Kazakhstan is a fantastic place. It is the ninth largest country in the world but has only a small population. I have been there summer and winter and all seasons are beautiful. Winters can be bitterly cold. Astana, is a very modern city where much money has been spent. Borovoe to the north is the "Switerzland" of Kazakhstan with low mountains and lakes and is part of Kazak culture. Almaty, the capital in Soviet times is an interesting city with traditional markets, big mountains to the south, many parks and fountains and monuments. People are friendly although outside of the cities not much English is spoken an Russian remains the dominant language.

Trains run on schedule and are relatively expensive and are my favourite way of travelling between cities. Air Astana is the national carrier and is a reasonably good airline.

I have been there many times and always feel safe wherever I am. Food is good but hotels tend to be expensive, especially four and five star hotels where English is readily spoken. I do speak reasonable Russian so language is not a problem when I travel.