Andrew Vik, 26 years old, moto traveller
About travelling to Kazakhstan
I travel the world on my motorcycle and exploring about the world. From the age of 13, I was passionate to go to Asia on a motorcycle. The documentary «Long Way Round» inspired me, I wanted to repeat the journey of the film's characters. The main country was Mongolia, but when I planned my route, I realized I would have to pass through Kazakhstan.
I came from Astrakhan to Aktobe and travelled all over Kazakhstan from Baikonur to Tashkent. I also managed to visit Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan was an unexpected discovery for me. I saw a wonderful contrast of life: on the one hand — wildlife, thousands of kilometres of the steppe, wild camels and small huts, and on the other — huge cities saturated with modern life, movement, ambitions. It feels incredible. For a man who lived all his life in the centre of Europe, the opportunity to get to the heart of Central Asia is wonderful.
On the way, my bike broke, and I had to go to Astana. Unexpectedly for me in Astana was my uncle who works at the embassy. He helped me with adaptation in the city and housing. I spent seven days in Astana. The city impressed me with its futuristic architecture, the atmosphere of the business capital and hospitable people. I walked through the most important sights: Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, Hazret Sultan mosque, EXPO exhibition.
About differences
The main differences between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic — food, nature and people. Throughout the journey, I was fed by the locals of the villages. I was able to try the plov, manty and beshbarmak. Personally, this food was too greasy for me. But it had a good energy value, which helped me on the road more than once. Nature was amazing. In Europe, you will not find a secluded corner of the ground, where no tourist has gone before.
The main difference is people. I have never seen such hospitality anywhere. When I was at the gas station, one man came up to me, wished a successful way and gave 6,000 tenges. When I ran out of gas, two guys stopped and gave me 5 litres of gas for free.
About plans
I live in Prague and have already bought a new motorcycle and can't wait to try it out on the road. My next target is Magadan, Siberia. I plan to visit Kazakhstan again but not as a green tourist, but as an experienced traveller of this country.
Lena Stolarova, 32 years old, actress
About travelling to Kazakhstan
I visited Kazakhstan because of a friend. She was getting married, and I was a bridesmaid. A friend was born and raised in Astana, in this city, she met her husband.
I managed to visit the Russian wedding, but among the guests were Kazakhs. It was surprising that in such a young and progressive city as Astana, many people do not know English. But. the problem of the language barrier was solved by boundless hospitality.
I stayed in the residential complex «Grand Alatau» my friend's mother lives and works there. Together with her we walked around the city, and she showed me the main attractions — Ferris wheel, I visited the capital's park with mosaic tiles and visited shopping centres. I was amazed and delighted with the architecture of the city, and everything seems new, progressive and dynamic.
As a child, I studied ballet at a Russian school and was curious to see ballet in Kazakhstan. I expected to see a traditional Russian school, but Astana surprised me again. It was a modern ballet with the implementation of new trends.
A special pleasure, for me, was visiting small shops and bazaars. Europe is dotted with hypermarkets, in which everything is ready-made: the bread is cut, the meat is already cut and pickled. And here the products are fresh, unspoiled. It has a special atmosphere.
About differences
During my stay in Kazakhstan, I did not notice any similarities between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, except for one case. Since I arrived on Christmas Eve, January 5th, I was celebrating with my friend's family. I was surprised by the atmosphere and attitude of people to the holiday. So much warmth and comfort, everyone is trying to spend time with family and friends.
About plans
I don't think I will come to Kazakhstan again. I am a person of Europe and not interested in Eastern countries. But I am grateful to my friend that she gave me a chance to get acquainted with a new culture and incredibly hospitable people.
Monica, 24 years old, hometown — Prague, student
About travelling to Kazakhstan
I flew to Kazakhstan in early may for 14 days. I study at the faculty of arts of the University of Brno. We arrived in a large group of 24 people.
During our trip, we were engaged in project activities, the essence of which was the knowledge of ourselves and self-identity in the world in the era of global warming and the plastic industry. Some of us were shooting video on the camera, and it was part of the therapy that we were preparing for the whole group. Our visit to Kazakhstan was not part of any international program, and we chose the country and went on a trip as part of the experiment.
Almost all the trip we spent in Almaty. The biggest surprise, for me, was people: there were many of them and all of the different nationalities. We met Chinese, Arabs, Russians and Kazakhs in the same company. We visited villages and were able to see people engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture and live in harmony with nature. The city is full of another life. Even between big cities, there is a huge difference. Astana is a more strict and modern city, reminiscent of a mixture of the financial centre of New York and the political orientation of Washington. And Almaty is a city of Eastern customs, where everything goes on, as usual, there is a tradition and a special atmosphere of the East.
Time in the wild was surprisingly safe. We had to spend the night in tents, arrange small picnics and halts during the way, and I never met poisonous snakes, spiders and other fauna representatives. The weather was unpredictable, now it is raining, a minute later a strong wind rises. This forced us to be in constant motion. The most beautiful and majestic place I visited was Charyn canyon. I was struck by the diversity of Kazakhstan's nature: majestic mountains, wild flat steppes and incredibly beautiful canyons.
About differences
Kazakhstan seemed to us an unusual country, which has a huge territory, but a small population, in comparison with the countries of Europe.
Kazakhstan is a country of contrasts. Here is a completely different life, in comparison with the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole. There are enormous differences between rural and urban life. On the one hand, the huge city of Almaty, on the other — wild steppe and primaeval nature. We seemed to be immersed in completely different worlds that are so close to each other.
The most important discovery in Kazakhstan, for me, was people. They are friendly and hospitable, always ready to help. The first day in Almaty we stayed in a private house with the help of Couchsurfing community. We were invited to a large family who lived outside the city. They helped us to stay in their garden, lit a fire and were kind to us. For me, it was an important moment of the journey.
We often walked through the streets of Almaty, admired the architecture of the Soviet period. I myself grew up in the area of grey five-storey buildings and know the attitude of people to such buildings.
The main difference between the Czech youth and Kazakhstan is the attitude to family life. In Kazakhstan, it is considered normal to have a family in 23-24 years. I like this attitude, and it is romantic and strengthens the relationship between parents and children. For European youth, the theme of the family is almost in the last place. No one is in a hurry, and everyone believes the ideal moment for marriage is 30 years or more.
About plans
I will return to Kazakhstan; this country has conquered me with its nature, people and unusual colour. I plan to learn Russian and come as an experienced and trained tourist. I want to visit as many cities as possible and stay longer in the provinces.
