Exactly, usually no one goes to this place in winter, they were lucky to meet locals that happened to drink vodka and eat shashlyk there with a proper vehicle for this road. If he didn't stuck at that place he would stuck in another for sure and there would be no people around, lucky man. The road gets really bad further, you need a 4wd vehicle like the locals had.
Bald you run into the most wonderful and down to earth people on your adventures! The man and his wife that invited you for tea brings perfect strangers in his home and puts out a huge spread of everything they can offer you it’s just amazing and the Kyrgyz people are yet another culture among the former Soviet republics that would give you the shirt off their backs and their last piece of food followed with an invitation to return someday again. So touching to watch these humble people offer such hospitality! Amazing video as always Mr. Bald and Alynchik
One of the things that I find really compelling about Bald's channel is that it feels as if he's addressing the viewer personally, rather than speaking to his group of subscribers. I think that's pretty cool
@@danhulson8703 In fact, Central Asia (and further south from it up to the south of India) and the Caucasus are ones of the few regions where people are really very hospitable without any benefit to themselves and can be seriously offended if you offer them money in exchange for a gift or a welcome.
I am from Kyrgyzstan and did not know about this sanatorium and Japanese prisoners of war in Kyrgyzstan, and that Gagarin was in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks for the story, and in general for such a video about my country.
Sure, most people are hospitable. But it might just as well have turned out badly. They were lucky. Some of those were nasty places where people survive by the skin of their teeth.
@@jacobgorokhovsky4677 it's more about it being very remote place. I've experienced very similar hospitality in remote areas of Indonesia, India, Thailand or Iran - with the exception of India to some degree none of them could really be called socialist, and they aligned rather with the opposite side during the Cold War
Mr. Bald, you should come visit Mongolia. It's a perfect blend of Nomadic history and Soviet influence. Having been a Soviet satellite state for around 70 years, there are plenty of old Soviet relics to explore. Rows and rows of Khruschyovka's, Soviet bus stops and abandoned Soviet air bases you can simply walk into are scattered all over the place. It's totally worth a visit!
When I was squatting In the Netherlands (don't judge) I fell really sick, close to pneumonia in unheated building but there was an illegal immigrant from Mongolia who healed me with this beef soup with loads of onions and garlic covered by this durum pancake. I had to eat it with a towel over my head and breath in all the steam. One day later I was basically healed. Makes me really wonder about their culture and ways. Hope to see Mr Bald in Mongolia sometime :)
Absolutely incredible. The hospitality of the people of the former Soviet Union knows almost no bounds and continues to amaze me. EDIT: Through no fault of my own, the replies immediately turned into a trollfest of communist(s) vs non-communists. Read at your own risk.
I lived in this part of the world for 5 years in my 20s and I still found this a fascinating watch. I do miss it, it was a simpler, more fulfilling life in many ways. The friendliness of random strangers you'd meet, having tea at all times of the day. When I would take the train across the Kazakh steppe, I'd meet and talk to many people and everyone would share the food they brought for the 30+ hour trip.
I must agree with the earlier comments: this is your VERY BEST ADVENTURE yet. Lots of challenges, some of which you overcame, others from which you had to retreat. Thank you for taking us to places and peoples we would never meet, all interesting and wonderful experiences. Much love!!
Fucking hell mate, there is ZERO other channels like this. You don't post beautiful structured planned movies, you just go out into the old world and get screwed over and over while also turning it into an amazing adventure. Beautiful stuff, Bald!
I don't think I've ever commented nor do I expect anyone to see this in a sea of comments...but this video is a damned masterpiece. Getting a view of the people and places in such a remote and rarely mentioned part of the world is fantastic. Thank you, Ben.
Literally LOL’d when Alina popped up. Poor girl always gets dragged through the worst of it, what a trooper. You guys really had us on the edge of our seats for a second, glad you’re both ok. Preparedness, Mr. Bald, preparedness!
@@amir3515 that's not something to aspire towards or be proud of, their body their choice, its called freedom you should try it, it's led to the greatest innovations in human civilisation.
Never underestimate how important your videos are in humanizing people, especially when the people in power want nothing more than for them to be seen as a faceless enemy.
Those Kyrgyz guys at the end were absolutely legendary. Came to the rescue, threw a barbecue in the middle of snowy nowhere, and were funny on top of everything. I've "visited" Kyrgyzstan once for a couple of hours during a layover en route to Mongolia. Now I definitely have to go again, for a proper visit this time.
@@mpforeverunlimited It was amazing. I’d highly recommend visiting nomads in some remote area. Incredibly hospitable and resilient people. The best horseback riders in the world. Sadly, I don’t speak the language. But we’ve had a great tour guide, who used to study in Australia, so she spoke very good English. We picked her brain on the history and culture of Mongolia every chance we got.
I watched your videos on the Donbass when they came out, and think of them constantly now. Your videos have given foreigners like me an insight into the lives of the people who will be affected by this war, and that is something you should always be proud of.
Taking the wrong turn down a snowy road in the mountains can be a fatal decision in the most developed country even when people know your general travel plans. This has to be a contender for riskiest adventure on this channel, even before considering the unfortunate incident at the end. Glad you guys are ok at the end!
Another risky one was - I believe - In the Ukraine when he thought he was going to an abandoned military base but got nearby then heard shooting and had to hide in the trees and eventually run away. Oh and can't forget when he went up into the hills when the people told him not to... lol
It's nice to see a channel so popular that doesn't sell any products, doesn't push a political agenda, yet entertains and educates at the same time. You're the man, Ben. Keep showing the world from angles most will never see. You're inspiring millions and teaching us that no matter the language you speak, flag you fly, color of your skin, or country that you live in, we are all more alike than different. I never thought I'd have so much in common with someone literally on the other side of the planet
I've been waiting for another Kyrgyz adventure. What a place! People who had next to nothing, gave you everything they had. Stranded in desolate nowhere, struggling to survive and yet they show more decency than you'll find in any major metropolis. Great stuff.
Can we trade some of our citizens for theirs? LOL Amazing people, some strange cultural traditions, but all genuine & real. I love these adventures. What they lack in wealth they more than make up for in courtesy & generosity.
I genuinely don't believe content can get better than this. It's so raw and insightful to parts of the world 99.9% of us will never go. Shows the goodness of people the world over too and something a traditional TV show would never be able to deliver. Thank you Bald and Alynchik ❤️
Ben you single handedly opened my mind to the Soviet Union’s history, geography, peoples, languages, struggles, and successes. You have humanized and illuminated this densely clouded part of history and the world, and you have done a great service to these far flung republics and their people. I was taught literally nothing about the USSR and it’s impact, and it was the second largest power to have ever existed on this earth! What a educational travesty! Thanks bald!
Ofcourse western government will skip USSR in their educational system. I suppose that we all know why. Who do you consider as first largest power in history?
@@PsyMOONze The USA is the most powerful “entity” when measured on most metrics to ever exist in human history. In terms of raw military, political, and technological power it was only the USA and the USSR who have been at such a stratospheric level. Superpower is the correct term for these two “empires” with probably only the old British empire being historically comparable.
Hey, it'd mean a lot if you ever wanted to travel to Northern Russia and meet the Nenet tribe. Our people are wonderful and although very hard to reach, they have beautiful traditions and culture. It'd mean a lot if you'd want to ever connect with my tribe. We're reindeer herders of Russia and a steady nomadic group. I think there's only 40,000 of us left, but it'd be a really cool idea if you venture into Russia again! :)
I just can't believe how self confident Mr Bald is. He has so much energy and able to walk anywhere (in the world) and not appear afraid and make friends of foreigners so easy and quickly. People around the world are generally beautiful and it seems to be the powerful that turn us against each other. A complete contrast to myself who has no friends and only 3 family members to talk to. I haven't even left the house in months, I would to be more outgoing, the only time I could act like Bald is after taking stimulants like I did when a young man.
yeah holy shit, i read your comment before getting to that part and thought, yeah getting stuck in a snow sucks but there are people around it's not a big deal.... and then that outro hit
22:34 Such a colourful feast to pull out of nowhere and with no prior notice... and the impromptu cookout at the end looked delicious too... Amazing hospitality in such an inhospitable place! Glad you were both okay after your accident... those roads looked really treacherous... you were very fortunate.
I've lived in Bishkek, and Uch-Kurgon in Batken oblast. Two completely different experiences. I actually preferred Uch-Kurgan for the fact of access to awesome hiking for day or 2 week journeys. I love Kyrgyzstan.
Greetings from Malaysia 🇲🇾, Bald! Love your videos so much. When my 22 year old brother, Kenneth, was diagnosed with terminal testicular cancer back in 2021, your videos always brought a cheer and smile on his face. I’m sure heaven (where he’s at right now) must surely feel like the glory days back in the Soviet Union! Keep making your wonderful videos - you’ve touched so many lives through your adventures! Cheers mate.
