U.S. diplomat: I appreciate combination of tradition and modernity in Bishkek

Steve Rider is an American diplomat serving as the head of administrative operations at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek. He has worked in diplomatic missions in six different countries around the world, but has always wanted to work in Kyrgyzstan.

«I arrived with my family in the winter of 2019 to work at the Embassy. I’m also an amateur artist and musician. I am a singer, composer, and arranger. I play piano, guitar, and drums. While it’s not the reason I came to Bishkek, I had the honor of representing the United States at the 17th Bishkek International Jazz Festival last spring,» Steve Rider told 24.kg news agency.

— What surprised you in Bishkek and in Kyrgyzstan?

— Firstly, I lived in Uzbekistan in the 1990s, when I worked as a volunteer with the United States Peace Corps in the Ferghana Valley, so I thought I had a pretty good idea what life would be like in Kyrgyzstan. But a lot of what I remembered or guessed wasn’t accurate 20 years later and in a different Central Asian country.

I was surprised by the availability of so many products in the stores, the quality of the restaurants and the ease of having things delivered to our home. While the traffic is busy, cars stop for pedestrians, even screeching to a halt at crosswalks, which is a relief compared to the traffic in most big cities.

Steve Rider

I have also been surprised at the opportunities I’ve had in just a couple of years to play music to a wider audience that than I normally do. I’ve been on TV with Omar (Omurbek Zhanyshov — Note of 24.kg news agency), done a music video with Ayim Aiylchieva and Begish, done a jam session with Vikram Ruzakhunov and Yogev Shetrit, not to mention playing to a full Philharmonic Hall last spring as at the jazz festival. That was one of the largest audiences I’ve ever played for live, and not an opportunity an amateur would usually get back home in America!

— What in Bishkek reminds you of your hometown?

— I’m from a small town in Minnesota, and the weather is almost exactly the same for the time of year as my home town. I’m really happy to be living somewhere with four distinct seasons and the joys that come with each.

I like the sunshine on the snow during the winter, and walking under the trees in the summer. It’s fairly easy to walk around parts of the city, which reminds me of my smaller town which is also very walkable.

Steve Rider

— What do you miss in Bishkek and in Kyrgyzstan in general?

— Bishkek is really far away from my family and good friends in America. It’s a long trip to see my parents or my in-laws.

And while you can get a lot of good world cuisines here, it’s hard to get good Mexican food or groceries. Americans are very used to food from all over! And yes, there is even Central Asian food in the US.

— What is your favorite place in Bishkek?

— I don’t live too far from Ataturk Park, which is a really nice place to take a walk and enjoy being out in nature and around other people relaxing.

I really appreciate that people in this city take the opportunity to spend time out in the parks, having a picnic or enjoying each other’s company.

— What is your favorite Kyrgyz national dish?

— I generally think that Kyrgyz food is very good, but my favorite dish is probably boso lagman. I’m also a big fan of fresh bread from the tandyr.

And the small fresh strawberries from the market that overwhelm you with their lush berry smell are some of the best berries in the world!

— What are you afraid even to taste?

— I haven’t been afraid to try anything yet, although I admit that I’ve never been a sufficiently important guest to get the honored parts of a roast sheep.

— What has fascinated you while you have gotten closely acquainted with the local population?

— People are people everywhere you go, and the people in Bishkek have been pleasant and friendly, making this a very enjoyable stay. One of the more interesting things I’ve noticed, having lived in many places in the former Soviet Union, is that people have a healthier attitude towards alcohol than I’ve experienced elsewhere.

While many people drink alcohol, many also do not, and there is clear mutual respect for the preferences of the individual. There’s always tea or juice or water at events for those who, for personal or religious reasons, would prefer to enjoy an event without alcohol.

I also appreciate the combination of tradition and modernity you see in Bishkek. Plenty of people will wear traditional clothing or have traditional crafts, but it’s also a place that is developing a connection to the modern world increasing technological sophistication.

— What has disappointed you?

— As an Uzbek speaker, I hoped that the languages would be more similar, so that I would be able to understand Kyrgyz more than I do. I understand the big picture in Kyrgyz, but mostly I have to communicate in Russian or English.