Ricard Tomas Herrero from Spain lived in China for 23 years. But six years ago he decided that the time had come for radical changes and moved from Shanghai to Bishkek. In an interview with 24.kg news agency, he told why he made such a decision and what he likes most about Kyrgyzstan.
— I came to Kyrgyzstan 6 years ago on my motorcycle trip from Shanghai (China) to Lisbon (Portugal). The first country I crossed after China was Kyrgyzstan. It was my first time in the country and I was shocked and impressed with the country and the people here.
I can say that it was love at first sight.
Ricard Tomas Herrero
— Did you decide to definitely come back again?
— Certainly. As soon as my trip was over, I immediately returned to Bishkek. After a few weeks in your country, I decided that after 23 years of living in China the time has come for radical changes. I simply moved from Shanghai to Bishkek.
Ricard Tomas Herrero founded two companies in Kyrgyzstan — one travel agency and a company dealing with energy projects.
Before coming to Kyrgyzstan, I heard about your state, but did not imagine how nice the country is.
— What was the first impression of the country? Did it change later?
— My first impression was the hospitality of the people, the magnificence of the landscape. It really is. And so far, nothing has changed for me. I am still in my honey moon with Kyrgyzstan.
— Well, after living in a city with more than 30 million people, let me tell you that my neighborhood had the same population of the entire Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, the silence in Bishkek amazed me the most compared to the big city in which I lived.
— What in Bishkek reminds you of your hometown?
— Frankly speaking, nothing. I am from Barcelona, and as you know, we live by the sea there. The sea is very far away in Kyrgyzstan.
— What do you miss in Bishkek and in Kyrgyzstan?
— Few things, If I want to be little picky. I wish I had access to fresh seafood here.
— What is your favorite place Kyrgyzstan?
— Definitely the mountains.
— In general, I like all Kyrgyz dishes. I do not like kumuz, but in fact I don’t like any type of milk.
— What has fascinated you in close acquaintance with the local population? And what disappointed?
— This is interesting to answer. On the one hand, I am fascinated with the hospitality, but on the other another hand, this is quite controversial.
I don’t like aggressive behavior of some people there, especially when they are driving...
Ricard Tomas Herrero
— Is it worth returning to Kyrgyzstan again? What for?
— Definitely yes, I can’t imagine better place to stay.
