Meet my friends, Kami

An interview to a friend I met during my trip in Kyrgyzstan.

Welcome to Meet My Friends, a series of interviews with people I met during my trips, special people who became my friends. I enjoy meeting new people while travelling, which is why I often volunteer during my trips. I think it is important to meet local people to know more about the culture of the place you visit, and sometimes you meet people with fascinating stories. In these interviews, I want you to know a bit about my friends and their countries, their stories and why they are special to me.

This first interview is with my friend Kami, I got to know her in Kyrgyzstan. I met her during the excursion at Kel Suu Lake, together we hiked in Ala Archa and also we visited an abandoned hotel in Bishkek.

Please meet my friend, Kami. I hope you enjoy this interview and her pictures.

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Please introduce yourself, where you are from, where you are right now, what you do, and what a typical day looks like for you.

My name is Kamilia. I’m from the beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan, where I was born and raised. After studying and working in Malaysia for almost five years, I’ve returned to my home country and am currently based back in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

As a freelance graphic designer, I find joy in creating visual identities for my clients, crafting style guides, and developing brand strategies. I work remotely from home, which allows me the flexibility to start my day with some sports in the morning. Lately, I’ve been enjoying swimming and roller skating. My workday typically begins in the afternoon, and in the late evenings, I love to unwind by cooking something delicious and watching series with my husband. Right now, we’re rewatching the Game of Thrones.

What does travelling mean to you?

Travelling, to me, is a journey of discovery and learning. I love the thrill of exploring new cities, immersing myself in different cultures, and tasting new dishes. But more than anything, it’s about uncovering new aspects of myself along the way.

Last year, I embarked on a solo adventure to Milan, Italy. It was my first solo trip and my first visit to Italy. Initially, I was quite anxious and felt lost in the vast city where I didn’t know anyone or speak the language. But within a week, I had learned to navigate my neighbourhood, found a charming coffee shop for my morning brew, made some friends, and even gave directions in Italian to passersby. It was an incredibly empowering experience.

What is your favourite destination? Why?

That’s a tough one because I’ve fallen in love with so many places. Melaka in Malaysia stands out for its unique architecture influenced by various cultures. Stepantsminda in Georgia is breathtaking with its majestic mountains. Wroclaw in Poland is enchanting, where you can go on a delightful photo hunt for the gnomes hidden throughout the Old Town. It’s the little discoveries along the way that make each destination special and memorable.

I know your father is Uighur, your mother is Polish, and you were born and raised in Kyrgyzstan. How have these different cultures influenced your life?

Growing up, it was challenging because I couldn’t fully identify with just one culture and often felt different from my peers. But over the years, I’ve realized that you can embrace and adapt elements from each of your roots, traditions, and society to create your own unique identity.

A fond memory is of my mom using a Uighur word during conversations, and my Uighur aunt replying with a Polish one. It’s a beautiful blend of cultures that I cherish.

What is the most beautiful hike you did outside Kyrgyzstan?

I haven’t done many hikes outside Kyrgyzstan, but Stepantsminda in Georgia was absolutely stunning. It’s a couple of hours from Tbilisi. The city was scorching hot, but in Stepantsminda, nestled high in the mountains, the clouds seemed to descend upon the town, bringing refreshing coolness and incredible views. Another memorable hike was in Sarawak, Malaysia with friends. The jungles, wild beaches, and rocky formations there were breathtakingly beautiful.

What hiking place should you not miss while travelling in Kyrgyzstan?

We have so many stunning places, but Sary-Chelek is an absolute must-see! It's a 2-3 day trip that feels like stepping into another world, with green mountains, turquoise lakes, and a sky so blue it could be from a Hayao Miyazaki movie. Another favourite is Kok-Moinok, just a short drive from Bishkek. The weather there is often foggy and rainy, even in summer, which adds to its charm with tall pine trees, rocky mountains, and grazing yaks and horses. It’s simply magical!

One or two dishes you shouldn’t miss while visiting Kyrgyzstan?

My favourite Uighur dishes are laghman and manty. They’re a must-try! Laghman is a hearty noodle dish with vegetables and meat, full of rich flavours. Pumpkin manty are steamed dumplings filled with sweet and savoury pumpkin. They’re both incredibly delicious.

If your next trip is already paid, where would you like to go?

There are so many places on my list! I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and Malaysia with my husband in November.

If you could be a character in a movie what would you be?

I want to be an elf from The Lord of the Rings because they’re strong, smart, and live in the forests in beautiful places!

Thank you to Kami for participating in Meet My Friends. Here is her website if you want to check out her work or you need a good graphic designer. If you enjoyed, please consider subscribing, updating to a paid subscription or buying me a coffee. Also you can share it with people you think might like this content.