Kalpaks and Cards

If you want to witness peak man-caving outdoors, then you’ll want to visit Alisher Navoi Park, in the town of Osh. Right by the Ak-Buura River, you’ll find a communal park decked out in ping pong, backgammon and billiard tables and occupied solely by old blokes in kalpaks (hats) hanging out and drinking chai. It’s here that I also happened to get a masterclass from one of the locals who smoked me in a game of chess and, later, playing cards.

Location:  Alisher Navoi Park, Osh, The Kyrgyz Republic