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As with many places, not all activities
are available all the time and this year
there was no horse racing during the
Nauryz celebrations as the Hippodrome
was closed for renovation. But even if
you cannot spend a day at the races, you
can still spend a night at the Opera! The
stylish exterior of the Opera House belies
a tasteful interior with displays of opera
and ballet performances all for a small
amount of Tenggi (Kazakh currency).
An inspiring performance of a classic
tale will add flair and inspiration to your
evening. Even if you cannot understand
what the songs are about, you can still
watch dancers performing everything
from daring leaps to graceful routines
that depict tales from Kazakh history.
Time your journey to Kazakhstan
right and you may find yourself want-
ing to stay longer than you originally
planned.
Traditional costume are worn
during Nouryz Festival
Just one of the interesting
food choices available
Traditional Kazakh items such as ornate
daggers and swords and musical instru-
ments as well as leather goods and paint-
ings are also on sale and there is an almost
bewildering medieval atmosphere on the
streets. Clowns and men and women on
stilts are also there to entertain the crowds.
Further Afield
Day trips out of the city are also to be
highly recommended as you will get a
sense for the way the locals drive on the
highways, as well as views of the snow
capped mountains that surround the city.
There are several sights worth seeing
within an hour’s drive from the city such
as lakes and hills for climbers or those just
wanting a pleasant stroll. Further out of
town there are caves with rock paintings
where ancient rituals were performed in
the hillsides.
Celebration of the
national holiday, Nauryz
Traditional instruments
that are unique