Astana and the train to Shymkent

Woke up, ate the usual Kazakh cereal and packed my stuff ready for checkout. I tried to get to the bazaar but to no avail. It appears that the buses that go there either don’t exist or have the day off today. By the time I considered a quick taxi ride it was already the afternoon and I figured I would see something else.

Back at the hostel I finished my leftover pasta and grabbed the bus to the museum. It was only 700 tenge plus a 500 tenge charge for taking photos, which in theory is outrageous, but the charge was minimal so it didn’t matter.

Pretty cool look at the proud and extensive history of the Kazakhs, and the turbulent times they experienced. Couldn't help but notice the consistent mentioning of Nazerbayev in the modern times section of the museum, as well as the several portraits and many photographs of him. Note the life-size portrait below (it wasn't the only one).

Everything else was quite standard of what one can expect at a historical museum. Not all exhibitions had English translations so had to make do with Russian. Saw some cool artefacts from the old Kazakhstan days. The post Soviet transition exhibit as well as the days of the Khanate were probably my favourite sections.

Afterwards I caught the bus back to the hostel but not before stopping by green cafe for a last meal. Instead of the cheapie option I decided to opt for the shashlik which was priced more than the others at 1760 tenge (including compulsory tip). It wasn’t bad however it could’ve used some vegetables other than onion. The lamb was well cooked though.

It started raining so I sped back to the hostel where the hostess insisted she order me a cab. A 1000 tenge later I’m at the “old” station which true to its namesake was a bit of a soviet relic but nonetheless it was bustling with passengers awaiting their train.

I jump on the train, Platzkartny section, and there did it hit me that this is the “common man” train. Fantastic! Most people speaking Kazakh instead of Russian. Mostly older people and visibly more farmer than business man attire abound. I shifted over to my right quarters where I introduced myself to 3 Kazakhs who had just come back from working at a minesite from what I understood, except for one guy (Zhanat I think) who is a surveyor. They turned out to be devout Muslims so we discussed pork, alcohol and life in Kazakhstan in general. They were really interested about Poland and my personal life so I showed them various family photos as well as photos of Poland and Europe in general. They were very interested in the family photos. Goes to show that the way of life in Kazakhstan is quite traditional and family is revered and admired above all else.

Next: Shymkent and Turkistan