Been to Kyrgyzstan and lived in Uzbekistan for over a year. They were some of the most friendly and hospitable people I’ve ever met. Many of them spoke multiple languages due to the various borders they shared and governments they were under throughout history
22:44 Oh wow! Look at this beautiful spread that these folks put out for you, you being complete strangers to them. It warms my heart and amazes me the generosity you can find in people in other countries. Edit 41:46 Omg, the people never cease to amaze me! They pull you out of the snow, share delicious kabob and spirits with you. I'm just in awe over this, it's wonderful to see. Re-edit edit. Oh no! I'm sorry about your accident! But I'm so glad that you all are ok. That really was quite the adventure. 😊👍
The two super adventurers, Alina and Mr. Bald are back on a fantastic adventure. Johnny is having a rest. Impressive to see the hospitality of the locals in presenting all the food. It is a typical hospitality from my Russian upbringing.
That was an incredible journey Ben! The generosity of people in these places never cease to amaze me. They have hardly anything yet they are willing to invite you into their home for tea or to a BBQ on the side of the road.
I suppose that hospitality was created out of necessity. Since everyone is at risk of facing hardship, you'll be better off helping everyone you meet so that you will also receive help in return.
@@yorkaturr As far as I know, it's genuine. There's hospitality in the UK strictly related to doing business, making profits or exploiting someone. Totally different to being invited for tea in Kyrgyzstan.
I love your sense of humor man! 15:40 had me cracking up how they just stood there and it just skips to you showing it anyway haha! Been watching a while now and what hooked me onto your channel is that im bald at 25, want to travel the world, and come from poverty. so basically I'm bald and bankrupt as well lol. I've learned SO MUCH from you over the hundreds of videos ive watched over time. Stay safe out there Ben and a warm hearted thank you to you.
As a Kyrgyz person it was interesting to see things from your perspective. I really enjoyed the vlog and your interaction with locals, but it makes me sad to see my people living in terrible conditions. I hope you'll come back in summer and visit lake Sary Chelek and Arslanbob and share some spectacular views with your subscribers. And all of the people in the comment section don't be surprised with the hospitality of locals, its our national trait😊. Also Mr. Bald your channel is a true gem . P.s . Bride kidnapping is illegal and considered as a serious crime nowadays, even though it was widely practiced tradition back in the days.
I saw a RUclips video where they did it... but they seemed to already be dating and engaged and it seemed to be a planned thing more for tradition. That's the vibe I got. It was a video that was a few years old from Vice.
im glad that it's illegal, although sadly it happens still in your country and some surrounding countries, as well as trafficking the women. its horrific.
Kyrgyzstan has incredible scenery, the snow-capped mountains and empty roads looked breathtaking. And it's always incredible to see how people in this part of the world, living in remote locations are always hospitable and give without expecting anything in return. This kind of generosity is normal in deprived areas. What an adventure!
I wouldnt call that area deprived! Id say beautifully unspoiled and so are the people! 'Civilisation' only seems to bring greed hate and covetousness ....ld rather live with them than my spitefilled begrudging xtian neighbours
I'm just comparing the economic situation of their living conditions to countries like US, UK, etc... It's obviously not as well developed as the West. But the people are in a league of their own! A person from an industrial city in England, would never invite a stranger to their house for tea.
The woman who was eating from the garbage is from an ethnic group calles Lyuli, central Asia gypsies. And according to Wikipedia there are just 500 in the country. You are a chingon. Greetings from México City. Your videos are stunning
@@user-rf5ht8hj4w just with google. Gypsies kyrgyztan. You should come to Mexico City, if you want to know a chaotic but beautiful city, plenty of great food, friendly people but shitty police and some bad people. Modern, old and incredible architecture, and many slums.
Thank for the herculean effort making this 44 min vlog. Alinchek is a valuable addition to your staff and soon in line for promotion to CEO. Her comic relief and fashionable style is a counterpoint to your own. As a long term fans we are excited for long videos that reflect your amusing and responsible journalistic style. Seeing your videos causes reflection upon the cold war and how in an instant these resourceful and warm peoples lives would have ended because of questionable political leadership on both sides. Every video you have made increases awareness about our responsibilities to each other.
I feel the same way. I dont know what country you are from but im in the US and am concerned about all the sabre rattling. One thing that the internet has illuminated is that people all over the world are pretty much the same and that we should not confuse them with the political objectives of governments. Tonight i will pray for peace, I have no grudge with Russia and no stomach for war.
That would requite a film crew and changing his format and making travel much harder.. Be thankful what we have. Large networks would bring much more stress.
Absolutely beautiful terrain in the countryside… could honestly sit and look at mountains like that all day. Love that folks came to help get you all out of the snow AND got a tasty snack. Thankfully you all were okay and the roads didn’t beat you all up too much with the accident. I don’t think I will ever get to visit that side of the world, so I’m living it vicariously through you, Bald. Thanks for the adventures and stay safe.
@@PaulJakma Nuthouse is certainly not a correct or appropriate term for a mental hospital or mental health facility. As this channel is often times humorous and has many satirical elements I felt it was ok to flavor my comment with the term “nuthouse”. However; I don’t recall the term “sanitarium” ever being used to describe a “health spa”, at least in the United States (maybe Kellogg used the term sanitarium?). Perhaps the term was used here as you suggest,, but in my memory it was very often used ( at least colloquially) to refer to a mental health facility. Thank you for your reply. 👍
@@mikesvacation english english is different from american english. here in europe the world traditionally describes a place were people can recover from long term illness, like tuberculosis. I thought this was the same in USA. the mental health connection might be more modern, because modern science found cures for those physical diseases , so only those mental patients remained
@@Blackadder75 I think it is very interesting and entertaining that we have different words for the same things such as soccer/football etc. I love learning all the different expressions and definitions of words used in the UK 🇬🇧. Americans love Brittish people!! 👍👍👍
Can't express how fascinating this is. My Grandad was a Rusophile and only wish he'd lived long enough that I could show him these videos, he would have loved them. You're doing important work, bringing these histories to the masses.
@@karoliskulvietis7761 My Grandad was a Czech Jew who fled to the UK. Spoke Russian + 6 other languages since he was a kid and ended up working with victims of Soviet psychiatry + Ukrainian children with severe learning disabilities, many of whom would come and live with him. So I grew up with a lot of crazy Russians/Russian speakers around the house.
Yes yes, Russians are to be blamed for everything, but there are only lilies growing where American, British or Israeli armies brought freedom and peace...
I know Baldy & Bankrupt said that 2021 would be when he was calling it quits and doing something else with his life and not doing these videos anymore, but I do think that this would be a great career to have - being a travel journalist and I hope he reconsiders about quitting - or at least having it be a summer vacation type travel series. This video was a hell of a comeback. Not even CNN would give two shits about showing this place, so Bald is doing something genuinely important I feel even if he doesn't know it - if not for our entertainment watching a British man stumble around the USSR and do crazy things but also for the people that live in these places to get some worldwide exposure. His videos when he was doing India and Hindu territories, they all loved his vids and showing places that was part of their village and cities that nobody else would. Just something about his character, he has great charisma at engaging with people, and people are always so surprised when he speaks in their languages.
@@dostrazzz4647 It was in one of his videos from March or April - I forget which one. He was standing in a flea market when he said it. He also posted it often on his Instagram acct. in several photos. There was also a news article/blog post about it from a 3rd party as well.
he's not a travel journalist, well yes inadvertently that too, but his main reasoning fo travelling to such places is that he's a pickup artist. and a pretty good one as i hear
I don't know why, but I'm also so surprised by how hospitable and welcoming everyone in these areas are. They invite you in or ask you to get a tea/drink with them. My perception of the old soviet areas is totally different now. Thank you for doing this.
its soooo lovely seeing you randomly helping people out in need when you see and experience things...its amazing seeing the things you do and see that i probably never will and learning about other country's and cultures and kind of experiencing what you do in a way ...we need more people like you in the world keep up the good work mate love the videos i appreciate them take care stay safe 💙💛
Your journey does remind us that even in the far, remote corners of the rarely visited, there are still genuine, kind, friendly and helpful folks like these Kyrzgz and Uzbek folks ! Poor in wealth but richest at heart !
You can clearly tell that guy loves his wife so much, it's really endearing how he introduces her first and then explains what her name means. Then the look she gives him back.
This is by far the best travel channel on RUclips. B&B might be the best channel period. They both amaze me speaking so many languages. She was speaking Spanish.
