Friday 5th July 2013<\/p>\n
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Oskermen<\/p>\n
We stayed at the De Luxe Hotel, a couple of kms away, over the river. As different as could possibly be. Smaller, and very welcoming. We were helped by the sweetest young man. He had a little English, and worked extremely hard at dredging it up from his memory. He ran about, scuttled, waving his arms frantically to get the automatic doors to open before he crashed straight through. He worked with a colleague to try and sort out the stamp on our entry\/exit card, now we think we will indeed be staying in KZ for 5 days. He took all our passports, brought them back, collected them again ….. Hilde said he was a combination of John Cleese (Basil) and Manuel from Fawlty Towers.<\/p>\n
Over dinner, we discussed what we could do to help people we had met. Atle and Hilde originally invited us to Mongolia. That is where her research is. Those who are working can send money to support a particular region or project. Those of us retired could bring expertise and knowledge, maybe volunteer for a time. I will see what it is like when we get there. But at the moment, the area that puts fire in my belly is Pamir, in TJ.<\/p>\n
A very privileged young local Kazak starts talking to us. He is awaiting his A Level results from a private school in England. He then expects to go to Switzerland for private higher education. Two of his non English speaking friends join him, and we discuss their country and its possible future. He offers to take us sight seeing tomorrow.<\/p>\n
I had a bit of a meltdown back in our room. Poor Tim. Tired and emotional I suppose.<\/p>\n
Morning time now. All glad of a lie in, shower and clean clothes. I feel a lot better. We broke a golden rule though – didn’t bring a bottle of water in from the car. None in fridge. How will we take our tablets, or clean our teeth?<\/p>\n
Tim has sorted out the keyboard issue, and also he can now upload photos to the blog. We will work on it as fast as the internet here allows (we won’t ever moan about the speed back home again). If you go back to the beginning and look at the photos, we promise not to show you the thousands of others we took when we see you next.<\/p>\n
The local Kazak, is changing hotel. Maybe the Shining River was full yesterday. We ask him to help out with a couple of things. The Immigration form, which the receptionist thinks does not need a stamp because our visa is for 30 days. She will make a phone all on our behalf, after lunch. Also, Tim and Atle jump into a taxi with him, on an ariel search. Hilde and I sit in reception and natter over a cup of chai.<\/p>\n
Plan so far is to have a mooch, although it is raining, use the hotel spa and swimming pool, then meet the local Kazak for dinner. Our sweet receptionist is not on duty. Shame.<\/p>\n
Clothes, and sandals, still dripping wet in shower. Somebody’s cigarette smoke is getting into our room. Oh, wrong Ben yesterday. This Ben is traveling the silk route the opposite direction, and wanted some advice. Tim just text. He tried to get currency at bank, tried the cards he thought were his, three times mind you, then realised he had picked up my bum bag. He will now have to sort out getting me new cards. (Later turns out not true. Only tried twice, so should be ok). He did manage to buy new ariel.<\/p>\n
Hair looks a mess. Dryer in room did not work. Totally forgot I had travel one in my bag, as I haven’t used it once on trip. Still, hair clean.<\/p>\n
Hilde and I go for a wander. Weather a bit cool, and it had rained earlier. Find BarBQ where we may eat later. Hilde needs some tops with long sleeves, for Mongolia where it is considered disrespectful to show your wrists. She buys a couple and a pair of running leggings. Shopping mall very sad. Not many people. Assistants looking bored, some with large cross word puzzles on the counter to while away the dull hours. Many items not cheap, even in the sales.<\/p>\n
Head back. Walk through park. Beautiful plants and many highly scented flowers. Saw some black bear cubs – statues. Wedding parties had stopped to have photos taken by professional photographer.<\/p>\n
Tim and Atle already back, working on cars. Hilde and I have beer, the men join us. Two NZ women come in. One had met Tim and Atle earlier, and they were interested in talking to some other foreigners. They both worked at a school, one was the Principal. They were amazed we had managed to get as far as we had. We all shared stories of work and families. The Principal even offered to take our washing home. We do indeed need our immigration form stamped after 5 days. Tomorrow is National Astana Day, so three days holiday. We need to get to Russia tomorrow, as that is day five.<\/p>\n
Dinner is at the BarBQ, the best restaurant in town. Local Kazak does not turn up to join us. We have steak and sausages. The most palatable red wine yet. All shattered. Early night ready for early start tomorrow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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