Soviet Union still exists… in THIS country!
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- Опубліковано 19 лип 2024
- My parents always told me their stories from the Soviet Union and about their life during that era. Thew showed me many pictures and I've watched many Soviet movies... and when I arrived in Bishkek I felt like I jumped in time to the Soviet life that I've always heard of. Let's explore the capital of Kyrgyzstan, meet the locals, find out why they only speak Russian in a city and then go to the best Soviet Sanatoriun by a famous Issyk Kul lake and experience what a Soviet all-inclusive spa resort is like.
Time codes:
00:00 I took a bus from Kazakhstan to... Bishkek!
00:45 Let's find some Kyrgyz food. Not what I expected!
02:15 Am I back to the Soviet Union?!
03:22 Locals will take us around Bishkek
06:08 Nightlife in Bishkek
07:38 Heading to the best Soviet Sanatorium!
08:51 One day in Aurora Sanatorium
11:52 Exploring some Kyrgyz villages
📌elinabakunova.com/ - check out my Russian Speaking Club & other projects here!
📌 linktr.ee/ololoFamily
/ @ololochannel
While in Kyrgyzstan, I stayed at Ololo hostel, it’s a really nice place with a comfy co-working space and a friendly stuff. Check it out!
🔸What can you find on my channel?
👉🏻visiting different republics and regions of Russia
👉🏻Russian culture explained! (facts that you won't find on google) • RUSSIAN CULTURE EXPLAINED
👉🏻traveling elsewhere & my impressions of other countries as a Russian
📍 More videos:
• First impressions of K... - First impressions of KAZAKHSTAN : Earthquake, Soviet sauna and sincere talks with locals
• First Impressions of M... - First Impressions of MONGOLIA : From Soviet Era to Nomadic Life
• I discovered Soviet he... - I discovered Soviet heritage... in Hanoi, Vietnam
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📸 elibakunova?igs... - more content about Russia, traveling, and my daily life
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#kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #kyrgystan #kyrgyzcha #bishkek #bishkeklife #bishkekkyrgyzstan #sovietunion #soviet #sovietrepublic #sovietera #ussr
Thank you for watching the video! Let me know what former USSR countries you would like to visit or the most interested and curious about ;)
📌Also, check out my Russian Speaking Club & other projects here! elinabakunova.com/
beautiful!
Your videos make me cry and laugh and love.
God is good.
@@ElifromRussia hi Eli in 2017 we visited Georgia and it’s autonomous republic “Adjara”, Azerbaijan and its autonomous republic Nakhchivan and Armenia, and recently we
spent two weeks in Uzbekistan and also visited its autonomous republic Karakalpakstan …. we found russians speakers in all these countries and many russian architecture still well conserved ! for the future other formers soviet republics are in our bucket list, mostly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajkistan !
congratulations for your amazing and interesting videos,
Luiz and Sandra
Thank you for taking us with you it’s great learning about other places and people!😁🙏
All the former Soviet countries.....
All of them! Except Ukraine. I dont think I would be welcome 😢 I love Russia too much ❤
I find that cluster of countries rather fascinating, especially since almost no one speaks of them. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan--all intriguing & not much discussed.
The stans are great countries. All ex Soviet states not invested in hatred of their Soviet past (hatred sponsored by US/EU) are doing great. A country can always make new friends while keeping it's old ones.
@@muyambiantonio4540 I don't think most folks here in the US know enough about the Stans to know they used to be part of the USSR. And we don't hate them. Thanks to Eli we now have a good impression about them.
You know how difficult the life and travel in Tajikistan is?
@@olddirtbiker5088I knew that they were part of the U.S.S.R., along with Armenia & Azerbaijan & a host of other countries I don't wanna type out. I just find especially Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan intriguing because those 2 almost NEVER get mentioned at all. Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan even get discussed slightly more than the other 2. Kazakhstan doesn't get talked about much either, but it gets more publicity than any of the first 4. China uses all the ex-Soviet "nations" as a sort of Black Market Silk Road which ends with Ukraine for human trafficking.
@@norm1124Yes, I do.
"Patriotism isn't about waving a flag, but about being a kind of man that the place you live would be proud of" great words!
