Hello everyone.
I will share with you today a little bit about one of the newest capitals on earth, Astana, Kazakhstan. It is far from Brazil. It is in Central Asia. And even though it is an enormous country (9th largest in the world), it is still not very much known since opening its doors to visitors recently. Before that, it was isolated and was part of the former Soviet Union. However, Astana is here to stay.
Until very recently, the people of Kazakhstan led a nomadic life. They lived in yurts, typical tents of Central Asia and depended on horses for everything. Hence the city is all decorated with huge statues of horses.
Tourism is not yet strong in the country. However, two new hotels have opened their doors to receive those who arrive in style: Ritz-Carlton and St-Regis. Stay at least 3 nights in town to experience this culture so different from our own. You will be surprised with the buildings of the central axis of the city, two kilometers along the Nurzhol Boulevard that runs from the President’s Palace to the shopping in the shape of yurta Khan Shatyr, passing by the Bayterek tower of 100 meters in height. You can also visit the palace in the shape of a pyramid of the Norman Foster, the History Museum of Kazakhstan and go to the circus, a tradition in the country. If you want to go further, I suggest visiting the former capital of Almaty, the Lake Kaindy formed by an earthquake and full of submerged trees, the canyon of Sharyn and the National Park of Kolsai Kolderi with its lakes.
I assure you that this trip will be a nice surprise. But, schedule your trip for the warmer months from June to September, since during winter it can get as low as -40 degrees celsius. It is freezing!
Other nice countries legal that you can combine with your Kazakhstan trip are Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
XoXo! A happy and productive week to us all!
