Editor’s note: In the  second part of a series, neweurasia’s Nuraika shares some incredible photographs of Astana, this time of the many bizarre and eye-catching views possible just by walking around on the streets. “Astana reminded me of Astana, only on land,” writes Nuraika. [Translation of Nuraika’s post (RUS). Read the first part here. Photos from an assortment of photographers: Sabit Naukenov, Freeman, and Nuraiym.]

We were only able to find one place where we could exchange soms for tenge (on Prospekt Respubliki). They gave us a terrible rate, but at least something.

Astana reminded me of Atlantis, only on land. The water theme is present everywhere: in the bridges, the river, the fountains, the oceanarium and the azure-colored buildings. It is hard to tell where the sky ends and water begins.

Astana is located in the Arctic Basin (the Ishim River), even though it is 2000 km away from the ocean.

- Wikipedia.

The “Northern Lights” housing development. Photo by Nuraiym

A Theater

Inside the oceanarium

Photos by Sabit Naukenov

The city is like a museum where you wander the halls with bated breath. The inhabitants are friendly, welcoming and hospitable people, many of whom have come from different parts of Kazakhstan. Astana is a great place to find work. There are lots of “white collar” jobs here. Road rules are strictly followed, and any passer-by will give you directions for where you need to go.

Photos by Nuraiym

We can’t forget about the “Bear Commonwealth” on the square in front of the Baiterek tower. 125 Buddy Bears from Germany were on display in Astana as a sign of friendship between nations. We even found our own Kyrgyz bear, designed by Yuristanbek Shigaev. The bears were in the capital from May to the end of July, and are now on the move again.

Photos by Sabit Naukenov

An expensive city, where many establishments close at midnight or one o’clock. Shopping centers usually work until 19.00. Compared to the southern capital, Astana is a fairly quiet city. Walking around at night is safe. The crime situation, according to the July report, is under control.

At night, Astana is illuminated by thousands of lights. Particularly impressive is the view of the river from the bridge, when the streetlights are reflected in the water. Everything you saw during the day changes at night, and there is a whole new city to explore.

The city at night is breathtaking. I particularly enjoyed walking along the embankment, gazing at the city lights and feeling the breath of the water close by. The number of good places for walks is a big plus.

Photos by Freeman

Astana is a beautiful fairytale city, and you can feel many ways about it. Some people think it has no soul and feels alien. Others fill it out with their own impressions and leave a part of themselves behind, making the city partly theirs as well. Regardless of what side you’re on, Astana is a young, clean and beautiful city that will continue to develop over the years.

Photo by Sabit Naukenov