Such a talented filmmaker, Eli !! Love your videos 🩵
Yes! The best travelogues show us the spiritual geography, the geography of character and value and moral development. We become more than just spectators craving novelty. We are drawn back ino the human race and its struggle, as participants and celebrants! Thank you, Eli!
Leninist internationalism -- between nations -- implies the existence of nations and nationalism, but it is nationalism of a benign sort. Instead of tearing others down to build ourselves up, we show respect for others and thus come to respect ourselves and our own achievements. Real patriotism is based on respect! on love! Not love for self, exclusively, but love for life!
@@r.w.emersonii3501 Ooooh, got to love the benign nationalism that persecuted, killed and jailed people, just for speaking or teaching Lithuanian
@@martynasrackauskas3158 When I hear this phrase "just for", I have learned to become suspicious. Are you sure these "Lithuanian nationalists" were not trying to overthrow the government, like the Bandera "nationalists" in Ukraine?
@martynasrackauskas3158 you are soon brainwashed. I've been in Lithuania in USSR times. All street names and everything else were in Lithuanian and duplicated below by Russian. Much more Lithuanian schools than Russian. People in the streets spoke more often Lithuanian. Unfortunately later in 80s Lithuanian nationalism was instigated more and more. That one was absolutely rabid destructive nationalism. Hatred to all nonLithuanins was promoted. And not only to Russians (BTW closets genetic relatives to Lithuanians), but to Central Asians and people from Caucasis, that look different than Balts. Exactly that nationalism was disgusting
Another top class video, the sanatorium was very unexpected and have real Soviet vibe. Thank you for the video.
Thanks a lot!
Russians need to KNOW they have lost 530k men in Ukraine.
It is not returning to the past: It is returning to the future!
@@pkrakras3561 Russians know that war is an immense unfathomable tragedy. That is why they strive to avoid it. And when their enemies leave them with no choice and they are forced to intervene to save lives, they try to minimize the harm to civilians and maximize the damage to the factors that support and prolong the war.
We are supposed to believe that war involves only two parties. We are not supposed to notice the third party that foments the war and profits from the carnage and spreads the lies that keep the war going. But Russians do see this third party, and I hope that more Ukrainians will see it too. And when everybody sees it, the war will end, because nobody wants to die for nothing.
@@pkrakras3561 Where did you get this number? I found out that Ukraine has lost 100's of thousands of men, much more than Russian losses, but any number is too high. The beautiful Ukrainian people are being tricked into hating their fellow Slav neighbors by Western elements that want to defeat Russia, but that will never happen. Russians are very proud people and they can see the manipulation.
This is the first vlog on Kyrgyzstan I have seen where Kyrgyz people get to speak for themselves. Very educational and quite entertaining. Thank you.
Keep up the good work.
Soviet education was top tier and gave really wide knowledge about the World. And its remnants are still strong even in remote and not rich countries of former USSR.
Like in US in 10 grade math class they teach formulas and equations taught in 3-4 grades of Russian school
Kyrgyzstan is an amazing country with nice people. You can enjoy the Soviet style and Modern style construction and building there. On top of that, the nature is fabulous and incredibly fascinating. The cities are clean and especially Bishkek is a green city.
And communist.... No
@@Arthurian. They are Marxist Muslim, not corrupted by Americanized Liberal ideology. 🤔🤔🤔
@@Arthurian.the only communist here is its architectural legacy. But you wouldn't get it anyway
@@Arthurian.Technically post-Soviet
@@RostamBahadur Communist isn't solely Soviet.
My mother in law went to a sanitorium in Crimea, had hot mud treatments and a similar experience as Aurora. And, she taught school in Kyrgyzstan early in her career as a Soviet teacher. Nice video!
"Patriotism is about being a kind of a man, that the place that you live in would be proud of."
Over time you say some remakable things already but this - with your permission - I would like to spread.
It needs to. I'm impressed and thankful - at the age of 70. Nice to see the likes of you grow up.
Totally agree!
100%
There is no doubt...; Eli is WISE beyond Her Years!
Eli, in many decades..., when You're a Babushka,
You won't have to argue and jostle for quicker places in line at the spa...,
You'll just give the younger Women... "that look".
You'll be guided to the first place in line simply for that Mona Lisa smile.
Thank You for showing Us Kyrgizstan and the wonderful People there!
