Day 38: Friendly Kazakhs

I had read about the famous "Wallet full of dollars" scam in Almaty but never did I know that it will happen to me. I was walking along the street and suddenly someone finds a wallet in front of me as I walk passed. He opened up the wallet and it was full of USD$100. Then he told me not to tell anyone and offered to share it with me. Since I already know about this scam, I did not bother about him. But somehow or other he was going to the same place as I am(Ya right..). He kept telling me to find some place with lesser people so that we can split the money. Again, I ignored him. Then suddenly a second person appeared, claiming that he had dropped his wallet and asked if we had seen it. The first guy denied and gave him his bag to check. Finding nothing, the second person now wants to see my bag and my wallet to proved that I did not take his. HAHAHA I will be a fool if I let him go through my things. I just ignored him and walked away.

Anyway, someone recommanded me this motorcycle club and told me that I might be able to find a motorcycle here. Too bad it was not open when I went there but I was told by the security guy that I should come back in the afternoon. OK, I will be back.



So I went walking around the city.

















The ATM. I realised that all the ATMs here are located just anywhere along the streets, behind busstops etc. They are not covered up or anything and so everyone can see you when you are withdrawing money. This is pretty interesting because it make uses of this concept called "Crime Preventation Through Environmental Design", in short CPTED. Sorry for the technical term but I was just surprised to see this method being applied here.



More pictures taken around the city.























All ex soviet countries speaks Russian and so it was very difficult to find aies in finding the places that I wanted to go. I tried asking people for directions but like I said, not many people speaks English. But even so, they tried to help me find my way. They are so helpful. Then I started to guess that it could be better if I approach younger people, for example students, as there is a better chance that they can speak English. And I am right!! BINGO!! From 1 out of 10 Kazakhs who speaks English, it's now about 3 out of 10 Kazakh students can understand me. Still not alot but hey, its better already.

So I approached this girl and again she displayed the helpful Kazakh spirit. She did not know where is the place that I wanted to go but she help me asked around. Then when she finally know where is it, she walked me to the place just in case if that is not the place that I wanted to go, she can help me asked around again. She is really so helpful.

Ok, there she is, Her name is Maiya.



Then I went to the postoffice to send a postcard home.



I haven eaten anything for the whole day as I do not understand a single word on the menu. Then finally I found this stall. Kebab. OK, this should be easy to order. I just have to point.



The stall owner.



The stall helper who speaks English. He is from Afghanistan.



Who are these girls? They are just some other customers around who kept giggling when I was talking to the stall helper. What were they talking about? I dont know. I dont understand Russian.



Soon it was evening and the Afghanistan guy kept telling me to go back as he was afraid that I might not be able to find my way back in the dark. Very thoughtful of him. After I left, I need to find the right bus to take to go back to my host's place. Approached a young chap and yeah he speaks English. He told me what bus to take and then gave me his student card as a gift. I was shock.



Back at Velariya's place, her brother prepared dinner for us.



They also treated me to some national drink of Kazakhstan. Horse/Camel Milk with gas. Very interesting taste.



And whats after dinner? Its time for Beer.





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