What a fascinating trip this was. This was a refreshing take on the society where everyone seems so friendly. When you live in a city, you are with so many people and yet you are so alone here. We rather not talk to each other fearing that person may be there to harm you. In this video, it's the complete opposite. Although there are few people in-between, people are so connected to each other and share their interesting lives to strangers. Thank you for this amazing video.
I’ve watched almost all of your uploads, but this one has been my favourite so far. The country and mountains look beautiful and your adventure was exciting. Thank you for giving money to that woman at the bins, it brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad those guys helped you and I hope you’re ok after the crash. Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re an absolute legend!
That woman is a kinda Asian gypsy. They usually basket around everywhere asking for help. I remember there were a lot of them in south Siberia back in the 90-s.
Not staged at all...those Gypsies or Roma people are treated like dogs...its disgusting. They are human beings too. The ones here in lreland that get any chance at all to make a life make palaces of their homes and dress like princes and princesses...l chat to some of the women in my area, and after their intitial shock that l would talk to them (usually they are ignored or even chased away) they are lovely funny intelligent friendly people.
man i hope you know how much you do for a lot of people. seeing this video in my sub feed made my whole day so much better. thanks to you, we get to explore the world. i like these kinds of places. i dont need fancy editing or anything. im just happy to be coming along.
THIS is a return to the Bald & Bankrupt Soviet adventurizing that made me fall in love with Ben's style of exposing us all to... well, EVERYTHING! Thank you for continuing to explore the world for/with us!
They are not poor in the way you understand. The Czech Republic once built a complex with the latest things very nice apartments for the Roma Senti gypsies, they're ethnically from Rajasthan in India, but most of them live strange lives on the street for whatever reason and in caravans and under bridges and in crime. That's not me exaggerating that's the truth fact. They will give birth to a bunch of children in order to have more of them begging. I was once driving somewhere in Europe I don't remember where and suddenly I'm getting off the highway ramp at a pretty high speed there's a little baby in the middle of the f****** road. So I break hard barely avoid running it over and the moment I stopped all of a sudden like Invaders in a Roman movie, I'm swarmed by maybe 50 of these Romani gypsies who demand I pay them otherwise they're not going to move to let me through. So me being an idiot I go to pay them, when right behind me some locals witness this, and this large Eastern European man starts swearing and yelling at them and they storm off dispersed like they had seen a vampire or something. It looked to me like the locals were more lenient with them then we would be in canada. If this happen in Canada that those parents would be in jail for child endangerment in hours
I am watching along with the world as events unfold in Ukraine. No longer just an obscure point on the globe, wholly the result of your taking us along and introducing us to Ukraine's proud and valiant people. Your travels and your curiosity have not been in vain. Stay safe my friend.
@@tB3o3tR9o9 haha, I saw that but it didn't register. Oddly, he cuts to the mouse mosaic but then goes back and gives her some money. He's pretty awesome.
One of your best episodes so far. I lived in Kyrgyzstan for a few years, and it’s definitely one of the best, but most difficult, places to adventurise!
The people and the hospitality they show you is so amazing. I think your adventures acrooss all countries are so important! Keep it up Ben and happy you both are safe and sound after the car crash! :)
@@zk4929 He probably thought the crash op was talking about was them getting stuck in the snow. No need to call him names my guy, be kind. I thought the same thing too until seeing the very end.
Shohimardon is actually beautiful place especially in summer. Before it thrived as a touristic spot. Nearly all uzbek family in Fergana visited this marvelous place. I highly recommend you to visit in summer or spring, to see its full beauty. Please find the way anyhow. You can also check on youtube some videos taken by locals or visitors to be assured
@@MassDefibrillator i watched ,he was technically in the exclave... but still ,whenever I looked in Map I was wonder ,hell how people get food there and so on
It’s a shame that a lot of people are going to be now finding your channel rather than seeing your videos for the past few years showing a completely different narrative compared to what we see in our local media regarding Eastern Europe. Stay strong Ukraine ❤️
A shame to be finding his channel only now? Nah, if anything, it’s actually great. Better late than never. People will now get to see the reality - the everyday people, their lives, their towns, the art, etc. I’m sure most people who sought out his channel in the first place will undoubtedly go to his past videos to see the extensive exploration he’s done. Bald also has that charming personality that draws them in, so it’s only a good thing that people will find his channel, even amidst all this chaos between Russia and Ukraine.
It's good to know Alina and Benjamin you're ok. Too bad about the car. What a brilliant trip! It's just great to see how the people live there and help you, and what a food for guests. Many thanks!
This is still the best channel on youtube. Getting aware of places, that i never knew they even existed, while showing the kindness and hospitality of the native people. That scene with the barbecue in the snow alone is pure gold. Never stop what your'e doing, bald. Its unique.
As a Hungarian I know these border issues from the past. During Soviet times, there were two types of border crossings in Hungary: international border crossings and border crossings for the citizens of the neighboring countries only. You actually ran into the second type when trying to enter the exclave.
Beregszasz is still 70 to 80 percent hungarian many villages in Ukraine near both the hungarian and slovak border are hungarian there is a border city between Ukraine and Slovakia where both sides are hungarian. F%^kin trianon
As an Austrian I know this type of border issues from recent trips in EUdSSR. Hungary, Czechia and Slovenia closed most of the smaller boarder crossings for international traffic due to Coronaphobia.
Mr.Bald shows us places in the world we wont get to. I really like how he takes us on the road less travelled. Shows us abandoned factories and buildings. A true explorer.
You are the best brother, never change. I've been in the hospital over the last 2 years and your videos always give me something to look forward to. Best youtuber/adventurer alive man.
I like this guy, he travels to places off the holiday radar and appears to give a good personal unbiased view. Been watching him for a year or two, nice to see him back.
I travelled to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2019, mostly touristy places of course. Before I went, for many years, I was very interested in those exclaves and did many internet research regarding them. All the internet sources say "avoid them" , so I didn't even think about putting them on my list. Surprised and also very happy to see you take us to them. Although being former soviet countries, I can see the progress made by them. The behavior of the border guard in this film matches my experience with authorities in those two countries. They generally still follow the rules, and will give you a reasonable explanation (at least that is what happened to me). Small bribes can still help to make things easier (our local driver did that very occasionally), but they do not openly ask for that, which I think is a good step toward. Thanks for this again.
I've spent 48 hours binging these videos and was blessed with a new one. I'm way too late in finding this channel. This is so, so much better than other "travel channels", this is raw and educational as well. I love it so much! I imagine being on trips like this makes one feel truly alive. The kindness of these strangers nearly brings tears to my eyes every time. Sending love from Louisiana, USA. If you want a totally different type of adventure, visit some of the New Orleans ghettos! (no, don't actually unless well armed)
This is by far the most precarious video I've seen from you. Glad the two of you were able to make it out alright. It's the beautiful people in this video with their kindness, hospitality, and effort to help you without any hesitation, who give me hope for humanity.
This one video alone is better than any travel documentary I've ever seen. You've come along way man, this is premium Bald n bankrupt material. What a life.
The banter between Alyna and Bald is always great. This is an epic video with some fun interactions with locals. What more can you ask for. All the best from eastern Canada
This was a great great great video. Honestly the positive people, the insight, the beautiful landscape, sadness and fun. This is when youtube is a million times better than any network TV show
I was only moaning there is nothing more to watch worth while. I'm on day 5 of quarantine, have no subscription services, spent almost everything while I was away catching mini-Rona anyway. Very grateful.
Man, you are my personal hero! Over 30 years ago I was hiking this area. South of Shahimardan there is a beautiful mountain lake Kurban-Khel which opens up the way into Pamir-Alay mountain system. If you ever go back, check it out! Thank you so much for bringing back these memories!
Nice to see Alina again. When I was in Kyrgyzstan about 15 years (or so) ago, I visited Osh and was able to fly there from Bishkek. Seems like a much easier way to go than by car in the middle of winter! There's a world of difference between Bishkek (northern Kyrgyzstan) and Osh (southern Kyrgyzstan), so if you travel to Kyrgyzstan you should be sure to travel to both places. The people seem very friendly. One of the taxi drivers in Osh invited us over to his homestead for tea to meet his family and see his small farm. The residential architecture in Osh seems more "compound oriented" with a walled property inside which are several buildings around the perimeter where different generations of the family live. Where I stayed, the middle courtyard was covered and shaded with grape vines (suspended overhead by wires around which the grape vines were trained) and there were several pomegranate trees. In general, the south is much more Muslim feeling where as Bishkek seems more Russian feeling.
@@RobertowNL I traveled with a couple of friends, one who was a native Kirghiz who spoke Kirghiz, Russian and English (and Korean and Chinese (Putonghua)) and another American friend who spoke Russian and English. I had a little Russian in high school, but not enough to be considered "survival Russian". Most of that was buried under my survival Chinese, so usually my best "real time" Russian is a mix of Russian and Chinese words. It was best that I not even try! In Bishkek, you can usually find someone who speaks English (especially those people who look less than 30 yo).
