Photos

My last post I mentioned I had a few pictures of Atyrau in the sunshine. Well see below. It’s interesting how the place changes. From winter with little light, cold winds and everyone covered up in fur coats etc to summer when everyone is out in T shirts and shorts. Skate boards, roller blades etc being used all along the river banks.  Kids walking around and of course thousands of mobile phones on display as everyone walks along with heads bend down reading!!!

The river is in full flow and the surface indicates a strong current. Bit of debris from further up, few branches and bits of wood, but a noticeable lack of refuse. No plastic bottles and flotsam. In fact walking around the town every where is clear. Dusty yes but clean. Main rubbish seems to be broken bottles and cigarette butts. I understand there is a strongly enforced law regarding littering. And it is taken very seriously. Good thing too. Clearly it works.

We moved apartments last week which seemed like a really good idea at the time. We had been (we being the team in the Ardager Apartments) had been asked to move. I took this implied either  move early and you get a choice of new apartment or later when your told to move you will get whichever apartment is available. We have a view of the river and all the support facilities, maid service laundry etc. No complaints. Except the boiler for hot water, it had not worked for 2 days.  Cold showers are cold here!!!! .  In addition there are several excellent shops around and a small market selling fresh veg. I say seems a good idea at the time. Saturday and Sunday no hot water and a large fridge which makes a lot of noise but does not make anything in it cooler….

Saturday saw us going to an office “family day out” at a local hotel. It was really for the kids and parents but certainly beat going to work.  There was a disco with some “Gangland” style presenter to get the kids up and dancing. For the adults there was a buffet and open bar for a cold beer etc. However it was 36degrees so not a good idea to drink in the sun. Most if not all were very careful in this regard. 

Wonderful

Wonderful. Finally got back into writing. Life is flying along. Not flying by. So much happening. Been to UK, Thailand and back to Atyrau. And now summer has arrived so Atyrau has seen the trees and flowers come out and it just makes life feel so good.

My cousin Em is getting married shortly. 14th June. Seems only yesterday I was talking to her about things now realize it was 4 years that have passed by.  Good luck to her and Richard. Sure it will be a success.

Went to Thailand land last week for 4 days. Again just go go go. We were up in Khon Kaen for a day and one night. Then drove 500 kilometers down to Rayong near where I plan to be working later in the year. So while there we bought a condo for use later on.  Also had a couple of the days using my bike for transport. Wonderful, life on the open road. Would not change it. Got really badly burnt on my arms but time will cure that. Wanna came back with me to Kazakhstan and is enjoying the warmth. Me I’m enjoying having her around and getting spoilt on good Thai food.

Had one of the guys at work wanting to chat with me about aquaponics so that’s a few evening to look forward to.

Mark and Sandra popped round on Sunday wanted to go up to the top ^th Floor you can get a really good view. Again now its sunny makes it all look lovely. Even the river looks warm!

floor and take some photos of Atyrau. From the 18

Had a game of pool last night. Made a change.

We’re moving apartments this afternoon. Well Wanna is I’m at work. Think I got the best deal with that. We are asked by our company to move into a different set of condos. Fine by me as it has a swimming pool and gym, (which I need) and is right on the river. So we’ve moved into a bigger condo, on the river with a pool. Sounds grand but then you realize still working 10 hours a day and 6 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Not complaining just noting the fact!!!

Got more photos but need to make a post.

Comments please.