The weather changed last night, much colder, rain blowing sideways. We tried to get into two museums, both of which turned out to be closed. We visited Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, and then retreated to the hotel and called Muktar, the driver we found at the airport. He took us to the Expo Center, which was also closed, and then to the Aquarium, which wasn’t. According to Muktar, “Everyone goes to sleep on Monday. Nothing’s open, and it’s too early in the season.” We had our bags packed, and after the Aquarium he took us to the train station and helped us get on the train to Karaganda. If anyone ever needs a ride or a guide in Astana, let us give you Muktar’s number.
We had a sleeper cabin and took pictures from the window. The train was a new electric train, Talgo. It’s two hours on the train from Astana to Karaganda, riding through vast areas of emptiness, occasional Stalin-era collective farms, a few small villages. As we left Astana we were alongside a freight train for a few minutes, an old electric double locomotive pulling. A few minutes later we got up to 135 km/h.
We arrived in Karaganda about 7, quick taxi ride to the hotel, and then had dinner in the hotel restaurant, and a quick walk after dinner to Lenin Square. It’s now after 11, and I should be tired, but I’m still on the wrong time.
Looks like you guys are having a great time! I guess mermaids don’t get Mondays off;)
Really enjoyed the aquarium pictures, and the high speed train shots, everyone doing their thing. Your time at the orphanage feels very moving to me, the baby cribs so efficient, and the people working so warm and pleased to see you and especially the kids.
I loved Marlena’s selfie with her feet, and Kostek rescuing his father from the monster!🤣
Terrific pictures again…ko