@@SrinivashM29 Russian is recommended; but if just visiting Bishkek, you can usually find someone who speaks English. For more info see my reply to RobertNL above.
I love this evolution in your format. It’s great to see the research, history and B-roll. It feels much more polished than randomly walking about in hopes of finding interesting conversation with reluctant locals. There’s still a bit of that to keep things interesting, but the extra history about the region adds context. I hope to see more of these types of videos and more polish as you continue to evolve.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
The hospitality of the locals you encounter never ceases to amaze me. Such lovely people.
Gets stuck in the snow. Locals come help to push you out. Then they share shishkabob and vodka!! What hospitality!!
@@Stevie762 invite you in for tea and food after a long night sleeping in the car. I really love that I get to see these moments in his videos
@@Stevie762 amazing! You would never see that in most parts of the US.
@@zarathustra007 anywhere in North America and South probably.
@@kdoeone Pretty standard behaviour to help people in South America...
Only this guy could get stuck in the snow, and immediately find friendly locals with food and vodka to share. I love this channel.
Exactly, usually no one goes to this place in winter, they were lucky to meet locals that happened to drink vodka and eat shashlyk there with a proper vehicle for this road. If he didn't stuck at that place he would stuck in another for sure and there would be no people around, lucky man. The road gets really bad further, you need a 4wd vehicle like the locals had.
Ikr? I’d be eaten by wolves
I love that the next cut-to is them grilling skewered meats and doing shots! Beautiful.
👍😂😂
So true!
Great to see another adventure mate! Now people can stop asking me if you're still alive.
Johnny we love your videos as well! Cheers from Canada
hey johnny the baby
im subcribe your channel
I thought he got sent to gulag.
is he alive though
Bald you run into the most wonderful and down to earth people on your adventures! The man and his wife that invited you for tea brings perfect strangers in his home and puts out a huge spread of everything they can offer you it’s just amazing and the Kyrgyz people are yet another culture among the former Soviet republics that would give you the shirt off their backs and their last piece of food followed with an invitation to return someday again. So touching to watch these humble people offer such hospitality! Amazing video as always Mr. Bald and Alynchik
Absolutely that what i tough absolutely incredible. So much respect for the couple.
Here in italy they whould call the police and take the car 😂
One of the things that I find really compelling about Bald's channel is that it feels as if he's addressing the viewer personally, rather than speaking to his group of subscribers. I think that's pretty cool
Yeah, I like that a lot too. Vloggers who make it sound like they're talking to only you. It's great.
@@1REEBOOK I bet ur fun at parties huh
It varies by video but the speech in this one is very documentary style. Love it
@@1REEBOOK bro if anyone this guys deserves it. going to places to educate people. get bent kid.
Good thing he's speaking English and not a language that requires you to address a person according to his gender. It would really make it harder.
How open and kind these people are it's beyond me... What a great vlog man, this video is a gem!
yes they are friendly but it certainly helps when you throw them money too
Haha did not expect to see you here. Love your content!
@@danhulson8703 In fact, Central Asia (and further south from it up to the south of India) and the Caucasus are ones of the few regions where people are really very hospitable without any benefit to themselves and can be seriously offended if you offer them money in exchange for a gift or a welcome.
It's so nice to just see humans being human. All small town county ppl r the same, all around the world.
You will find such hospitality from, almost every proper Slavic peoples. It is a defining trait of our people let me tell you!
I am from Kyrgyzstan and did not know about this sanatorium and Japanese prisoners of war in Kyrgyzstan, and that Gagarin was in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks for the story, and in general for such a video about my country.
I learned so much as well thank you bald 👨🦲!!!
Your Country are very friendly and that's great we need more love in the world. Have a fantastic day good friend.
Bald, please visit Volgograd. You'll absolutely love all the mosaic's and war stuff.
Have u ever pooped in an abandoned building??
Гагарин тут вроде лечился или отдыхал.
I wish these videos never ended. They show parts of the world that a majority of people will never ever see.
Seeing the hospitality of the locals is really heartwarming. They were all so welcoming and friendly!
Sure, most people are hospitable. But it might just as well have turned out badly. They were lucky. Some of those were nasty places where people survive by the skin of their teeth.
Socialism comes with many fatal flaws but It creates generous and kind people, its great to see such hospitality in people.
A lot of the people there are crazy and dangerous!
@@jacobgorokhovsky4677 it's more about it being very remote place. I've experienced very similar hospitality in remote areas of Indonesia, India, Thailand or Iran - with the exception of India to some degree none of them could really be called socialist, and they aligned rather with the opposite side during the Cold War
@@edgepixel8467 speaking from experience or just generalising?
Mr. Bald, you should come visit Mongolia. It's a perfect blend of Nomadic history and Soviet influence. Having been a Soviet satellite state for around 70 years, there are plenty of old Soviet relics to explore. Rows and rows of Khruschyovka's, Soviet bus stops and abandoned Soviet air bases you can simply walk into are scattered all over the place. It's totally worth a visit!
i'd watch that
And I'm sure Johnny FD could translate and show him around
The Soviets (Russia) might be back after they invade Ukraine.
Omg yes and he should bring Johnny FD with him to such a trip, it would be perfect
When I was squatting In the Netherlands (don't judge) I fell really sick, close to pneumonia in unheated building but there was an illegal immigrant from Mongolia who healed me with this beef soup with loads of onions and garlic covered by this durum pancake. I had to eat it with a towel over my head and breath in all the steam. One day later I was basically healed. Makes me really wonder about their culture and ways. Hope to see Mr Bald in Mongolia sometime :)
Absolutely incredible. The hospitality of the people of the former Soviet Union knows almost no bounds and continues to amaze me.
EDIT: Through no fault of my own, the replies immediately turned into a trollfest of communist(s) vs non-communists. Read at your own risk.
Socialism creates hospitality, capitalism creates selfishness
@Liam Certainly not as nasty as capitalism/fascism which you seem to support🤮
@@JK-tn6sx It is not socialism or capitalism, but corruption. Top 0.000001% owns everything, the rest owns nothing.
@@littlebrit you just described capitalism though. The whole point of socialism is the exact opposite of what you described
ANY authoratarian system whether left or right is equally bad.
I lived in this part of the world for 5 years in my 20s and I still found this a fascinating watch. I do miss it, it was a simpler, more fulfilling life in many ways. The friendliness of random strangers you'd meet, having tea at all times of the day. When I would take the train across the Kazakh steppe, I'd meet and talk to many people and everyone would share the food they brought for the 30+ hour trip.
I must agree with the earlier comments: this is your VERY BEST ADVENTURE yet. Lots of challenges, some of which you overcame, others from which you had to retreat. Thank you for taking us to places and peoples we would never meet, all interesting and wonderful experiences. Much love!!
Agree!!! This is my favorite eposide👍👍👍
JonBoz ~ This is THE VERY BEST ADVENTURE CHANNEL. Bald's first words when a baby - not mama nor papa but SOVIET!
I believe the trans Siberian episodes slightly topped this one
41:03 This could have been the beginning of a pretty cool Blair Witch kind of situation.
Mental note: If you’re traveling to some goddamn Whereisitstan, at least do it in summer.
Fucking hell mate, there is ZERO other channels like this. You don't post beautiful structured planned movies, you just go out into the old world and get screwed over and over while also turning it into an amazing adventure. Beautiful stuff, Bald!
true i like it to... but maby he need chanche his name in bald ,cold and rolled!!!
Absolutely unreal content. Not anyone else like him
I agree and wish there were more like him. I want to see all parts of the world like this.
I'd say Harald is on the same level, he just does it slightly differently, especialy the himalaya series from Harald. But yeah, they are goated.
Ted Kunchok is great as-well!
I don't think I've ever commented nor do I expect anyone to see this in a sea of comments...but this video is a damned masterpiece. Getting a view of the people and places in such a remote and rarely mentioned part of the world is fantastic. Thank you, Ben.
I see your comment : )
I see your comment too man and you are speaking exactly what i was thinking
I’ve read and agreed wholeheartedly with your comment dude!
@@flightlesscomrade8187 I see his comment too :)
141 Upvotes in nine hours- that’s probably a larger number than of people who’ve tried to visit this exclave! ; )
Bald is like some kind of player in an open-world game, determined to unfog all of the map! Amazing video as always!
The legend is back with an adventure. Made my day! You are a huge inspiration for all of us, mate!
👍👍
was literally wondering if he was locked up for some reason or something alike and i hit refresh and BAM video
Greetings from Linz😎
@Kermit The Frog i did
Top grade adventurising and still alive to tell the tale... 😂
What a trip!
