Ethno Villiage

On August 15 we went to visit the Ethno-Village.  This was a permanent area that was built up outside the city near the horse track (about two miles from campus).  Similar areas pop up during holidays - especially Astana days in July and Nauryz  in the spring, but this ethnic village was set up as a way for tourists to see traditional Kazakh life and handicrafts.  It was also meant as a way for local artists to sell their arts and crafts.

We took one of the new buses (500 numbers) that stopped right in front of the university.  The bus took us directly to the ethno-village, and then it turned around.  The cost was a bit more than for a regular bus, but much cheaper than taking two taxis to and from the area.

We had a good time looking around. The kids had fun on the traditional swings. We also paid for everyone to take a shot with a bow and arrow.  Nika was the only one to hit the target, and she did it without even looking - and hit the bullseye, too!  We bought Oma a leather passport holder as a souvenir for the day.  

It was a very nice day, and when we got back to our stop, we went to the mall and had McFlurry ice cream from McDonald's for a treat. 

Girls swinging on traditional swings.

A row of Yurts where artists sold their wares.

An example of the work - saddles for Uncle Burl's viewing pleasure.

Dombra and other musical instruments.

Oma getting her passport holder.

Little restaurants selling different kinds of food local to the region.

Inside a restaurant yurt.

Posing - and arm wrestling.

Some figures showing traditional life.

Nika winding up.

Nika making her bulls eye.

Sophie taking a shot.

Lexa giving it a try.

Nina!

Papa having a go at it.

Yulia let me sit on the throne.... for a little while and only for the picture.