guess that was my first lesson in hostels—privacy! Depending on where you are, it can be a whole different vibe. I’ve been living the “mind your own business” life in Hong Kong, but here in Bishkek, it feels like people treat each other like friends, especially when they share the same space or building. It’s like, if we all live under the same roof, we should know each other, right? Not a bad thing at all! I grew up with that culture too, but I’ve been out of my house for so long that it feels like I’m waking up my cultural sensitivity, haha!

Oh, and this hostel totally has a vibe of a Japanese home. You can’t wear the inside slippers outside, and the outside shoes and slippers are basically only until the lobby area. They’re pretty strict about it! Which is nice as the cleanliness of the floor is guaranteed.

One thing about hostels is you quickly realize you’re not gonna get pampered. I figured that out here. This hostel has a chill communal area and kitchen where everyone can hang out, whip up some food, and pitch in with the cleaning. I ran into this laid-back teenager in the common space. I was just looking for a spot to chomp on some big, fresh bread (maybe some Naan?), and noticed her sitting there by herself. I gave her a smile and a nod, and she was super friendly. We kicked things off with a quick chat, which turned into about an hour of chatting. So, if you ever stumble upon this blog, sorry for blanking on your name (maybe it was Diane?), but I totally remember our sweet convo!

Diane just graduated high school in Canada, and I can’t help but wonder how she ended up in this part of the world. Out of sheer curiosity, I keep asking her about her life. She’s not just visiting; she came here with a volunteer group to help out in the community. Her role is pretty varied—she’s teaching, helping kids in school, and really getting involved. Before coming to Kyrgyzstan, she spent some time in Thailand. I asked her when she graduated (it’s an easy way to guess someone’s age), and it turns out she finished high school in Canada just last year. She’s taking some time to figure things out before jumping into college, wanting to learn about life, different cultures, and what she wants for her future. So, I guess she’s around 18 or 19—super young! The way she thinks is pretty impressive; she funds everything herself with some support from her family.

But she also said that money doesn’t grow on trees, you know? She mentioned that at her age, she’s gotta figure out how to handle her cash smartly. Staying in a hostel is one of her moves to save some dough and keep the adventure rolling. Pretty cool, right? Then she asked me what I’m up to, and I just started rambling about my nerdy side, talking about all the science stuff I’m into. She seemed super interested and hit me with a ton of questions, even asked how carbon dating works! It’s all about figuring out how old fossils and sediments are. Hahaha, I really hope she feels inspired instead of freaked out by my answer! She also told me this story about how she used to hike and watch the aurora, the northern lights, from her backyard in Canada, showing me the pics she took during her adventures there; I guess she must really miss home and her family. It totally makes sense to miss home, especially after being away for so long. We chatted for almost two hours, and I realized it was nearly midnight when I said my goodbyes. She’s such an awesome kid, living life on her own terms at such a young age and stepping out of her comfort zone early on.

Hey there, young lady! I totally respect you and genuinely wish all the best for your future! 😉

(wrapping this up at a coffee shop by exit B2 HKU MTR)

With Love,

Ada.