Literally LOL’d when Alina popped up. Poor girl always gets dragged through the worst of it, what a trooper. You guys really had us on the edge of our seats for a second, glad you’re both ok. Preparedness, Mr. Bald, preparedness!
Spoilers!
glad you wrote popped up and not pooped up :)
Poor girl. She should be kept in a golden palace, like the Princess she is :(
@@codrinn9999 i highly doubt a girl like her would want to be kept in a golden palace
for me these tricks ruin whole video. look like scenes prepared in a kindergarden
These videos make me feel like I'm there travelling with you! The best escape from reality, never stop making these.
Escape from reality? If your in the west its our future.
Enjoy them mate because are the last ones given what he said not long ago
@@mrdelaney4440 it's future for people who are unvaccinated 😂
@@nicoloscaravaggi9271 why what’s he say? I don’t follow the channel rigidly
@@amir3515 that's not something to aspire towards or be proud of, their body their choice, its called freedom you should try it, it's led to the greatest innovations in human civilisation.
Never underestimate how important your videos are in humanizing people, especially when the people in power want nothing more than for them to be seen as a faceless enemy.
Yes! So many people of the world would get along forever if they could throw off governments and history and just meet.on a snowy road.
Spot on mate!
Yeah, it goes to show that the world has wonderful people no matter where you are.
As a Moldovian, i am glad that other post-soviet nations are still humble and hospitable. What a great part of the world!
@MLWATKK Tv(& those brainwashed by it) is the only reason to ever think otherwise
@@NostyFripples yeah It's crazy.. like deleting the media will be the greatest achievement of the generation z & millenials, I think. HAS to be
The more “civilised” you are the more inhospitable and arrogant you become.
@@हपिएम् There is some real truth to this.
As a "Moldovian" do you still speak Moldovian or have you switched to Romanian? 😉
Those Kyrgyz guys at the end were absolutely legendary. Came to the rescue, threw a barbecue in the middle of snowy nowhere, and were funny on top of everything.
I've "visited" Kyrgyzstan once for a couple of hours during a layover en route to Mongolia. Now I definitely have to go again, for a proper visit this time.
Are you Mongolian or from nearby country?
@@laboskie349 I’m not, but Mongolia was on my bucket list ever since I was a kid and saw a documentary about its nature. I absolutely had to go.
@@mpforeverunlimited It was amazing. I’d highly recommend visiting nomads in some remote area. Incredibly hospitable and resilient people. The best horseback riders in the world.
Sadly, I don’t speak the language. But we’ve had a great tour guide, who used to study in Australia, so she spoke very good English. We picked her brain on the history and culture of Mongolia every chance we got.
I watched your videos on the Donbass when they came out, and think of them constantly now. Your videos have given foreigners like me an insight into the lives of the people who will be affected by this war, and that is something you should always be proud of.
Taking the wrong turn down a snowy road in the mountains can be a fatal decision in the most developed country even when people know your general travel plans. This has to be a contender for riskiest adventure on this channel, even before considering the unfortunate incident at the end. Glad you guys are ok at the end!
He was just trying get Alinchik to warm him... All was just part of the plan!
Another risky one was - I believe - In the Ukraine when he thought he was going to an abandoned military base but got nearby then heard shooting and had to hide in the trees and eventually run away. Oh and can't forget when he went up into the hills when the people told him not to... lol
Or when he left Alinchick alone in some very dangerous African country alone for a while to film some other stuff that was insane
@@skatechatham lol could you paste those videos?
@@skatechatham The run-in with the cartel boys on bikes in rural Bolivia is also up there. I genuinely feared for the life of Bald in that episode.
It's nice to see a channel so popular that doesn't sell any products, doesn't push a political agenda, yet entertains and educates at the same time. You're the man, Ben. Keep showing the world from angles most will never see. You're inspiring millions and teaching us that no matter the language you speak, flag you fly, color of your skin, or country that you live in, we are all more alike than different. I never thought I'd have so much in common with someone literally on the other side of the planet
Good job brother
No adds. I am thankful.
Epic comment. Cheers!
@@ArbitraryFilmings I mean that is just a joke about a stereotype
I've been waiting for another Kyrgyz adventure. What a place! People who had next to nothing, gave you everything they had. Stranded in desolate nowhere, struggling to survive and yet they show more decency than you'll find in any major metropolis. Great stuff.
Can we trade some of our citizens for theirs? LOL Amazing people, some strange cultural traditions, but all genuine & real. I love these adventures. What they lack in wealth they more than make up for in courtesy & generosity.
@@athelwulfgalland if it’s up to potato head Joe, they’ll be here soon……….cheers comrade!
The follow up video where we enter the exclave can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/34XymEDY9Wc/видео.html
I genuinely don't believe content can get better than this. It's so raw and insightful to parts of the world 99.9% of us will never go. Shows the goodness of people the world over too and something a traditional TV show would never be able to deliver. Thank you Bald and Alynchik ❤️
Ben you single handedly opened my mind to the Soviet Union’s history, geography, peoples, languages, struggles, and successes. You have humanized and illuminated this densely clouded part of history and the world, and you have done a great service to these far flung republics and their people. I was taught literally nothing about the USSR and it’s impact, and it was the second largest power to have ever existed on this earth! What a educational travesty! Thanks bald!
Ofcourse western government will skip USSR in their educational system. I suppose that we all know why.
Who do you consider as first largest power in history?
In USA we only spoke about Russia being our ally in WWII. If I wanted to know more, like I do as an adult, I have to learn for myself. Thank you Bald!
@@PsyMOONze The USA is the most powerful “entity” when measured on most metrics to ever exist in human history. In terms of raw military, political, and technological power it was only the USA and the USSR who have been at such a stratospheric level. Superpower is the correct term for these two “empires” with probably only the old British empire being historically comparable.
I never learned about any of this in school or college either he enlightened me a lot about the history of the area!
@@erinhilliard9347 you never learned about the cold war?
Hey, it'd mean a lot if you ever wanted to travel to Northern Russia and meet the Nenet tribe. Our people are wonderful and although very hard to reach, they have beautiful traditions and culture. It'd mean a lot if you'd want to ever connect with my tribe. We're reindeer herders of Russia and a steady nomadic group. I think there's only 40,000 of us left, but it'd be a really cool idea if you venture into Russia again! :)
If you can suggest a way to contact them and arrange something I’d love to. My insta is @realbaldandbankrupt
You had him at “hard to reach”)
@@baldandbankrupt thank you so much! I sent a message! Hope to hear back and make this journey occur!
@@thenuclearmallard2703 My comment will be here when this happens to remember this moment.
Sounds really interesting!
I just can't believe how self confident Mr Bald is. He has so much energy and able to walk anywhere (in the world) and not appear afraid and make friends of foreigners so easy and quickly. People around the world are generally beautiful and it seems to be the powerful that turn us against each other. A complete contrast to myself who has no friends and only 3 family members to talk to. I haven't even left the house in months, I would to be more outgoing, the only time I could act like Bald is after taking stimulants like I did when a young man.
22:26
for some reason this sent shivers down my spine. The hospitality, this man seemingly has very little, but the spread he offers, incedible.
I agree, this generosity is very touching. The man even say «bring the best tea!».
true that. 😘✨✨✨✨
A camera always help
agree amazing hospitality
very humbling to watch. Amazing.
can't believe you lived to tell the tale after that ending, shit man glad youre both okay 🙌🏻
Became worried during parts of this video that Bald and Alina would feature on a future MrBallen video!
yeah holy shit, i read your comment before getting to that part and thought, yeah getting stuck in a snow sucks but there are people around it's not a big deal.... and then that outro hit
since we know they are ok, hopefully they paid for the extra insurance on it :p
@@SpitfireLionheart exactly what I thought!
Im sure Alina was driver
22:34 Such a colourful feast to pull out of nowhere and with no prior notice... and the impromptu cookout at the end looked delicious too... Amazing hospitality in such an inhospitable place!
Glad you were both okay after your accident... those roads looked really treacherous... you were very fortunate.
Man I was thinking the same thing. That was a full on spread. If someone pulled up on me rn I would not be ready for that.
I've lived in Bishkek, and Uch-Kurgon in Batken oblast. Two completely different experiences. I actually preferred Uch-Kurgan for the fact of access to awesome hiking for day or 2 week journeys. I love Kyrgyzstan.
Greetings from Malaysia 🇲🇾, Bald! Love your videos so much. When my 22 year old brother, Kenneth, was diagnosed with terminal testicular cancer back in 2021, your videos always brought a cheer and smile on his face. I’m sure heaven (where he’s at right now) must surely feel like the glory days back in the Soviet Union! Keep making your wonderful videos - you’ve touched so many lives through your adventures! Cheers mate.