🙂
Rick Bonner Pennsyltuck
Greetings Wlbraun, I to am 70 years old, and the quote you cited, is also the one I felt was so very profound. The greatest Wisdom is so often simple truth. I am grateful to Eli, who takes us places, we by ourselves could have never gotten around to going. Thank you Eli, it is a privilege and joy to travel with you, so nice of you to bring us along. Cheers..
I am 29 year old man and I also agree. But I am afraid it's less of us than more. But I hope I am wrong.
The big problem with eating chalk is since the Calcium in it is an alkali. It neutralizes your stomach acid. Making it hard to digest your food. You might want to take it at night along with a magnesium supplement and you will get the best nights sleep you ever had.
@robertfritchey - Pro Kyrgyz tip; No drinking Bozo while having Paraffin treatment, one could pick up the wrong bottle.
Your work is wonderful. Thank you, Eli. Your personality is amazing and good.
Excellent subject about this hotel! Those children are so happy and beautiful! ❤❤❤ you always do such a wonderful job. I love to learn and see those countries with your original perspective.
One child, two children.
Love to Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 from Venezuela 🇻🇪
You have been to Kyrgyzstan?
Que hay pana
please tell me about Venez
Hola como esta la situación en venezuela?
@@briantafolla256 muy mala
Loved this video so much! I’m an American who just spent the past 9 months living in Bishkek and this brought back so many beautiful memories 🥹 Спасибо огромное!!
Thank you so much, Eli. I just want to say as a passionate Buddhist, I truly value your love of life and how you truly present Russia and its people to the world. I have gained a better understanding of your beautiful country and I'm grateful that you are determined to show the world it's beauty. Thank you my friend. Cheers from Colorado!
Its near Russia, Kyrgystan Federation or Kirghizia, that country was together with Russia in ONE - Big Country - USSR. We still communicate with all 15 republics - CIS - Commonwealth of Independent States. Good luck, i like this video too. Very friendly people and natural beauty of the mountains. 😊
@@KovalevaNataliya I hope that many of these 15 republics will come together in a new union -- the SCO or the BRICs perhaps -- leaving out the states that have been fatally poisoned with toxic nationalism and delusions of ethnic supremacy.
In 1991, a referendum was held on whether the Soviet Union should dissolve. In every republic, 75% or more opposed dissolution. Sadly, the will of the people was drowned out by the will of the nationalists and the will of "The West".
@r.w.emersonii3501
The states that were still in the Soviet union strongly voted for it to remain, but the states that had already wanted to leave, had left most unanimously and notably, the Baltic states.
@@TheSssalas Говоря о балтийский странах они всегда будут под чьим-то контролем, потому что сами очень малы и по территории и по населению. Та же Рига переходила много раз в разные руки пока в 1710 не стала частью Российской Империи. Тогда Россия сделала Прибалтийский край индустриальным центром, строила железные дороги. Стоило им выйти из СССР и их подмял ЕС, теперь они придаток ЕС, дешёвая рабочая сила. Балтийские страны уже 20 лет в ЕС, но до сих пор ездят на Российской колее железных дорог. Эти регионы в упадке, если говорить откровенно.
@@Mortablunt Thank you for that correction. What about Georgia? What about Ukraine?
A donkey named Mahmood, kids that learn English, know Russian and Kyrgyz -- and eat flavored chalk! What an amazing place! One of my favorite streams. Eli, you have a talent with many cultures and the best videos ever.
Yes, he was so cute as was the little boy. I hope no islamists take offense by the naming of the donkey after their prophet.
LOL. …you have a talent with many cultures…? What does that mean?
@@MaryJones-fs4wf Eli embeds well and is linguistically very adept!
Funny that I was notified about comments to this post even though my post has disappeared. I suppose that someone did not like that I found that the donkey named after the prophet was funny. Next I will be getting a fatwa at my door.
Mahmood is another form of Muhammad.
Epic 😅
The Kyrgyz kid is really cute! 🇰🇬 He likes his country and this is a beautiful country. "
I always overlooked this country when I look at former Soviet republics but fortunately thanks for this video peaks my interest, I’m kind of surprised I would’ve thought Kazakhstan was gonna be more Soviet
It was so heartwarming for me to watch this video. I have been in Kyrgyzstan 2 times and I feel I left a piece of my heart in that country. The nature is beautiful and the people are very kind. Whenever I feel down my first thought is, that I should have settled in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan looks very interesting country, i ll wait for follow up videos :)
The chatty kid was pleasure to watch :)
Beautiful. I didn't know anything about Kyrgyzstan. Now I do! I need to emphasize how delightful it is to see the cleanliness and no cell phones. Those kids look truly happy.
