Kazakhstan - 2022

Day one in Almaty, after an all night flight and a morning dozey nap, we headed out on a perfect cultural immersion, the local produce market. This very significant market is known as the "Green Bazaar". While we had more colour splashed across the screen in some of our other photos, particularly the spices, this one stood out because of the beautiful faces.

When the ribs are that long and slim, you know you are in the horse meat section of the market.

One of the few buildings in Almaty from the "Tsarist" period. Built in the early twentieth century, entirely of wood, even using wooden fastenings instead of nails.

This beautiful mural decorated a pedestrian underpass beneath a busy intersection. Highly notable was the complete lack of graffiti.

We have been led to believe that Almaty is noted for its very large apples. Eating an apple is a two person job, here.

Possibly the Kolsay River? Anyway, we were driving to the Kolsay Lakes, and there was a bit of a spot on a bend where cars had parked, and it seemed like it might be interesting. And wow, there along the road was this rift through the land. So dramatically in contrast with the barren flatness that surrounded it.

So, we gestured to the lady who owned the yurt, could we eat. She understood our gesture, and responded with a long list of things that we had no idea about. We guess she was asking us what we wanted or what we ate. We just shrugged, and nodded, somehow knowing it would work out well. And we were blown away by this amazingly tasty stew of tender meat.

Inside our yurt. It was basic, but comfortable. Uncomplicated, but warm. A table for meals in the centre, with cushions. Mats for sleeping. That’s it. Drop toilet outside (and a little bit of a walk, thankfully).

After completing the 20-something kilometre walk, we treated ourselves to some drinks at this viewpoint over the lower lake.

The lady in the middle, self proclaimed babushka, was sitting on the step of the house when we pulled up. Jo went and began asking her about a yurt, but she just apologised multiple times and got her daughter to come out, who was not much better at English, but a lot better at gestures and guessing. We got there.

Home made "manty", a Kazakh equivalent to momos. I am not sure why I am looking so shifty...

I think we walked about 10 or 11 km from the lower Kolsay Lake (and then repeated it to get back). Mainly sunny, other than a half hour of rain and hail - well, that's mountain weather, I guess. Found a Kazakh couple who were going at a similar pace to us, so we passed them, and they then us, multiple times, and it was really nice to get to know them a bit (her English was pretty good). Anyway, the worst weather was when we we got close to the lake, so we sheltered and ate lunch for a bit, and in a short break got to enjoy the spectacular views.

The "handler" of this eagle seemed to show so much devotion and affection to his bird, it was touching. The bird responded to his voice, turning around and stepping out when requested. Yes, it was reasonably heavy - I could not hold that pose for too long.

We did read the spruces became submerged after an earthquake, but that is not confirmed, nor when. Below the waterline, the trees appear to be preserved in situ.

Looking down to Charyn Canyon from the rim. After parking, we walked a few kilometres along the top to various viewpoints and lookouts, taking in the "valley of the castles"

Looking up at the beautiful formations of Charyn Canyon. We pointed at rocks giving our interpretations. A face, a cat, a teddy bear. Actually, quite a few cats!