So sorry to hear about your brother 🙏 but very glad to hear he enjoyed Bald’s videos during his time
My condolences, may God bless you and keep you until you are reunited.
Been to Kyrgyzstan and lived in Uzbekistan for over a year. They were some of the most friendly and hospitable people I’ve ever met. Many of them spoke multiple languages due to the various borders they shared and governments they were under throughout history
What were you doing in Uzbekistan? Work or touring?
You mean the Russian government and... the Russian government?
00:52 LIAR you are clearly Ukranian!
22:44 Oh wow! Look at this beautiful spread that these folks put out for you, you being complete strangers to them. It warms my heart and amazes me the generosity you can find in people in other countries. Edit 41:46 Omg, the people never cease to amaze me! They pull you out of the snow, share delicious kabob and spirits with you. I'm just in awe over this, it's wonderful to see. Re-edit edit. Oh no! I'm sorry about your accident! But I'm so glad that you all are ok. That really was quite the adventure. 😊👍
When accident happened? After this video?
knowing the language is essential on a trip like this.
@@kipponi after credits
The novelty of good looking foreigners! Contrast how Bald was treated to the woman scavenging in the garbage for food.
yeah
For anyone searching for the song at 28:04. The name is Жаныш & Байыш "Бишкегимдин кыздары".
I think Bald was his most real, authentic self in this adventure, more so than in previous videos.
The two super adventurers, Alina and Mr. Bald are back on a fantastic adventure. Johnny is having a rest. Impressive to see the hospitality of the locals in presenting all the food. It is a typical hospitality from my Russian upbringing.
Thankfully Johnny is taking some time out.
Is she the women from Belarus ?
Did you ever heard of Shiey? His adventures are absolute stunning
That was an incredible journey Ben! The generosity of people in these places never cease to amaze me. They have hardly anything yet they are willing to invite you into their home for tea or to a BBQ on the side of the road.
Exactly what I thought. It was such a heartwarming moment
I suppose that hospitality was created out of necessity. Since everyone is at risk of facing hardship, you'll be better off helping everyone you meet so that you will also receive help in return.
@@yorkaturr As far as I know, it's genuine.
There's hospitality in the UK strictly related to doing business, making profits or exploiting someone. Totally different to being invited for tea in Kyrgyzstan.
@@yorkaturr Yea also shows humans are naturally cooperative
I love your sense of humor man! 15:40 had me cracking up how they just stood there and it just skips to you showing it anyway haha! Been watching a while now and what hooked me onto your channel is that im bald at 25, want to travel the world, and come from poverty. so basically I'm bald and bankrupt as well lol. I've learned SO MUCH from you over the hundreds of videos ive watched over time. Stay safe out there Ben and a warm hearted thank you to you.
bald at 25 lmfao,are you george costanza
I'm still dying at that bit
As a Kyrgyz person it was interesting to see things from your perspective. I really enjoyed the vlog and your interaction with locals, but it makes me sad to see my people living in terrible conditions. I hope you'll come back in summer and visit lake Sary Chelek and Arslanbob and share some spectacular views with your subscribers. And all of the people in the comment section don't be surprised with the hospitality of locals, its our national trait😊. Also Mr. Bald your channel is a true gem . P.s . Bride kidnapping is illegal and considered as a serious crime nowadays, even though it was widely practiced tradition back in the days.
Ghengis Khan probably introduced it to Central Asia
@@nikobellic570 It was practiced long before Chingis Khan
I saw a RUclips video where they did it... but they seemed to already be dating and engaged and it seemed to be a planned thing more for tradition. That's the vibe I got. It was a video that was a few years old from Vice.
im glad that it's illegal, although sadly it happens still in your country and some surrounding countries, as well as trafficking the women. its horrific.
You have a breathtaking and beautiful country!!!
As a complete space nerd I genuinely loved you showing us where Gagarin stayed and the rock dedicated to him. Fascinating stuff.
Absolutely!
this segment starts at 4:46 ~
Avatar checks out
Me too astronomy hobbiest.
Same, a nice touch!
Love your channel. No scenic overhead shots. No fluffy introductions. Just travelling and info. Love it. The people there are so friendly.
Kyrgyzstan has incredible scenery, the snow-capped mountains and empty roads looked breathtaking. And it's always incredible to see how people in this part of the world, living in remote locations are always hospitable and give without expecting anything in return. This kind of generosity is normal in deprived areas. What an adventure!
I wouldnt call that area deprived! Id say beautifully unspoiled and so are the people! 'Civilisation' only seems to bring greed hate and covetousness ....ld rather live with them than my spitefilled begrudging xtian neighbours
I'm just comparing the economic situation of their living conditions to countries like US, UK, etc... It's obviously not as well developed as the West. But the people are in a league of their own! A person from an industrial city in England, would never invite a stranger to their house for tea.
your skills on communicating and socializing is on another level...
The woman who was eating from the garbage is from an ethnic group calles Lyuli, central Asia gypsies. And according to Wikipedia there are just 500 in the country.
You are a chingon. Greetings from México City. Your videos are stunning
How do you know of these people? Ive always wanted to visit Mexico City. It looks massive.
Chingon!
the gypsies are the gypsies like all around the Globe
@@user-rf5ht8hj4w just with google. Gypsies kyrgyztan. You should come to Mexico City, if you want to know a chaotic but beautiful city, plenty of great food, friendly people but shitty police and some bad people. Modern, old and incredible architecture, and many slums.
@@pochentrismo also go if u want to lose your head
Thank for the herculean effort making this 44 min vlog. Alinchek is a valuable addition to your staff and soon in line for promotion to CEO. Her comic relief and fashionable style is a counterpoint to your own. As a long term fans we are excited for long videos that reflect your amusing and responsible journalistic style. Seeing your videos causes reflection upon the cold war and how in an instant these resourceful and warm peoples lives would have ended because of questionable political leadership on both sides. Every video you have made increases awareness about our responsibilities to each other.
I feel the same way. I dont know what country you are from but im in the US and am concerned about all the sabre rattling. One thing that the internet has illuminated is that people all over the world are pretty much the same and that we should not confuse them with the political objectives of governments. Tonight i will pray for peace, I have no grudge with Russia and no stomach for war.
@@silentone6411 Jesteś kretynem od urodzenia?
@@silentone6411
No, no, no, you got that wrong, it’s the USA who is rattling the sabres of war.
i think we just enjoy seeing a female on the channel :D
You sir are INCREDIBLE. Who needs a Netflix documentary when we have you. You who does a far better job than any network. You deserve all the praise!!
That would requite a film crew and changing his format and making travel much harder.. Be thankful what we have. Large networks would bring much more stress.
@@Killswitch1411I think you missunderstod his comment
Absolutely beautiful terrain in the countryside… could honestly sit and look at mountains like that all day.
Love that folks came to help get you all out of the snow AND got a tasty snack. Thankfully you all were okay and the roads didn’t beat you all up too much with the accident.
I don’t think I will ever get to visit that side of the world, so I’m living it vicariously through you, Bald. Thanks for the adventures and stay safe.
Well done, Ben! You proved once again that it’s the journey (i.e. adventurizing) that matters, not the destination.
Nice to see you and aline
You should explain to your viewers that in “Russian” sanitarium means health spa, not nuthouse as it does in English. Great video👍
That's what it means in english too. The "nuthouse" use is a euphemism.
@@PaulJakma Nuthouse is certainly not a correct or appropriate term for a mental hospital or mental health facility. As this channel is often times humorous and has many satirical elements I felt it was ok to flavor my comment with the term “nuthouse”.
However; I don’t recall the term “sanitarium” ever being used to describe a “health spa”, at least in the United States (maybe Kellogg used the term sanitarium?). Perhaps the term was used here as you suggest,, but in my memory it was very often used ( at least colloquially) to refer to a mental health facility. Thank you for your reply. 👍
@@mikesvacation english english is different from american english. here in europe the world traditionally describes a place were people can recover from long term illness, like tuberculosis. I thought this was the same in USA. the mental health connection might be more modern, because modern science found cures for those physical diseases , so only those mental patients remained
@@Blackadder75 I think it is very interesting and entertaining that we have different words for the same things such as soccer/football etc. I love learning all the different expressions and definitions of words used in the UK 🇬🇧.
Americans love Brittish people!! 👍👍👍
@@Blackadder75 It's the same in England too. A place for treatment of and convalescence from long term illness. Also called a Sanitorium.
Can't express how fascinating this is. My Grandad was a Rusophile and only wish he'd lived long enough that I could show him these videos, he would have loved them. You're doing important work, bringing these histories to the masses.
Where are you from ?
@@karoliskulvietis7761 My Grandad was a Czech Jew who fled to the UK. Spoke Russian + 6 other languages since he was a kid and ended up working with victims of Soviet psychiatry + Ukrainian children with severe learning disabilities, many of whom would come and live with him. So I grew up with a lot of crazy Russians/Russian speakers around the house.
