Downtown Astana with Oma

On August 16th Babushka returned to Russia. She left on the morning train.  She and Oma had a good time overlapping with each other - it had been four years since they had seen each other - when we moved to Las Vegas in the summer of 2013.  

In the afternoon we took Oma downtown to experience the long walkway and park that connects Khan Shatyr with the president's palace.  In the summer the park is filled with flowers and usually an art exhibit.  There was a big art exhibit for the Expo along with the installation of people holding the world that were decorated to represent each country and organization that was participating in the Expo.

 Oma was very impressed with the buildings and architecture of the city and took lots of pictures of the buildings.  It was a sunny, beautiful day and we had a great time walking and looking at the interesting art installations.  Oma especially loved the expo installation with the decorated world-holding figures.  

To cap off a nice day, we took Oma to our favorite restaurant "Derijhana" which serves authentic and very delicious Georgian food.  We had a nice quiet table inside the restaurant and had a wonderful meal.

After we ate, the ladies and Oma headed home, and I made a quick stop a the store to pick up some things that Yulia needed and I met everyone at home.  It wasn't our biggest adventure day, but it was a nice time.

Babushka and Oma enjoying their visit.

Yurt exhibit.

Art installation with different pipes and oil barrels.  Many of the exhibits were built to be climbed on.

Looking East toward the Baiterek tower (and the Presidential palace is behind it in the same direction) along the central promenade that runs through town.

Oma posing on the promenade with the Baiterek in the background.

Nika and Papa looking at one of the art pieces.

Giant grasshopper!

Heads coming out of the ground!

Giant pillows.

Oil barrel art.

A giant saddle on wheels? A giant saddle on wheels!!!

Kids being kids.

Interactive chalkboard for people to write their goals on.

butterflies above the flower bed.

a swing and table in the shade.

Giant puzzle.

Stained glass effect out of plastic bottles.

Kids climbing the rainbow!

In front of the US figure.

Girls and the Russian figure.

Lexa touching the figure - clearly marked "No touching!"

Looking West through the Kazmunai Gaz building to Khan Shatyr.

Fountains are magnetic.

Delicious Georgian cuisine!!!