Adventures Of A Global Backpacker: Kazakhstan, Astana Sightseeing

It is already blistering hot as we leave our hotel at 11am for a walk around Astana. Under a clear blue sky even the occasionally breeze is warm and gives us no relief from the blazing sun. Along dry and dusty streets we find some comfort among trees that show signs of having been thirsty for a long time.

Our initial destination is Bayterek Tower and our route there basically retraces our taxi cab drive from the airport to our hotel. Although we now have time to smell the flowers along the way, what we did miss under last night’s darkness was the huge U.A.E embassy along the way.

Crossing an extended bridge we watch a river tour boat pass belong us and then descend a set of staircase. Our ears take us on a path towards music as we hike through one of the many parks around the city.

In the main square of the park there is a festival of sorts going on with children enjoying toy rides and bounce houses.

With laughter and happiness all around, we stand in front of a stage and spend a few minutes enjoying a free show of entertaining musicians, singers and dancers.

What would a festival be without ice cream? With a few vendors around I gladly depart with 200 KZT, about 0.60 US, for a sampling.

Exiting the park our destination is in sight. Although it is only 700 KZT for a visit to Bayterek Tower the entrance line although in the shade is too long for our comfort and we take a bypass for now.

Bayterek Tower

Not too far away there is an egg I am interested in and we head that way. As it turns out this huge gray egg shaped building is not accessible and we don't get to unscramble the mystery of what it is. Sacrebleu!

Lunch at a nearby food court in a mall is inexpensive and delicious although I sure could use another scoop or two of ice cream to top off my slice of cake that is drizzled with honey.

Recharged we continue our stroll around Astana while taking in a sometimes futuristic skyline before a brief stop at Nur Astana.

Nur Astana

Some more criss-crossing the city and we end up at Khan Shatyr another interesting structure around the city which from the distance looks like a big Hershey's Kiss.

Turns out that Khan Shatyr is a giant transparent tent that is a high-end mall with a small amusement park inside.