We got a chance to go exploring and experience the sights and sounds of beautiful Almaty. Our first bit of sight seeing began pretty much immediately after I got done competing.
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- Our first outing in Kazakhstan to Medeo Valley. Behind us is the highest skating rink in the world, sitting as 1691 meters above sea level. This outdoor speed skating rink has seen many world records in its time.
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- Just some of the over 600 steps we climbed.
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- The ice rink is much smaller now than when we started this journey.
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- Me with two of the volunteers from the event, Saya (left) and Bactiyar (right). They felt bad for me because I was so cold, so they lent me one of their jackets. It was much appreciated.
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- The view from here was breath taking, that could also have something to do with the altitude.
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- The beautiful eagle we saw on our climb up the mountain. Eagles are an important part of Kazakstan’s history and culture.
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- Our first traditional Kazakh meal of the trip was Beshbarmak, meaning five fingers. It is named as such because the dish is traditionally eaten with your hands. It consists of boiled lamb or horse (we tried some of each) with noodles in an onion broth. It was very tasty and very filling.
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- Out to dinner with some of our new friends after a long day of competing and climbing mountains.
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- On our way to the Zelionyj (Green) Bazar to pick up some snacks, we visited Panfilov Park.
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- This is the Zenkov Cathedral located in the middle of Panfilov Park. It was completed in 1907, and is pretty unique in that it built entirely out of wood without the use of nails. The inside of the church was just as beautiful as the outside.
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- This is the memorial to the Panfilov Heroes (which the park is named after). It is in memory of General Ivan Panfilov and the 28 soldiers of an Almaty infantry unit who gave their lives fighting the Nazi forces outside Moscow.
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- In front of the Triumphal Arch, Panfilov Park
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- Some of the wonderful volunteers that helped make our time in Kazakhstan so memorable.
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- Thank you for my new wrist wraps!
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- This is the bronze statue of The Beatles on Kok-Tobe mountain, the highest point in Kazakhstan’s largest city. The park is full of neat things like a roller coaster, a petting zoo, a restaurant, and a neat shop filled with national souvenirs.
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- Our view on the walk to breakfast our last day in Almaty.