Entering Kazakhstan

17 may 2012

Crossing the border to Kazakhstan

I entered Kazakhstan today at Korgas along with loads of woman carrying massive bundles of goods purchased in China - bikes, kettles, fencing and sinks!  The bus from the border at Korgas took us to a town in the middle of nowhere. There was no English spoken or recognisable signage. Kazaks speak a version of the Uighur language with similarities to Turkish and all written script is in Russian. So....... after a few hours I organised a car share to Almaty, a further 350km away.

So began THE most incredible four hour car ride at top speed through the open plains of Kazakhstan into the sun set. Our driver did this route every day - he sped along negotiating pot holes and police speed cameras, whilst singing Kazak ballads in the most wonderful voice. It was a fantastic introduction to the country.