Everyone has cellphones
@@deadstarlondon I am sure they do. I meant playing outside. But, are they staring at their cellphone all day, walking outside while looking at it, driving and looking at it. Working from home and on social media all day? If so, pardon my ignorance.
Hi, I really waited a new vlogg from you, to see once again your inspired filming and your warm voice! Thank you, Eli, Kyrgystan looks great in your presentation!
Thanks Eli for taking us "me" along with the ride. This is another example of your many educational vlog and keep it that way. Based on your vlog, Kyrgyzstan's people are a mixed of different ethnicity but what fascinates me is to see people looking like Chinese, Japanese, Mongolians and Koreans. Looking at the people, it is telling that people moved from one place to another and some stayed and some left. Along with the beautiful people, it's surroundings and landscape is amazing. Stay safe and hope to see more of Kyrgyzstan.
Really cool travel. Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
I absolutely love these videos! I wait all the time for the next one.
Kyrgyzstan is such an amazing country and people there just love their life, country and families - now why can’t we all just live our lives like this. Thanks for this amazing look at such another wonderful country Eli x
Brava e bella Eli :) posto meraviglioso il Kyrgyzstan, voglio andare al sanatorio sovietico! Grazie per il lavoro che fai, questa è cultura.
I was briefly in Kyrgyzstan for a few days several years ago, and I quickly noticed all the old Soviet symbols and architecture like you did. I remember seeing hammers and Sickles and red stars on the guard shacks outside the Manas airport, and I even saw guards with what appeared to be old soviet military uniforms. It was so cool! I'm glad to be able to see it all again right here, thank you!
Thank you so much, Eli, for your ever improving videos. This one is super. You showed us so many very interesting places and people. We truly enjoy and appreciate your effort.
Amazing country and another top quality video. Thanks a lot, keep going 👏👍
Today is in Bishkek, and tomorrow you will be in another place in this beautiful world!!🤩
Yep! :)
@@ElifromRussiaHabibi, come to Uzbekistan)
Excellent, as always. Thank you!
👍
Dear Eli, thank you cordially for what you do❤you're the gem ❤ благодарю от всего сердца❤
This is awesome, I can't have enough of this.
Great episode Eli. Thanks for sharing!!!
Elina what a fantastic and fun video. I so much enjoyed it. Beautiful Sovjet sanatorium. Beautiful Kyrgyzystan.
I LOVE your videos, the emotions you capture, the fragment of life you share. This one is one of my top favorites ❤❤
Kyrgyzstan became my 3rd home this year I'll be there the 3rd time in a row. I love Kyrgyz language, people, nature and that you finally made it there, amazing Eli! ❤🇰🇬
Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you Eli! Your videos always make me happy!
I'm so glad!
Russians need to KNOW they have lost 530k men in Ukraine war.
@@pkrakras3561 Thank you for counting. Keep up the good work. 💪
@@pkrakras3561 Ukrainians need to know that Russians have no choice but to resist NATO aggression, the Bandera cult, the war of terror against the Donbass people, and the regression into Hitlerism. Russia and Ukraine were at peace from 1991 to 2014, and had it not been for the U.S. regime-change operation on 22 Feb 2014, would still be at peace today. Was it worth it? -- this capitulation to "The West"? What did Ukrainians gain from this violent coup?
Always interesting, insightful, respectful, showing people new things and affirming the humanity of all peoples. Thank You, Eli. F. J. from Northern California, USA.
Fascinating video. Beautiful and Strong country and people. I love learning and seeing this living Soviet culture. 🤍💙❤
Beautiful country, beautiful people, beautiful host Eli. Thank you for another informative adventure! Can't wait for the next one.❤
Eli is the best traveler !
So wonderful, Eli!! Such a cool place, the retreat, people are totally going to enjoy that unique experience ❤
Eli - you are such an excellent teacher - thank you for the education!
THANK YOU ELI FOR SHOWING US ALL THESE PLACES
Please tell us that this video was delayed. I hate to think of snow in July!
