In Kazakhstan

My good fellow, Cuthbert Breech-Thompson, and myself, Archibald Quentin Swift, are at present in Kazakhstan.  We’ve found it to be a colourful place with it’s own distinct flavour, far from the imaginings of Mr Baron-Cohen.  Luxury cars fill the streets, from sleek Mercedes and BMWs to gargantuan GMCs and Infinitis along with gorgeous people to match.  We have, of course, drunk both Kumys and Shubat, or Horse and Camel milk, though did not find it quite to our taste, but have enjoyed many of the foods we have tried.  All are very friendly and accommodating to our lack of linguistic ability (both Russian and Kazakh), but prices are high (relative to our travel budget) for the two young venturers.  It is with regret, therefore, that we will leave this place, though we are looking forward enormously to our proposed journey though Kyrgystan to the Irkestan Pass into China and on to the ancient Silk Road City of Kashgar.  We have both expressed a desire to return in the near future.  I will be adding a week by week account of our adventures, with the first due in the next few days for 18th to 25th June, so please stay tuned.

Archibald 25.06.08