On life
I arrived in Astana on March 28. I remember that day as it was when Georgians were allowed to travel to Europe in a visa-free regime.
The President and the Prime Minister told me to represent Georgia in Kazakhstan. It is worth noting that before I had no diplomatic experiences at all, except many government services such as being a member of the Parliament of Georgia, deputy chairman of the Parliament.
I’d never been to Kazakhstan or Central Asia before, yet had the opportunity to explore Astana via the Internet. I flew at night and settled in the Radisson hotel. Waking up in the morning, I looked out the window and saw people walking on the frozen Ishim. I thought it was just a dream! Astana is cold but people here are warm like Georgians. We’re hospitable and warm-welcoming like Kazakhstanis.
We have a lot in common with Kazakhstan. People's mentality is very similar. There is no language barrier as we speak Russian. I saw that our peoples treat each other with great respect. It inspires and helps maintain warm relations between countries.
On the city
Walking around the city, I was surprised at its construction. I was told that there had been nothing but the steppe and swamps on the left bank. To build so many things in a short time was really marvelous of the President, the government and all people engaged. You managed to build a new city keeping part of Tselinograd, Akmola. Now Astana is a rapidly developing city where you can enjoy life. Georgia is also close to this. It’s developing, new buildings are being constructed.
The infrastructure in Astana is convenient. The most important is that all the newly-erected buildings have parking lots. You can get in the car not going out. Architecture, buildings, especially night lighting is modern and beautiful. I advise people who have never been here to visit Astana and stop thinking that there’s cold steppe around only.
On purchases
In comparison with Georgia, restaurants, shops, products in Astana are more expensive. I do not buy anything here, some things for my children only. There’s a good choice of warm clothes that cannot be found in Georgia. It is better to go shopping when there are discounts. Prices in the US and Europe are lower than in Kazakhstan. But the choice here is big, you’ll find whatever you want, in case you have money.
On food
I’ve tried national Kazakh cuisine like baursaks and beshbarmak. I like a good restaurant Farhi serving delicious Kazakh cuisine. If we miss Georgian cuisine, we go to Georgian restaurants like Bagrationi and Tiflis. Of course, meals in Georgia are prepared in a different way, but these places are quite popular. The main thing for a restaurant is to have a Georgian cook. Also, there are many good different European, Italian restaurants. You cannot get bored in Astana.
Our wines and mineral water are popular in Kazakhstan. In December we had a charity fair for Christmas. There was a big line to our stand; all the wines we’d brought were sold out.
Coming to the Georgian pavilion opened during EXPO people were asking for wine and chacha. So we opened one more pavilion inside, made a stand with wine and chacha.
On education
My children studied here, but at the moment they are in Georgia. Now my wife and I are solving the issue of moving children to Astana, as there’re good international schools. We prefer schools in English, as in Georgia the youth speaks English better than Russian. We used to prefer Russian, but having gained the independence began to speak English. Russian is also important for us, our children will learn it. Also, I hope my children will learn Kazakh as well.
On entertainment
I like to walk in shopping malls. For example, the new MEGA is big, and the atmosphere is good, the cinemas are comfortable. I like Bayterek; if the weather’s nice, I walk along the boulevard. Everything is close and accessible.
I’ve noticed that karaoke is popular in Astana. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to visit them as I do not go to such places. We prefer cinemas, theaters, operas, and concerts, as well as other diplomats.
We often go to receptions, communicate. In Kazakhstan there are a lot of embassies and international organizations, therefore receptions in honor of National Days are regularly held. We successfully cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministries of Justice and Agricultural Affairs.
