Dec 11th Fri

Hostel room

Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world. The country has only one president, Nazarbayev since independence 18 years ago. Kazakhstan is ethnically and culturally diverse, in part due to mass deportations of many ethnic groups to the country during Stalin’s rule. There are more than 100 ethnic group in the country since the country is at the crossroad of Europe, Middle East and Asia. The country is rich with oil, gas and minerals. It is the top 5 countries in the world for oil reserves. It has 2 of the biggest oilfields in the world, Tengiz and Kashagan. The country also has a big gas reserve.

From Wikipedia,
” Kazakhstan has the second largest uranium, chromium, lead, and zinc reserves, the third largest manganese reserves, the fifth largest copper reserves, and ranks in the top ten for coal, iron, and gold. It is also an exporter of diamonds. Perhaps most significant for economic development, Kazakhstan also currently has the 11th largest proven reserves of both oil and natural gas.”

Kazakhstan is thought to be one of the original homes of the apple and the name Almaty means rich with apple.
Almaty is a city of around 1.5 million. It was the capital of Kazakhstan from 1929-1997 and most recently, the capital was moved to Astana because the President wanted the country to be closer to Russia. Almaty looks modern and I think it’s the most developed city in Central Asia.

Almaty is quite cold and the temperature was around -10C.

Took bus 120 (50 tenge) at Ablay street to Yalan Bazaar

at Balakolkha which is located outside the city center. Asked around for bus information to Urumqi and Yining.

Sleeper bus to Urumqi

There are many Chinese shops around the bazaar.
Had Chinese dumplings for breakfast.

There were many Chinese, Ugyurs and Kazaks traders at the market.

City Pics
Mosque

Zelyoni Bazaar meaning green market has fresh vegetables, dairy products, and meat.

Jhibek Jolu street, sort of like the shopping street of the city

Had coffee with Dariga at Medley Cafe and at night Aiganym invited me to Soho bar/restaurant. The place is for mostly expatriates and has live music.

Dinner at Kafahat, a food court which later I become a regular customer of the shop

Night view

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