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“I’ve once been to Kyzyl-Orda, but never to New York”.
This entry was posted in Asia, Central Asia, Kazakhstan and tagged Aktobe, Aktyubinsk, Asia, Astana, Burger King, Central Asia, Communism, Ice breaker, Kazakhstan, Kyzyl Orda, Kyzylorda, Mosque, Murale, Russia, Russian, Soviet, Soviet Union, Steppe, Train, Train travel. Bookmark the permalink.
I think you may have finally reached Peak Off-The-Beaten-Path.
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Ah, I still haven’t. For I know there’s another place – actually, two – which I visited that are even further off that unbeaten path! Thanks for the comment Rich 🙂
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Reading this from remote Aktogay on the eastern tip of Lake Balkhash. I’ve never been to Athens but I have been to Aktogay!
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Ah, Lake Balkhash!!! How is it? I had half an idea, once, to arrive announced at Priozersk… Anyhow, I think we ought to establish a club. “Never been to…”
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I’ve pulled the same thing during icebreakers, usually with new colleagues, expat ESL teachers. I relish the bewilderment. 😀 I haven’t yet had the chance to present North Korea. I’ll probably have to file that one away for little bit. I’m not in the mood to be scolded.
Kazakhstan. I’ve stared at that immense space in the map. I seriously considered taking a job there, but I’ve heard stories of teachers falling ill from the toxic Soviet-era housing. Already dealt with that in Poland. Too old for that crap now. Anyway, your photos and words are so atmospheric, as usual. It’s a welcome reminder that off-the-beaten-path places still exist. And it inspires me to keep the motivation to travel. Thank you, Fabrizio.
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Hi Julie, thanks a lot for your kind words. I suppose that housing varies, in quality and safety, depending on where you go in Kazakhstan, but I see what you mean (and, dare I say it, some newish buildings in Aktobe didn’t look that “healthy” at all, inclusing the hotel I stayed at). Nothing bad in going there briefly though, or staying in a yürt! 😉
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Beautifully written. ❤ They exist… In Slovenian we call such places "bogu za ritjo". Behind God's behind. We would. 😉
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Thanks MMM! I’d say you and the Magyars have a better way of define these places than us volgar Italians, I’m sure you know how we say it! 😉
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Hmm, I don’t right now, but I’m pretty certain it involves ‘culo’. So much of Italian expressions and gestures involve it. I’m convinced Italians had suffered through history in more ways than we know. 😀
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Indeed, we’ve really suffered!! And you’re really right, it’s “in culo ai lupi”. What have the wolves done to deserve this I don’t know but…
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Kazakhstan! Every time I mention this as being near the top of my travel wish list, I am met with blank stares (including from my own husband). I studied those old Soviet maps also, but I think my current Kazakhstan obsession comes from my time in Mongolia and is more focused on the northeastern part (although I’d happily go to any part!). Kyzyl-Orda looks utterly desolate; did it really come alive at night?
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Well, can’t say it got all much livelier, but at the end of the day it isn’t too different from where I grew up in terms of life and activities available. Sorry to hear that you can’t whip up interest on Kazakhstan, Lexi… That’s probably why I’m going solo so many times!
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Perfectly composed. ❤
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Thanks a lot! 🙂
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