I was in
Almaty over the weekend, and my impression can be summed up in just one word: Lush. Not like
the fancy, perfumed soap shops and not so much like a person who drinks too much. Rather like fresh, juicy tomatoes, tree-lined streets and alleys, a ripe watermelon, thriving cafes, a busy metropolitan city stopping to stroll in the park, fountains spurting high into the air on a hot, dry day, and mountains looming over a verdant city. After a couple of weeks on the Steppe up in Astana, being in the old, historical and cultural capital of the country in the south was relished moment for moment.
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| Busy market in the city center with heaps of berries, melons, fruits, veggies, and meat |
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| The Central Mosque seats 300 |
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| Gorgeous tree-lined alleys throughout the city provided places to wander and linger |
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| Cathedral in Panfilov Park |
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| Portable library in the park (fun invention supported by a colleague at the US Consulate) |
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| University |
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| Trying to cool off from the 100 degree heat |
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| Zodiac fountain |
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| A cable car ride to the mountains |
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| Kok Tobe |
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| Almaty (population app. 1.4 million) |
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| A stop at the Beatles statue on Kok Tobe |
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| Mural lined walkway down the mountain |
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| These must be the houses of the 99% |
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| Canal with gushing water from the mountaintops |
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