Today is Sunday and there are no visits at the babyhouse so Erken and Ainura took me to see some sites. This is Baiterek or The Tree of Life. It is on the left bank of the river Esil. It is constructed of metal, concrete, and glass. It is 105 meters high and weighs 1000 tons. I am going to quote the brochure now. "The general function of this tree is the consolidation of 3 main levels of the universe, low (underground) middle (ground) and upper (heaven). The lower level is below ground. There is an aquarium, cafe and some works of the famous artist Erbolat Tolepbai. The middle level of the monument is the trunk of the tree with 2 survey lifts. The heaven level is the glass ball with a magnificent view of the Astana."
This is the view of the President N. A. Nazerbaev's home in Astana. The gardens in the front of the photo are beautiful when the flowers are blooming but that is not until the weather is warmer. In 1997 the President decided to change the capital from Almaty, which is very far south, to Astana, which is more the center of Kazakhstan. 
For the last 10 years there has been alot of constuction happening all over Astana. It is known to some as the city of cranes because everywhere you look they are constructing new buildings and I have to say they are really beautiful. It's pretty amazing to watch a city being built. When it is done, in about 10 years, it will be a beautiful place. Me and Serena will have to come back and visit so I better really start working on my Russian. 
Next we went to the aquarium, Dymah, is what the ticket says. This is the front of the building. It was much more than an aquarium. Me and Ainura went in and found a talent show for children. That was a happy surprise. There was a girl belly dancing, singers, gymnasts, it was really fun to watch. At the end there was a beauty pagent and these little girls were so beautiful and the dresses were too. Every one of them looked like a princess. Once we got inside there were rides for the kids like a cage in the shape of a ball with a seat inside. You buckle up and a guy rolls the ball all around so your upside down, sideways, all over the place. I don't know how anyone can do that. I feel sick just thinking about it. They also had a small mechanical bull to ride and the kids wore an inflatable helmet. There were shops, places to eat and the aquarium. The aquarium was nice, all the usual fish but always fun to watch. 
We left the aquarium and this is what you see as you leave. It seems like these colors are very popular for anything that has to do with children. All of the playgrounds have the swings painted these colors. I have to say I really like this country. There are many things that are different from home but I get a good feeling from the things I have seen. I am sure we will be back when Serena is old enough to remember her visit here.
Serena I missed seeing you today and I look forward to spending time with you tomarrow. Lots of Loves.
7 comments:
I think I see a new career path for you - Spokesperson for Travel and Tourism to Kazakhstan.
I am so happy you went to the Baiterek Tower. Great photo of it. It is very funky looking. From the sounds of it, it has lived up to it's reputation as the number one tourist attraction in Astana. My whole impression of Astana has changed since reading your comments about the city. I think it will be a great and wonderful experience for Serena to go back sometime when she is older.
Two weeks down and over all the whole experience appears to be a more than pleasurable one. Every day that passes brings you that much closer to your dream coming true. You, Serena and home.
Love, Patty
Your descriptions and pictures of Kaz make it sound like a very interesting place. Much different from what I imagined. Anuira is so nice to be your tour guide. I imagine you are also becoming friends after spending so much time together.
I'm so happy for you Dana. It sounds like this trip is terrific in every way. Enjoy every moment.
I can't wait to see all your pictures and videos. That would make for a great movie night in A.H.
Bye for now,
Love
Lori:) xo
Hi Serena Sweetie - It's Aunt Maria.
I just want to let you know that seeing new pictures of you every day is a real joy for me. Your delightful smile just lights up my heart. I'm so happy to see my little sister, Dana, so happy, too. Seeing you smile when she comes to visit you is a wonderful thing. I hope you know how much you are loved.
It's fun to read about all the places in Kazakhstan that your Mommy is visiting. The pictures look like postcards.
I know that one day you will visit them for yourself with your Mommy as your guide. She will be your guide through life, as well.
Your Grandma Martha and Grandpa Joe were our guides through life. When Mommy, Uncle Jamie and I were young, they made sure we were safe, healthy and happy. They were gentle and kind and we knew they loved us very much. They taught us right from wrong. As we grew, they showed us all the possibilities life could hold and helped prepare us for them.
I know Mommy will do the same for you. She had good teachers and she loves you with all her heart.
But you will know that by the time you can read this.
You will share many wonderful experiences with your Mom and all your family. We are a great bunch!
There will be some bumps in the road, no doubt, but you have many people in your life who will be there to smooth them out, help you around them or teach you how to plow over them.
Remember we are always there for you.
Love and hugs - Aunt Maria and Uncle Tony
Oh gosh, I'm all blubbery after reading Aunt Maria's post. But it's all T-R-U-E! Life can be a bumpy journey sometimes (don't I know it!) but things happen for a reason, and you just do the best you can.
And sometimes, people do even better than their "best". And that would be Dana. I know of no other person who is the way she is and does what she does, better than she does...a true inspiration and excellent mommy material!
Love,
Laura xoxox
ps. I'd love to see some images of Kaz *Finicky Framed* around the AH estate. Cool pics.
Hello there pretty face ...
I hope you are enjoying your days and yes Dana, Serena does look like you. The most recent closeup of Serena shows the resemblence to you. You are a great Mommy!!
Love, Chris
Wow! What nice photos. I'm glad you have time to sight see. I really like the Baiterek Tower and all the colors outside the aquarium. It sounds like there is much to see and do there.
It looks like a beautiful country. What a great trip for you and Serena to take when she is older.
Thanks for sharing your day with us.
Love you
Lisa
What a beautiful country!! This explains why Serena is such a beautful little girl. I loved seeing the pictures and learning about another country-especially Serena's country. How cool!! I'm glad you had a fun time sight seeing. It looks like you really enjoyed yourself. Have a great day.
Love,
RO
Dear Serena,
I love your country!! It is very exciting and there are fun things to visit and experience. Maybe some day I can go and see all these attractions with you and mommy.
Love,
Aunt Ro
Post a Comment