Oh bugger - I have to go to Kazakhstan with work. Has anyone been?

[Artichokes]

And if you have been what is it like? It is an interesting place to visit? Any tips on things to see or do?

Two weeks away from DD is going to be pretty hard so it would be nice to know that I am going to a place worth visiting.

what kind of work takes you to Kazaksthan? Sounds intriguing....

You need kewcucumber - she visited there when adopting her ds, iirc.

Or you could watch Borat

Watch that Borat film, it's where he's from. Lovely fellow, lovely place!

I think Eleusis might have been for work too.

I think Eleusis might have been for work too.

umm yes - know it well. Where are you going its quite a large place...

Oil or banking ie Aktau or Almaty?

SAdly Sacha Baron Cohen hasn't been - I think he thinks its in Eastern Europe.

I have watched Borat - that is why the title starts with "oh bugger"...

Oooh Kew - so you really know it well?

I am neither oil or banking. Its public service and I am spending a fortnight in Astana. I wish they had not moved the capital because Almaty looks a more interesting location. Also wikipedia says Astana is below freezing for 6 months a year.

Have you been??? Tell me you have and that contrary to appearances it is inspiring and fun and full of fascinating things to do.

Well whichever you land up in you will find that it caters for expats! If you are going for 2 weeks then take some vit pills as fresh fruit can be a luxury. And if you have a chocolate habit I would take some of that too.

Personally I find any country that is so different from my own worth visiting, even if it isn't exactly a tourist spot! Just wandering aorund the markets and shops is fascinating.

'Salright Artichokes, it's not real that film you know.

oh dear... AStana...

Well I haven't actually been there but the whole country is below freezing for about 4/5 months (6 is a tad of an exaggeration). The problem with Astana is that they built it right in the middle of the country to be equidistant and thereofre politically more acceptable. Problem is that means right in the middle of the steppes and there isn't anything higher than a molehill for about 2000 miles in any direction. I gather its a tad windy

Spent the whole of last winter there most in Ust Kamenogorsk at -20.

I have a freind who has just moved to AStana I'll see if I can get hold of her but she may not have internet connection yet.

Should be interesting - looks like Buck Rogers designed a capital city and plonked it in the midlde of no-where. How's your Russian?

Contrary to the slightly tongue in cheeck title I do agree that any totally differnt culture is fascinating to see and learn about. I am just a bit annoyed as I have known I was going to get a foreign assignment for a while but I thought I was going to get Cuba until today. I have a feeling there will be fewer beaches and cocktails in Astana.

lol - no you don;t ened to take chocalates or vitamin pills, you can buy pretty much what you want unless you have any mad desire for black pudding.

It's not a third world country! Perhaps second at worst in teh cities and bits are comparable to any city.

The women are exceptionally beautiful and generally very elegantly dressed. You will feel like a scruffy slob unless you are far more well turned out than me.

Have a look at the photo pages of my blog - our translator was representative of lots of Kazakh women. kaz

I met some lovely people - they are very hospitable - comes from their (mostly extinct) nomadic background

oops www.simplesite.com/journeytokaz

a little chillier too but loads of vodka and local beer is excellent.

When are you going?

No cocktails but there will be a dubious spirit (no idea exactly what, but there will be one!)

Get sensible footwear if you are going before end March.

snow queen vodka is Kazakh - some of their vodka is world class and very expensive here.

Thanks Kew. Have just been googling pictures of the Steppe. It is rather... flat. I shall have to take lots of Russian novels with me and imagine myself as some romantic heroine surviving great trials.

My Russian may need a little work.

Is it a friendly culture? What is the food like? Is it a very grey Soviet-esque country dominated by concrete? So many questions...

The trip is February. I am going to need a new coat aren't I?

Agree that it is not third world, but if you are staying in a hotel then fruit seems to be treated as a luxury item.

Sorry - lots of cross posts. Am going to have a nosey round Kew's blog.

I was going to suggest that you hold off until you get there as you can pick up some gorgeous fur coats and hats, but fur has a different connotation there. At least it is late enough in the season that you are should be able to get in and out by plane OK (which route will you be taking?).

Have you been LadyMuck? You sound very knowledgable.

I have no idea about flights and routes. I will ask our travel office.

Kwecucumber - what a fantastic blog/story. Trying to work out how on earth I missed this?! Am only up to week 2, but, still, what a girl!

Totally agree with LadyMuck's comments on the blog. Am engrossed. You are a brave and inspiring woman Kew.

(Have to say the blogis not filling me with enthusiasm for Kazakstan. Although I am liking the propensity for Kazaks to bring more drinks no matter what you actually ask them for).