Astana River Cruise

On August 21st, we had a new adventure with Oma - one that we hadn't yet done in Astana.  We took  a river cruise. We had taken a river cruise in Prague and really enjoyed it, and we had heard good things about the Astana river excursion, so we decided to do it.  We went in the early afternoon and took the bus to the other side of town.  Oma sat next to a woman from the university who spoke English and the two of them really got along.  We helped Maja know where she was going to get to the embassy and walked with her for awhile when we got off the bus.

The day was very warm and sunny and we had to walk for awhile along the river before we got to the dock.  The area was shaded with colorful decorations and was very beautiful as was the view of the river from the walkway.  When we got to the dock we bought tickets and then bought some water to quench our thirst while we waited.  

We waited for the second boat since we were at the back of the line.  We scrambled onto the boat, which was a nice one, and then spent the tour fighting with another group about having the shaded glass pulled over the deck.  We wanted it - they did not.  We ended up getting more sun than we expected.  The river tour followed the river from where we were down to the Presidential Palace (Akh Orda) and then came back.  We passed under three different bridges, past the large presidential park, and past many interesting buildings.  The view from the river was different from the views we get from the buses when we drive, so it was worthwhile for us to see.

When we got back from the cruise, we walked back to the bus stop taking a different route through the shaded streets and buildings.  We rode the bus back and got off downtown to take Oma to our favorite local food restaurant - Kishlak.  We ordered plenty of food and had a very nice meal with very nice servers.  Oma really enjoyed the dinner experience.

It was another adventurous day in Astana.  We only had to take a little time to see our city from a little different perspective.

Walking along the river in the shade of a flowery overhang.

Looking out over the river at the dock.  Lots of little fish were swimming right next to the shore.

The boat dock.

Looking back across the river bend from the boat dock.

On board for our cruise.

Passing another little cruise boat on the way out.

Looking at the buildings on the river.

More views.

More covered walkways further down the river.

Going under the second bridge on our journey.

Looking toward the Pyramid on the far side of the park.

The presidential palace.

The bridge we cross most often on our way to and from church.

Art along the river - close to the dock.

And a view from the top.

Topiary wonders on our walk to the bus stop.

A nice mural of traditional Kazakh life painted on the side of a building.

Starting dinner.  Baursaki (like scones) were the warm up.

Spencer ordered the tower of meat for himself on accident.  It provided leftovers for another meal the next day!

Oma posing in the beautiful ambiance of the restaurant.