I never been in this part of the world so far and I have to admin- Astana is one of the most original cities of the world. For 10 years it has been the capital of Kazakhstan ("Astana" is the Kazakh word for "capital city"). It has approximately 800000 residents (officially) and it seems that everybody is engaged with constructions. There are a lot of new buildings and it looks there will be a lot more. Some of them look very strange and futuristic, though, as if from a widly exaggerated science fiction movie or from my son's construction set.
The pride of the city, though, is the Baitereck Tower. I was told that there is an excelent view from the upper level, but unfortunately I could not see it since the tower is closed now. I was also told that there is a stone cast of the President's hand in the rim of the cup. You could place your hand in the open hand of the President and if you make a wish, it might be fulfilled. It is very expensive, though. I was charged 2000 KZT for a beer in my hotel, which is ~16 USD. I think this is the most expensive beer in my life so far. They said a dinner for two in an average restaurant with a good service will cost me 300$. Of course, I have no any intention to prove or disprove this statement...
Next stop- Almaty, then Dushanbe, Tajikistan...