You are totally wrong. This is gypsy settlement, not some stupid "soviet enclave." What is "soviet enclave?"
@@josefdomansky1884 Are you talking to me?
Yes yes, Russians are to be blamed for everything, but there are only lilies growing where American, British or Israeli armies brought freedom and peace...
Gives me a much better appreciation of people in this part of the world. They are lovely and so helpful and generous. Thanks for sharing.
I know Baldy & Bankrupt said that 2021 would be when he was calling it quits and doing something else with his life and not doing these videos anymore, but I do think that this would be a great career to have - being a travel journalist and I hope he reconsiders about quitting - or at least having it be a summer vacation type travel series. This video was a hell of a comeback. Not even CNN would give two shits about showing this place, so Bald is doing something genuinely important I feel even if he doesn't know it - if not for our entertainment watching a British man stumble around the USSR and do crazy things but also for the people that live in these places to get some worldwide exposure. His videos when he was doing India and Hindu territories, they all loved his vids and showing places that was part of their village and cities that nobody else would. Just something about his character, he has great charisma at engaging with people, and people are always so surprised when he speaks in their languages.
CNN giving any shit at all? You serious?
@@dvv18 What you mean?
I didn’t even know he was quitting, mind sharing the video where he explains it?
@@dostrazzz4647 It was in one of his videos from March or April - I forget which one. He was standing in a flea market when he said it. He also posted it often on his Instagram acct. in several photos. There was also a news article/blog post about it from a 3rd party as well.
he's not a travel journalist, well yes inadvertently that too, but his main reasoning fo travelling to such places is that he's a pickup artist. and a pretty good one as i hear
This is a prime example of "it's about the journey, not the Destination"
Great video🙏
I don't know why, but I'm also so surprised by how hospitable and welcoming everyone in these areas are. They invite you in or ask you to get a tea/drink with them. My perception of the old soviet areas is totally different now. Thank you for doing this.
the evil communism tales told by the west is done out of fear for this culture, a culture that brings capitalistic greed and selfishness to its knees.
@@notyourmomyousnowflake3533 ah yes... to live like a pauper and be dirt poor that’s the life comrade
Thank you. You should visit Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
A camera always help
@@heldermonteiro2718 a camera definitely not always helps man..
its soooo lovely seeing you randomly helping people out in need when you see and experience things...its amazing seeing the things you do and see that i probably never will and learning about other country's and cultures and kind of experiencing what you do in a way ...we need more people like you in the world keep up the good work mate love the videos i appreciate them take care stay safe 💙💛
Your journey does remind us that even in the far, remote corners of the rarely visited, there are still genuine, kind, friendly and helpful folks like these Kyrzgz and Uzbek folks ! Poor in wealth but richest at heart !
Ha, normally that's where you find the most genuine people, almost everywhere you go.
I'm genuinely envious of your ability to switch languages so seamlessly.
You can clearly tell that guy loves his wife so much, it's really endearing how he introduces her first and then explains what her name means. Then the look she gives him back.
This is by far the best travel channel on RUclips. B&B might be the best channel period. They both amaze me speaking so many languages. She was speaking Spanish.
What a fascinating trip this was. This was a refreshing take on the society where everyone seems so friendly. When you live in a city, you are with so many people and yet you are so alone here. We rather not talk to each other fearing that person may be there to harm you. In this video, it's the complete opposite. Although there are few people in-between, people are so connected to each other and share their interesting lives to strangers. Thank you for this amazing video.
I’ve watched almost all of your uploads, but this one has been my favourite so far. The country and mountains look beautiful and your adventure was exciting. Thank you for giving money to that woman at the bins, it brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad those guys helped you and I hope you’re ok after the crash. Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re an absolute legend!
That woman is a kinda Asian gypsy. They usually basket around everywhere asking for help. I remember there were a lot of them in south Siberia back in the 90-s.
This is Def the best so far !!
@@Shortticus God bless him.
@@abraham2174 you think that was staged? No way..
And to bald, thanks alot fit this grate content
Not staged at all...those Gypsies or Roma people are treated like dogs...its disgusting. They are human beings too. The ones here in lreland that get any chance at all to make a life make palaces of their homes and dress like princes and princesses...l chat to some of the women in my area, and after their intitial shock that l would talk to them (usually they are ignored or even chased away) they are lovely funny intelligent friendly people.
A nice 44 minutes long Bald and Bankrupt video is what I didn't know I really needed today.
Shit, I didn't even notice it was 44 minutes long! I thought it was 15 or 20 minutes!
I have seen you on Geoguessr Battle Royale
I won
@@charlieboy-dh1ns Yeah I used to play that a lot
@@TimeTraveIer_0 no wonder why you're the TimeTraveler
I Love how for as much trouble you guys had. There was always amazingly good and nice people there to help. Great video guys!!
man i hope you know how much you do for a lot of people. seeing this video in my sub feed made my whole day so much better. thanks to you, we get to explore the world. i like these kinds of places. i dont need fancy editing or anything. im just happy to be coming along.
so true
THIS is a return to the Bald & Bankrupt Soviet adventurizing that made me fall in love with Ben's style of exposing us all to... well, EVERYTHING! Thank you for continuing to explore the world for/with us!
The Originatorr!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I could feel the deep empathy you had for the mother digging through the bins for food. Almost had me in tears.
Taking dumps on abandoned buildings
Roma/Gypsy woman..
They are not poor in the way you understand. The Czech Republic once built a complex with the latest things very nice apartments for the Roma Senti gypsies, they're ethnically from Rajasthan in India, but most of them live strange lives on the street for whatever reason and in caravans and under bridges and in crime. That's not me exaggerating that's the truth fact. They will give birth to a bunch of children in order to have more of them begging. I was once driving somewhere in Europe I don't remember where and suddenly I'm getting off the highway ramp at a pretty high speed there's a little baby in the middle of the f****** road. So I break hard barely avoid running it over and the moment I stopped all of a sudden like Invaders in a Roman movie, I'm swarmed by maybe 50 of these Romani gypsies who demand I pay them otherwise they're not going to move to let me through. So me being an idiot I go to pay them, when right behind me some locals witness this, and this large Eastern European man starts swearing and yelling at them and they storm off dispersed like they had seen a vampire or something. It looked to me like the locals were more lenient with them then we would be in canada. If this happen in Canada that those parents would be in jail for child endangerment in hours
@@user-vw6bk4pb4l you don't clearly understand anything about gypsies. They train their children to live this way.
@@dt6822 doesnt mean it's easy
I am watching along with the world as events unfold in Ukraine. No longer just an obscure point on the globe, wholly the result of your taking us along and introducing us to Ukraine's proud and valiant people. Your travels and your curiosity have not been in vain. Stay safe my friend.
Bald has some set of balls navigating these mountain roads in the middle of winter. Another amazing adventure, thank you!
He should worry if the tires are as bald as his head (as most tires in russia are)
31:23 "oh you're in the Bin hello" ahahah
@@tB3o3tR9o9 haha, I saw that but it didn't register. Oddly, he cuts to the mouse mosaic but then goes back and gives her some money. He's pretty awesome.
One of your best episodes so far. I lived in Kyrgyzstan for a few years, and it’s definitely one of the best, but most difficult, places to adventurise!
The people and the hospitality they show you is so amazing. I think your adventures acrooss all countries are so important! Keep it up Ben and happy you both are safe and sound after the car crash! :)
Glad you're alright, Ben and Alina - looks like a nasty crash, glad to see you are ok. Can't wait to see the next adventure!
lol i spent the whole video in fear of an actual automobile collision after glancing at this comment. glad it was NOT A CRASH.
@@n_o_ Did you not see the end of the video?
@@Audioobscure see the end of the video, you goldfish brain lol
@@zk4929 He probably thought the crash op was talking about was them getting stuck in the snow. No need to call him names my guy, be kind. I thought the same thing too until seeing the very end.
@@Audioobscure yes, there was
Shohimardon is actually beautiful place especially in summer. Before it thrived as a touristic spot. Nearly all uzbek family in Fergana visited this marvelous place. I highly recommend you to visit in summer or spring, to see its full beauty. Please find the way anyhow. You can also check on youtube some videos taken by locals or visitors to be assured
my takeway, visit in summer )
When he said it, it sounded like "Show him my dong"
Literally being from Uzbekistan and still wondering how bald managed to get exclaves. You are such a content maker!ПРОЦВЕТАНИЕ!
Probably helps immensely that he can actually communicate effectively with the locals
@@Gameprojordan yeah
he didn't though. watch the vid.
