I’m in Kazakhstan
“WHERE?!!” I hear you say? Yep, that was my exact reaction! So now it’s time for a Pinkelle Geography lesson! Kazakhstan was part of the ex-Soviet regime and when the Soviet Union broke up, it became a country of its own, rich with resources and wonderful culture. It’s flanked by China on one side, Russia on the other and Siberia right on top (I think!) which means crazily extreme temperatures with winters falling to -40 Celcius and summers hitting 35 Celcius. Thankfully we’re here in summer so it means lovely warm weather that even supersedes KL’s heat minus the humidity!
Kazakhstan’s got lots of mountains and the city I’m in, Almaty, is beautiful. It’s flanked by mountains all around and it’s no wonder that the mountain ski resorts are likened to Switzerland in winter. When we arrived, I was truly impressed by the infrastructure. They have huge 4-lane roads and lots of big cars (thanks to the oil money in recent years) which put KL drivers to shame. There’s only one word to describe them - organised chaos! There are lots of green parks around which make the place very pleasant. Some buildings look rather old and “Soviet-like” while some apartments are really new! It sometimes feel like a small city in Europe…very surreal!
Interesting observation: Somehow these ex-Communist countries always have very well-planned infrastructure and lovely parks! I wonder why!
Anyway, it’s late and we have another early morning meeting again so more coming up next on my trip to their local mall!
- The Faces of Kazakhstan
- Ah…A Mall!
- Dubai - Where Anything is Possible!
- Feed the Hungry
- My Associations
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7 Responses to “I’m in Kazakhstan”
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Hehe that was my reaction la…WHERE??? :p Come home soon PE, miss miss you! As for your ex-Communist countries’ observation, it cannot be more true! I guess they need all that space to sit and contemplate/reflect
PE says: Hmm…either that or that’s where they make them do national-style exercise regimes every morning!
What do “soviet-like” buildings resemble?
PE says: Grey and boring! Hehe…well they’re kinda square with minimal deco and almost always in grey or brown!
you are in Almighty Almaty! hehe… Bring home pressies soon!
PE says: Pressies delivered di!
Wow, you’re really jet-setting, PE! Any pics when you get back? And are the people more Chinesy or Russian?
PE says: Sorry about the pics again
But gorgeous people 
say hi to borat for me!
PE says: Didn’t see Borat! Much better looking guys around!
I’d do (almost) anything to get such a cool stamp on my passport — Kazakhstan! how many of us could say we’ve been there? hmmm… retirement holiday for me, maybe… lol!
PE says: LOL…hey, it’s actually more accessible and closer than you think!
Though probably not from Australia!
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