Chapter 14: The Spirit of Bear Gate from Bear Metamorphoses

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They say no morning is truly good. On a hike, after yesterday's climbs, you feel that to the fullest. Muscles are stiff, the body craves rest, but ahead lies a new day and new summits. To shake off the stiffness, I performed my signature warm-up routine — a set of exercises from different systems, tailored personally for me. While the water boiled, I prepared breakfast: mixed muesli with powdered milk and protein powder, poured boiling water over it. Stretched properly, sat down to eat. By then, the porridge had settled, and the fatigue was completely gone. Washed it all down with sweet coffee — now I was ready for new feats. Sounds a bit pompous, but maintaining a battle-ready mood is necessary — a hunt might be on the agenda today.

Night Vision: How to Observe Animals in the Dark

Night is a special time in the wilderness. The world grows quiet, but it doesn't fall asleep: many animals are most active after dark. For a hiker or nature enthusiast, observing them is a unique opportunity. But there's one problem: the human eye isn't well adapted to nighttime conditions. To feel confident in the forest after sunset, you need to understand how your vision works and how to adjust it.

How Navruz is Celebrated in Tajikistan and Other Countries of the World

On March 21st each year, the world celebrates the spring equinox, which is a symbol of the beginning of spring and a new cycle of nature. This day has different names and traditions of celebration in different countries, and one of such countries is Tajikistan, where the holiday is called Navruz.

Jam Session and Painting Exhibition, Tapioka, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

It was a kind of unique mix of musical improvisation and the paintings of young female artists. A very interesting idea, well executed. Attending this event at the Tapioka coffee house, in the center of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was a very interesting experience. The atmosphere was one of creative chaos and spontaneity, with bright and original paintings by young artists placed all around, and fiery, exciting improvisations by the musical performers – in short, eclecticism in its purest form. Let's just say, this combination was particularly stirring, charging you with a unique kind of energy. It even made me a little sad that I can neither paint nor sing – insert sad smiley here...

Chapter 13: Return to Iskanderkul from Bear Metamorphoses

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To get back to my previous route, I needed to get to Iskanderkul. Early in the morning, I drove to the taxi stand where you can hire a car for trips north of the city. The difficulty was that I was alone, and drivers prefer a full car. Of course, I could buy out all the seats, but for long distances, that gets expensive. I could pay, but such behavior is unusual, so I decided to look for fellow travelers.

The Art of Tracking: How to Observe Wild Animals

Wanting to observe an animal in the wild is one thing, but simply following its tracks isn't enough. For forest dwellers, humans have always been the ultimate predator, so they are constantly on high alert: listening, sniffing the air, and assessing whether a threat is near. Their survival depends on their ability to hide. Our task, in turn, is to outsmart them using equally sophisticated methods.

The Benefits of Hiking in the Mountains for the Body and Mind

Hiking in the mountains is one of the most popular types of outdoor activities that not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature but also has a positive impact on the health of the body and mind. In this article, we will examine several beneficial aspects of mountain hiking for human health.

Exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann, Serena, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

In Dushanbe, from March 8 to April 8, a solo exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann is taking place at the Serena Hotel. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on the festive day of March 8. I decided not to miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of this remarkable artist and went to this event, especially since I was free at that time. Based on my visit to the exhibition and the opening ceremony, I put together a small photo review, which I am happy to share.

Chapter 12: One's Own Place from Bear Metamorphoses

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Five days had passed since Luka and I returned from the bog. Gradually, the putrid aftertaste of the Navka's energy faded away. The most surprising consequence of that event for me was that I didn't want to eat at all. At first, I chalked it up to nausea, but that passed. Luka went around chuckling, explaining nothing in advance. When I finally asked him directly, he deigned to explain.

Whose Tracks? How to Read Hidden Animal Signs

Tracking is a true art. It takes more than just looking at the ground — you need to understand animal behavior, decipher prints, and know where to look for each forest dweller. The tracker's golden rule: study the theory first, then head out.