Kazakh Kiss Goodbye

Before arriving we knew little about Kazakhstan and 10 days later we leave knowing just a tad more. A huge country, with a proud history of nomadic tribes and horsemanship. A few sad episodes too e.g. Stalin’s gulags for political dissidents.
Following the 1991 split from the USSR KZ appears to be moving ahead due to good governance. Of course, their gas and oil supplies help a bit too.
A secular country with religious freedom, good medical and education facilities, plus equal opportunities for women.
All the Kazakhs we met were extremely friendly, generous and appeared resilient with the Kiwi No.8 wire attitude - they can fix anything and tackle all challenges.
So, KZ a NZ farewell kiss from us until we meet again. Tomorrow, we cross the Caspian Sea, bound for the western shore and Azerbaijan.Read more