My favorite quote: "You need to be very strict with these Babushkas!"
This was in March, guessing by mentioned Ramadan. Four seasons in Kyrgyzstan are mostly on time.
Thank you Eli that you take me to this Place😘
Very much enjoyed this episode Eli.
Thank you.
Cheers.
This was enjoyable Elina. Keep up the good wirk
Very beautiful architecture. Lovely people. Thanks, Eli. ❤
Thanks for another interesting video and country Eli. What you showed was beautiful. I think kids are the same everywhere, mercifully. You and your participants stay well and keep safe. John Lampe, sunny Perth( Winter now), Western Australia.
This video is so good, and is so professional, that it should be shown on The Travel Channel, here in the USA.
How fascinating to see your day at the sanitarium.
Eli, wherever you go to visit, you take us with you and show your perspectives, and it is this that keeps me interested. Love from Canada.
I'm heading to Kyrgyzstan in 3 weeks! Beyond excited to see the country and explore. Thank you so much for your video! It's incredibly helpful and interesting as I prepare for my trip!
😂😂😂 Another great, warm and lovely video.
Wow Eli! Another beautiful Russian experience, the Sanitorium was amazing and its lovely to think that the Soviet union still exists as a day Spa! Thankyou for taking us to meet you amazing friend too!
russian experience🤮? Its a totally different country
Interesting content. Keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, WR4K.
The spa seemed like a fun side trip. I've never given Kyrgyzstan too much thought, but you've just put it on my list of places to visit one day. Seems like a chill place.
I constantly look forward to your videos, Eli. I always know more after each one. Great work and hello from Calgary. 🌷
Wow, a great video indeed. I really miss Bishkek! My visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, was indeed a fascinating experience. Locals are incredibly hospitable, with a keen sense of pride in their history and traditions. My trip to Bishkek as a tourist was both enlightening and enjoyable. The city's combination of culture, history, and natural beauty provides a unique travel experience that I would highly recommend. Oh by the way it's a safe city as well, as I strolled alone at night without any threat of harm. Unfortunately, I never knew about this Aurora Sanatoria before my trip 😊, its such an amazing place. Спасибо, что поделились этим!
Eli , don't ever stop your videos, without these , we would never experience the wonderful places , amazing people and interesting customs ....brilliant work...😊🥰🥰
cool spa ..еще раз ты говоришь правду
отличная работа awesome people❤
Beautiful country. One of my favorite bands is from Bishkek, Darkestrah.
Such a brilliant video, entertaining and informative. I loved every minute of it.
Greetings from Portugal ❤
Thank you very much Eli for this beautiful video about this amazing country whose beauty is undeniable! Obviously there are many similarities with the former Soviet Union and this, I suppose, particularly from the architectural point of view. The sanatorium is located in a wonderful place.🌻🍀🌻🍀🌻
Love the sanatorium:- looks great from a health perspective and fun, plus is also now a unique experience of history.
Great video!! i love these video that explore other countries like this.
In Kyrgyzstan there is a sort of a tradition of Book Reading so it's not uncommon to see children there with their heads in the books instead of the phones. There is also a tradition of "Bride Kidnapping" though most of the time it's all arranged. AND Kyrgyzstan participates in the Hungarian Kurultai every Year in August haha (Y) :)
Hungary until a few generations ago had arranged bride kidnapping, but only after an old lady examined the potential bride to make sure she was actually a virgin.
@@jackieow Well in Hungary there are a few occasions of Bride Kidnapping but it's all arranged and of course not everyone does it haha
Location of the sanitorium as seen from drone is breath-taking! What a great healthy day there! As one who grew up in 50's, 60's I can say that some attitudes you label as Soviet are just signs of those times. Having Russian be considered intellectual & native language belonging to peasants is very similar to USA where speaking "correct" English was always better than the local version. Ideas were more rigid in those days. But I'm glad to see the Soviet art & statues. It's a history to be proud of, I think. Thanks for the trip!
