26-year-old Betta from Rome (Italy) has been living and working in Kyrgyzstan for almost two years. The girl shared her impressions with 24.kg news agency.

— Previously I was working in the UK and Africa as Project Manager for development projects. Then I applied and was selected for a job in Kyrgyzstan. I am working for the United Nations.

— What was your first impression after visiting the country?

I was happily surprised by how easy it is to live in Bishkek and how beautiful and culture-rich the country is.

Betta

Living in Bishkek and in Kyrgyzstan is very easy in terms of getting around the city/country and the variety of food available in Bishkek.

— Many residents and guests of the capital say that our life is not rich in cultural events. Have you been to our theaters, museums?

— I think they just don’t know where to look — there are many events every week. From ballet and opera at the theatre to live music in bars to spectacular art exhibits and documentary screenings. Bishkek is a very vibrant city in general!

— What regions have you visited? Does anything remind you of your hometown?

— I have visited every region except for Jalal-Abad and Talas. My favorite place is the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake, even though it doesn’t remind me of Italy.

Perhaps gorges, like Alamedin Gorge are somehow more familiar.

— Can you tell about your experience of communicating with the local population? In what language do you communicate with the people?

— At the beginning, there was a language barrier as not everyone speaks English, especially in supermarkets or hairdressers and this is quite strong outside of the capital. But, somehow, I would say it is manageable.

I have been very lucky as I have many local friends. At the beginning I was only able to interact with people who spoke English — but now I know some Russian, I have also friends who only speak Russian and we communicate in a «hybrid» manner.

— Have you experienced a culture shock in Kyrgyzstan?

— Not really, Kyrgyz culture and Italian culture are quite similar — same attachment to family and friends.

— What surprised you the most in Kyrgyzstan? What did you like? What didn’t like?

— I was very surprised by how welcoming people are — I like very much Kyrgyz nomadic culture and I am trying to learn more about it from my Kyrgyz friends and books. There is nothing that I really don’t like.

— How do you feel about the Kyrgyz national cuisine? What dish did you especially like?

— As a vegetarian, I must say I only tried once or twice traditional dishes. I love the vegetables in dymlyama though!

— What do you miss in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan?

— Truly nothing.

— What are your plans for the near future?

— I plan on staying here for another couple of years.