Two students on the bus told me it was too dangerous to stay near the bus station so their cousins , rough , shady looking characters kindly took me to a hotel accross the river . $100 per night. Much needed luxury, ( 2 nights).
Next morning went to the immigration police dept. to register my arrival in the country and the travel agent in a shopping mall to book train ticket to Almaty, the old capital in the south. Since it was overnight I took the most expensive 'lux' class.
Spent two days in Astana, a city of two halves divided by the river. I was staying in the smart side. Towering buildings and shopping malls, like Dubai except you can walk around. (Not that you would want to) Spotlessly clean and devoid of charm or character. Smart, well dressed people and expensive cars. I knew they had oil money but I did not expect this.
Booked a flight to Actau on the Caspian Sea in 15 days time.
Having seen enough of the shopping malls I waited in the hotel for my 5pm train.
Super smart modern train. Glad I chose the lux cabin. Small but two seats, two beds an d a bathroom with loo,sink and shower. Luckily did not have to share.
Woke to find snow capped mountains and lush green vegetation.
Next morning went to the immigration police dept. to register my arrival in the country and the travel agent in a shopping mall to book train ticket to Almaty, the old capital in the south. Since it was overnight I took the most expensive 'lux' class.
Spent two days in Astana, a city of two halves divided by the river. I was staying in the smart side. Towering buildings and shopping malls, like Dubai except you can walk around. (Not that you would want to) Spotlessly clean and devoid of charm or character. Smart, well dressed people and expensive cars. I knew they had oil money but I did not expect this.
Booked a flight to Actau on the Caspian Sea in 15 days time.
Having seen enough of the shopping malls I waited in the hotel for my 5pm train.
Super smart modern train. Glad I chose the lux cabin. Small but two seats, two beds an d a bathroom with loo,sink and shower. Luckily did not have to share.
Woke to find snow capped mountains and lush green vegetation.
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