Dasvidania Almaty!!

Well I finished my stint in Almaty on the 1st August and headed home, so my time in Kazakhstan has come to an end. I must say that Almaty really is a beautiful city with a bit of a rough edge, frontier type feel to it - it is a pity that the country is so hard to get into. If any of you ever get the chance to visit it, do not hesitate.

I took some pix of Almaty as I flew out - gives you a great view of the city and mountains behind, and as a matter of interest, tt was 34 degrees celcius when I boarded the plane.

Big Almaty Lake Peak

A couple of the guys I work with, Justin and Adil (a local guy) climbed Big Almaty Lake Peak last weekend. I did not go with them, but after seeing the pics I wish I had. The view of Almaty looked fantastic!! As I leave here for good on August 1, I doubt that I will get that chance either. Anyhow, enjoy the pics!!

Friday Night at the Tinkoff

Went out on Friday night to farewell Graham, who has taken over managing the project from Peter. Graham was heading home for a few weeks break, and a few of us will not see him again as part of this project, we decided to go to the Tinkoff for a meal and a few drinks. It was a balmy evening and so we decided to sit ourselves up on the roof to take in the spectacular views of the mountains and watch the incredible light show that happens on a couple of the buildings. Was a good night out.

Trying to get a ride

Alex negotiating the fare during peak hour

In the rather small taxi

Graham, myself and Alex enjoying the beers and the view

"More piva please!!"

Graham having a good time

Hendra, our waitress and Christie

Alex, Justin, Elena and Hendra

The best pork shalicks in Almaty

More Pics From The Markets...

Lotsa beef

...and heaps of HORSE meat!

Smallgoods

Fruit & nuts

Prepared salads

Sauces, spices & seasoning

Heading Home

Turgen Falls

Farewell Dinner

As the project is coming to an end, a few of the consultants are being re-assigned. Natasha is the first - she is leaving the project to spend a month in the Mincom Moscow office and then onto another project in north-west Kazakhstan.

All of Mincom consultants gathered at Peter and Chris' apartment last night for a farewell dinner to her. The food the boys cooked was great - a roast with really nice gravy - mmmm! Was a really good night, albeit a little sad.

I am still here until the end of July at least, but am really looking forward to my next trip home. As nice as it is here in Almaty, I really am starting to miss home more and more.

The consultants

The 'Project Manager' and Natasha