The museum was not that far from the hotel and you can see its blue roof at the left edge of the picture above. We passed several old Soviet looking buildings, and learned that Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country by area in the world. They are oil-rich, and have pipelines to the east to China and west to the Caspian Sea. It also has the second largest copper deposits in the world. It also produces the third largest wheat crop of any country in the world. Almaty was founded as a military fortress. According to our local guide, Sasha, all apples from all over the world originated in Kazakhstan.
For several centuries, the Kazakhs were nomadic, traveling around raising cattle and living in round tents made of felt. In the center of the tent, they had a fire, and rugs on the floor around it where the people slept. We got to see a recreation if one in the museum. We also saw silver jewelry, my favorite was a huge bracelet that had little bits of silver that attached to three rings for the index, middle, and ring finger of the same hand. Very posh. We also saw tons of old weapons and saddles. Some were decorated with silver, gold, semi-precious and precious stones. As we were in the museum, the electricity went out, so we decided to go to another museum, with the hope that later in the day the electricity will be back on and we can see more of the exhibits. When we came outside to board the bus, we noticed that the bus was locked up tight, but our driver was nowhere to bye seen. Ulga, our assistant guide, went over to two police officers in the vicinity to ask if they had seen him. Turns out, the bus we were in is from Kyrgyzstan, so our driver was detained and taken to the police station for questioning. Welcome to Central Asia.
Eventually, we got our driver back, but since so much time had been wasted, we didn't have time to visit the other museum before lunch, so instead of visiting that second museum before lunch, we went to Independence Square where we saw a monument that showed the history of the Kazakh people.
After the short stop, we headed back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we headed to a park. On the way to the park, we passed by the Opera House.
It's a shame there isn't more detail in that picture because the relief above those columns is gorgeous.
Then we visited the largest wooden church that did not use nails or metal of any kind. It is the second tallest wooden church in the world. It is called the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral.
Then we visited the war memorial for WWII and one for the Afghanistan War. Interestingly enough, there were two wedding parties taking their wedding photographs next to these very...severe...monuments.
We then visited the Museum of Musical Instruments, followed by a return to the State Museum since the electricity had returned. We looked at some very old jewelry, as well as some very beautiful golden weapons with handles of jade encrusted with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. We visited the rest of the museum, then returned to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Dinner was fine, and thankfully didn't take too long, as we were all pretty wiped after a long day. First day of touring was a success, especially when you consider the fact tat Kazakhstan is celebrating its 20th anniversary as an independent nation this year! Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!
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