I hope to visit Kyrgyzstan some day. I live in the USA... but I am originally from Turkiye
I hope you will show more of Kyrgyzstan, i love it. Ten years ago i was there, i loved everything... especially the people and the mountains. I stayed in the yurts(ger) with herding families in different jailoo's(summer pastures)... most of them are semi nomads now and all have skills to share. I learned to make traditional shirdak carpets. And i rode on horseback to 3700 m altidude, while not having any prior experiece on horseback. Loved every minute there.... and the people are so pure and friendly, no one has a double agenda like in the west !! Greetings from The Netherlands
That sounds like a wonderful life experience!
I was worried because you didn't posted any video for four weeks
Nice to see you once again 😊
By the way I would like to visit Russia someday
Lots of Love from India🇮🇳
Спасибо за этот клип. В августе буду в гостях у друзей в Москве и Нефтекамске. Подходящее ли время года для посещения санатория «Аврора» из Уфы через Алмыты ? Мне нравится твой контент очень и международное понимание. Привет из Германии
С наилучшими пожеланиями и из Восточной Германии!😊🙂
@@Jesiana_now_beyond_Berezina Привет из Восточного Берлина, когда Prenzlauer Berg еще был настоящим сердцем Берлина (30 лет назад)
@@DMSL101DMЯ до сих пор это хорошо помню, хоть и была еще совсем маленькой!🙂
Hahaha Your Babushka fight really cracked me up.... Did you agree that it was so cute and funny the way Eli said it?
I really laughed so much and replayed it.
How did you feel after the full day of treatment???
I think it is pampering really....
Once again Eli did it, great content with unique style. Eli was voted as best Russian video content maker by so many local and international personalities.
Privet Eli, thanks for sharing this video and showing those lovely places!
Nice architecture and great landscapes.
Another fantastic insight into your part of the world, already looking forward to the next installment!
Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries I considered going to when I fantasized about joining the Peace Corp. I'm originally from Colorado with a fascination for central Asia, so Kyrgyzstan got points for being mostly mountains.
Eli you are absolutely amazing. Bless Russia and your great people.🌹
bless russian people sure, but screw the Russian state, they lost their blessings when they decided to bring war back to our lands
What an amazing place Eli! We want to go there now! Thank you.
Thanks Eli for another excellent video. Love all your videos, the information you bring to us and open our eyes to new culture, people and places. Keep up the good work and stay safe
Greetings from Turkey
I'm from NYC but I've always liked Russian architecture. I'm a photographer and I want to visit Russia some day to take photos and explore it's many beautiful cities. It's so big that I would probably need multiple trips to see all the places.
Eli your videos are wonderful, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us, best wishes for peace and happiness!
Eli!!! Thank you for a great Saturday gift!! Love from the USA!
My dream is to visit all of the ex soviet states, especially the Stans. Greetings from a VERY cold and windy Argentina!
I love kyrgyzstan 💙 It is one of the most beautiful country I visited.
You're so right, everywhere you go in the world, you learn everyone is really the same, we all want a happy easy life and a family that loves us
I watched from beginning to end. I enjoyed the learning about the past. The people were on cool.
The sentorium or ship was eye opening.
May you continue to educate and show US the beautiful places n people🎉
Thank U
13:50, the account managers definition of Patriotism.
Leave it to Eli to immerse in the local culture and take us with her☺️ The interaction with the kids and Mahmud and then the kids was so cute, hopefully the camera recovered from it. ❤
That last bit 🥹 the kids were too cute and really enjoyed seeing the sanatorium experience. Kinda would love to go 😅
I'm surprise and just smiling when I see some ppl in this world still live like in the past but very happy despite their isolation from the world now they are very happy with their life and I feel the same too.. sadly there are also some ppl in this world that are suffering and starving to death sometimes I feel like I'm lucky and unfair that I can live, eat, sleep and laugh when other ppl are suffering.. love your videos keep enjoying this life it's beautiful❤
You have the best videos and the best cinematography
Always im happy to see you. Thoughts, ideas n explore so bright. Dont stop.
WEW. 7:07:2024. You bring so much joy to everyone Eli thank you. It is a wonderful thing being proud of your country, and to hear young ones sharing that sentiment is also wonderful. What an amazing destination. Wayne from Ballarat Victoria Australia.
Eli still found Cold Water to swim in --- Forever trying to be an Ice Cube -- :)
I immediately recognised the name Chingiz Aitmatov, from my 1967 English language copy of "Sputnik". The story was about his novel "Farewell, Gulsary", the legendary racehorse.