In wooden cottage at Borovoe

Imagine. Green reservoir with a beautiful lake and cliffs that surround the forest in the middle of the empty steppe...that's Borovoe. And there you are staying in the warm wooden cottage in early cold autumn in Northern Kazakhstan. The region is not far from Southern Siberia, so early autumn weather can be very chilling. And just before the dinner, you've been to traditional "banya" ("sauna"). And then it is the dinner time...
(September, 2008)

I appreciate Leila's family who organized this small trip for us.

In wooden cottage at Borovoe, originally uploaded by aibek_dunaev.

+++ Check my travel photo sets at

Photo of the Day: Astana (Kazakhstan)

DSC_0188, originally uploaded by aibek_dunaev.

Capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is a very fast growing city that reminds other oil-rich Arab cities like Dubai. Located in the middle of nowhere (vast steppes), it's like a jewel in the desert. Its skyline is decorated with modern glass-steel skyscrapers and residential modern flats and towers that show that both wealth and business exist in that city. Well, but this is only one face of Astana. It has its other face that is typical to most of the cities/towns in the region and Russia; old and gray face, panel blocks, outdoor bazaars, pollution, etc. Prior to becoming capital, it was named Celinograd. You can guess that it was more like an industrial town. While more wealthy people live in "new" Astana, there are still many people that live in this older part of the city.

Weather was already freezing in September, and they say winters are too cold here. It is located close to Southern Siberia. And strong winds due to smooth steppe around. I was also amazed bu the high cost of living there. Entertainment is also not cheap if you want to go to some of the top clubs/bars.

In overall, it left very good impressions on me. I wish we could have such a growing capital as well.

+++ Check my travel photo sets at

Videos of the Day: Feeding the squirrels

Renata and Yulia feeding the squirrels in Borovoe reservoir (Kazakhstan) while Alex is trying to take their videos and I am trying to tempt one...








+++ Check my travel photo sets at

Borovoe - Kazakhstan

DSC_0240, originally uploaded by aibek_dunaev.

Borovoe is a popular destination for the locals of Northern Kazakhstan, and particularly from the capital - Astana. This place, the reservoir, has many lakes surrounded by cliffs, mountains and forests. It is indeed "pearl of the steppe" as Kazakhs like to call it. We spent 1 full day there with overnight stay in a nice wooden cottage, interesting guided excursion around the reservoir, banya (russian bath) and lots of local food. And in a great company of funny and cool people. Thanks to Leila's family for organizing it for us. We had blast!
Photos here, story will come later.

+++ Check my travel photo sets at

Turkestan

(taken from the email of the friend)
Turkestan is one of the oldest towns in Central Asia, located on the South of Kazakhstan, once known as Yasy, the founding of which dates back to the 5th century. Yasy is closely associated with the name of Khodja Akhmed Yassawi, a famous Sufi poet, philosopher and preacher, who spent a greater part of his life there. Hodja Akhmed Yassawi Mausoleum became a place of worship for Muslim pilgrimages. Three visits to the Mausoleum were equaled to one pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. (I personally don't agree on the last statement. Such things are always claimed for various things, and nothing can be equaled to Hadj to Mecca.) Mausoleum is protected by the UNESCO as a historical monument of world significance. The Mausoleum withstood numerous earthquakes, gunfire, for centuries its construction has been undergoing severe desert climate.

360 degree panorama of the place is here.



+++ Check my travel photo sets at