Maria Teresa Ingalla is a retired orthopedic surgeon from the Philippines. She has been working in Kyrgyzstan for a year. In an interview with 24.kg news agency, the woman told what surprised her about Kyrgyzstan and why she is not afraid to try even the most unusual dishes of the national cuisine.
— What do you do, when did you come to Kyrgyzstan and why?
— I am currently working with an international humanitarian organization we call MSF (Doctors’ Without Borders) as Medical Activity Manager of its women’s health project engaged in cervical and breast cancer screening with Sokuluk District of Chui region as its primary cohort of concentration.
I arrived in Kyrgyzstan last 1 December 2022 and since then has been working with MSF.
Maria Teresa P. Ingalla
— What surprises you in Bishkek/ Kyrgyzstan?
— I have done my research about Kyrgyzstan prior to coming over. But to my amazement, there is more the country has to offer aside from the scenic mountain ranges and picturesque lakes beyond description.
One must plunge into its natural beauty to lo and behold.
Maria Teresa P. Ingalla
All in its beauty and splendor. The roads are clean, rarely do you find trash in the streets. Your car is safe even when parked unlocked overnight.
— Living in Bishkek has afforded me a haven from missing much of my home what with the innumerable and distinctively creative restaurants that caters to my satiety, coffee shops with good pastries to fill my sweet tooth, the bars that relaxes me and friends on weekends, and the moderately massive malls for shopping delights.
Not to mention, of course, is the similarly hospitable citizenry, friendly and approachable very much like my own countrymen.
Maria Teresa P. Ingalla
— What do you miss in Bishkek/Kyrgyzstan?
— I miss authentic Filipino delicacies, fresh seafood and fresh coconut fruit drinks coming from a tropical country of over 7,604 islands. I also miss a sunny walk along the shore of our pristine white beaches.
— I enjoy dinners at Pechki-Lavochki because it serves good, braised pork knuckles. We, Filipinos, love eating pork meat aside from chicken, beef, and a haul of seafood delicacies.
— What do you like in the national cuisine?
— My favorite dishes are plov and kuurdak.
— What are you afraid even to try?
— Nothing really, as I am quite adventurous when it comes to food.
My reason is if someone can eat something without danger of poisoning, then perhaps, I can try it to myself, too.
Maria Teresa P. Ingalla
— What has fascinated you in close acquaintance with the local population?
— It is easy to befriend the local population, they are very friendly, accommodating, and receptive.
— And what disappointed?
— The high index of pollution in winter where I had to struggle with normal breathing is a disappointment.
