Altai Krai

Another border crossing. It seems like we got into something like a routine by now. The day before the crossing, we camp somewhere nearby with Internet reception and read on various blogs about what to expect and how to prepare. (Of course we usually have a general idea as it might be a bit late to apply for a visa the day before 😉 but it helps to refresh our memories).
In case of this border we had friends crossing it just two days ago, so we even had a personal experience report.
As we don't need a visa for Kazakhstan and the temporary import document for Hans is also still valid (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgistan and Armenia form the Eurasian Custom Union), there is little to prepare. Thankfully!
Hence, we get up, have breakfast, pack up and head to the border. We still have to drive for about 2 hours, but the beautiful landscape with so so so many sunflower fields makes time fly by. Just before the border, we fill our tank with precious Russian diesel and head to a small booth selling car insurances for KZ and KGZ. We chose the first one, which might not have been the cheapest (2400Rubel for 15days) but the friendly lady was too nice to say no to. We get a simcard, too (Beeline this time as we heard it's good for KZ), but as I'm not sure about reception in Kazachstan, I quickly give my mum a call. Tom is having lunch, while I'm happily chatting about all things back home. So close and yet still so far away... It's hard to hang up today (I really enjoyed talking to my Mum as if we've seen each other just yesterday), but it's time to go. The border is waiting.
We rock up just shortly after 1pm and stand in line with two other cars. Passport control and customs on the Russian side are smooth and take less than half an hour. The Kazakh side is similarly efficient (with the passport officer trying to learn some English with me) and so we're out and on our way to Semey a mere 1.5hrs later. Wow!
Notably, there is no settlement directly after the Kazakh border, so be prepared or else drive to Semey. We would be prepared but want to cover some ground, so we opt for the later in order to take a break at the city's river. By pure chance we discover a locals' favourite, or it least it seems like it due to the many families swimming, picnicking and camping here. Turns out we're even more lucky: the family right next to us immediately invites us over and shares their stories as well as their amazing food with us. The father is an enthusiastic hunter and so we get to try venison shashlik. And the son is on summer vacation from studying in Korea so there is pork belly with kimchi, too! Our planned coffee break thus turns into a second lunch/early dinner, filled with pictures and stories that the son and daughter-in-law translate for us. So cool!
Passing by horses that surround Hans for a while add to the picture-perfect experience just before we continue our journey. How lovely! Thank you so much again, our start in Kazakhstan couldn't have been better!Read more