@@MassDefibrillator i watched ,he was technically in the exclave... but still ,whenever I looked in Map I was wonder ,hell how people get food there and so on
@@ferchke3109 did you miss the roaming cows? the exclave has those too,
It’s a shame that a lot of people are going to be now finding your channel rather than seeing your videos for the past few years showing a completely different narrative compared to what we see in our local media regarding Eastern Europe. Stay strong Ukraine ❤️
A shame to be finding his channel only now? Nah, if anything, it’s actually great. Better late than never.
People will now get to see the reality - the everyday people, their lives, their towns, the art, etc. I’m sure most people who sought out his channel in the first place will undoubtedly go to his past videos to see the extensive exploration he’s done. Bald also has that charming personality that draws them in, so it’s only a good thing that people will find his channel, even amidst all this chaos between Russia and Ukraine.
I found this channel a while ago, but the war made me think "I wonder how that guy's doing?"
To say Siberia and the -Stan countries are ''Eastern Europe'' is like saying Mexico and Canada are neighbours.
I'm always blown away at the hospitality people provide. The couple at 22:00 had a whole table full of food set out before they even knew your names
From where I'm from. That certainly wouldn't happen.
Almost every rural village in 🇰🇬 treats visitors like that
I feel the same, always amazed by how welcoming people are in those villages. They were super nice to Benjamin and Alina.
amazing video! I don’t usually watch long videos yet I saw this one until the very end, felt like a movie. I’m glad you’re okay after the crash
its that fella
Well you've certainly gone up in my estimations...
Same haha
bald en méxico cuando
You dont have attention span of 44min? And you admit it? Why not work on it? Why be diagnosed with uselessness and get on with it?
It's good to know Alina and Benjamin you're ok. Too bad about the car. What a brilliant trip! It's just great to see how the people live there and help you, and what a food for guests. Many thanks!
This is still the best channel on youtube. Getting aware of places, that i never knew they even existed, while showing the kindness and hospitality of the native people. That scene with the barbecue in the snow alone is pure gold.
Never stop what your'e doing, bald. Its unique.
For sure. Like not a second of screen time is wasted.
nothing better than to grill during a cold winter in the warming sun
As a Hungarian I know these border issues from the past. During Soviet times, there were two types of border crossings in Hungary: international border crossings and border crossings for the citizens of the neighboring countries only. You actually ran into the second type when trying to enter the exclave.
Persipicace celui-là 😂
Beregszasz is still 70 to 80 percent hungarian many villages in Ukraine near both the hungarian and slovak border are hungarian there is a border city between Ukraine and Slovakia where both sides are hungarian. F%^kin trianon
@@hollywoodhh5646 ta čo ? najebaný si ? :D
As an Austrian I know this type of border issues from recent trips in EUdSSR. Hungary, Czechia and Slovenia closed most of the smaller boarder crossings for international traffic due to Coronaphobia.
Mr.Bald shows us places in the world we wont get to. I really like how he takes us on the road less travelled. Shows us abandoned factories and buildings. A true explorer.
he learned from the best
This guy is amazing, this is like an educational show as much as it is an adventure and entertaining.
For anyone wondering, Bald is with Johnny FD in Kiev right now. Johnny has been live-streaming pretty regularly with updates.
they might got drafted to fight Russian.
What is Johnny's channel name please?
You are the best brother, never change. I've been in the hospital over the last 2 years and your videos always give me something to look forward to. Best youtuber/adventurer alive man.
Get well my brother!
I like this guy, he travels to places off the holiday radar and appears to give a good personal unbiased view. Been watching him for a year or two, nice to see him back.
everyone has a bias even if it only comes from the scope of their knowledge
@@NostyFripples k
@@NostyFripples k
@@NostyFripples k
@@NostyFripples k
I travelled to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2019, mostly touristy places of course. Before I went, for many years, I was very interested in those exclaves and did many internet research regarding them. All the internet sources say "avoid them" , so I didn't even think about putting them on my list. Surprised and also very happy to see you take us to them. Although being former soviet countries, I can see the progress made by them. The behavior of the border guard in this film matches my experience with authorities in those two countries. They generally still follow the rules, and will give you a reasonable explanation (at least that is what happened to me). Small bribes can still help to make things easier (our local driver did that very occasionally), but they do not openly ask for that, which I think is a good step toward. Thanks for this again.
I hope your okay! Thoughts and prayers for everyone! Love and support from the U.K. 🇬🇧
Avoid this Soviet Exclave? Hell, you can't even get to it. What a great adventure. Glad you two are okay to live and film another day.
I've spent 48 hours binging these videos and was blessed with a new one. I'm way too late in finding this channel. This is so, so much better than other "travel channels", this is raw and educational as well. I love it so much! I imagine being on trips like this makes one feel truly alive. The kindness of these strangers nearly brings tears to my eyes every time. Sending love from Louisiana, USA. If you want a totally different type of adventure, visit some of the New Orleans ghettos! (no, don't actually unless well armed)
YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT I FOUND IN THIS ABANDONED BUILDING!!!
I ALMOST DIED IN RUSSIAS SKETCHIEST CITY!
24 HOURS IN A DEADLY TRAIN
never to late. welcome to the ride
When I first watched his videos I thought he was an asshole but then I got to know him and now I love him, the only engliahmen I'd shake hands with!
@@deprimat666 what do you have against English people? :D
@@JSBHP2017 they're English 😂😂😂
This is by far the most precarious video I've seen from you. Glad the two of you were able to make it out alright. It's the beautiful people in this video with their kindness, hospitality, and effort to help you without any hesitation, who give me hope for humanity.
...unless you have the wrong skin colour, then you're left to eat from the bins.
Es ist einfach unfassbar, wie schön und interessant deine Dokus sind! Mach's gut mein Lieber! Sei bravissimo, continua cosi'!
This one video alone is better than any travel documentary I've ever seen. You've come along way man, this is premium Bald n bankrupt material. What a life.
The banter between Alyna and Bald is always great. This is an epic video with some fun interactions with locals. What more can you ask for. All the best from eastern Canada
This was a great great great video. Honestly the positive people, the insight, the beautiful landscape, sadness and fun. This is when youtube is a million times better than any network TV show
I was only moaning there is nothing more to watch worth while. I'm on day 5 of quarantine, have no subscription services, spent almost everything while I was away catching mini-Rona anyway.
Very grateful.
@@dashingdave2665 Get well soon!
Man, you are my personal hero! Over 30 years ago I was hiking this area. South of Shahimardan there is a beautiful mountain lake Kurban-Khel which opens up the way into Pamir-Alay mountain system. If you ever go back, check it out! Thank you so much for bringing back these memories!
Nice to see Alina again. When I was in Kyrgyzstan about 15 years (or so) ago, I visited Osh and was able to fly there from Bishkek. Seems like a much easier way to go than by car in the middle of winter! There's a world of difference between Bishkek (northern Kyrgyzstan) and Osh (southern Kyrgyzstan), so if you travel to Kyrgyzstan you should be sure to travel to both places. The people seem very friendly. One of the taxi drivers in Osh invited us over to his homestead for tea to meet his family and see his small farm. The residential architecture in Osh seems more "compound oriented" with a walled property inside which are several buildings around the perimeter where different generations of the family live. Where I stayed, the middle courtyard was covered and shaded with grape vines (suspended overhead by wires around which the grape vines were trained) and there were several pomegranate trees. In general, the south is much more Muslim feeling where as Bishkek seems more Russian feeling.
Cool! Do you speak Russian or did you travel around using English?
Do you need to know Russian to visit Kyrgyzstan, or is English enough? Thanks.
How did you get plane tickets? Mosaic?
@@RobertowNL I traveled with a couple of friends, one who was a native Kirghiz who spoke Kirghiz, Russian and English (and Korean and Chinese (Putonghua)) and another American friend who spoke Russian and English. I had a little Russian in high school, but not enough to be considered "survival Russian". Most of that was buried under my survival Chinese, so usually my best "real time" Russian is a mix of Russian and Chinese words. It was best that I not even try! In Bishkek, you can usually find someone who speaks English (especially those people who look less than 30 yo).
@@SrinivashM29 Russian is recommended; but if just visiting Bishkek, you can usually find someone who speaks English. For more info see my reply to RobertNL above.
I love this evolution in your format. It’s great to see the research, history and B-roll. It feels much more polished than randomly walking about in hopes of finding interesting conversation with reluctant locals. There’s still a bit of that to keep things interesting, but the extra history about the region adds context. I hope to see more of these types of videos and more polish as you continue to evolve.
There is nothing wrong with how Bald done his videos before hand
Meh... I liked the old videos more. This video is still grade A content but we all have preferences I guess.
Let him do what he wants. I hate comments like yours.
@@melon7592 exactly. Some people are so square and boring. Imagine this guy at a party?
🍏 Eat your rotten apples 🍎