Almaty-Balkhash
Trip Start
Mar 29, 2009
1
51
76
Trip End
Ongoing
Balkhash, Qaraghandy, Kazakhstan
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Oh my gosh, very scary. Last night we experienced an earthquake. It woke us up with a jolt, rocking the bed and seemed to go on for minutes. Tremors afterwards, so later, not a lot of sleep to be had. We weren't surprised to find out in the morning it had been a 'biggie'.
Gazza didn't eat the insects we left out for him last night so we're not sure whether he is still travelling with us. We have been leaving the windows down a smidgeon so he can breath but now we think he may have tootled off to greener pastures.
After a breakfast of sauerkraut, beetroot and hard boiled eggs we headed off into the lush green and golden grasses of the Kazakh. southern steppes. A lovely sunny day enhanced the softness of the scenery. The scent of lavender as we drove through was a lovely surprise
Wide Open Spaces
. Mirages too.We found a rocky knoll, 4 wheel drove to the top and had our coffee stop marvelling at the stunning vista. Soon the land became rocky and barren with the occasional low red mountain fold. (Apologies to Mills and Boon)
It is sobering to see serious car wrecks by the road. Unlike at home where we have the white crosses, people here like to remember by decorating the wreckage with lots of colourful flowers and erecting a small monument.
A pleasant drive around Lake Balkhash and spotted many stalls selling fish, smoked in rubber tyres at the roadside. Folk here make a living from copper and fishing from the lake.
Driving over new chip seal, a stone flew up and chipped the windscreen. Does anyone know the location of the nearest Novus repairer in Kazakhstan?
We, armed with our phrase book, quickly found a hotel, probably the only one in town except for truck driver accommodation. It was very basic, very old but clean. We try not to do dirty any more!
We ate at a small delicatessen, delicious tasty salads. Vegetarian for me - there are far too many camels, horses, and donkeys around for my liking. ha ha.
