So far the most memorable weekend of my program in Almaty was the two-night and three-day excursion we took to experience the wonderful nature surrounding the city. Waking up extra early, I packed a bag and made my way to the meeting point, our university, where the other students and language partners had begun to gather. Together we all boarded a big bus and embarked on a three-day guided tour.
The Black Canyon with the Charyn River
The first day we stopped and took a hike to Charyn Canyon (the main canyon is shown in the featured image), seeing some incredible geological formations. After pausing at an overlook, we arrived at our home base. Our program had rented two guest houses in a small village and we were split up between them. This was both comfortable and a wonderful way to experience Kazakh culture. Each day we were served meals, ranging from Lagman to Manti to Plov. We ate together at a giant table, which emphasized the communal aspect of meals and sharing that is present in Kazakh culture. Dinner was a time for conversation and getting to know each other. And each night after dinner we would all pile into one of the living rooms and play board games until late in the evening. Finally I would decide it was time for bed, due to the busy next days we had planned.
Kolsay Lakes
The second day, after waking up and getting my daypack all ready for our adventures, we were served breakfast: kasha, a type of rice porridge, and some of the best bread I have ever eaten. After breakfast we loaded into the bus and headed to our second destination, the Kolsay Lakes. With dreary weather we took a hike, on which we were accompanied by the Kolsay Lake puppy, a well-socialized puppy who decided to follow our group for our two hour hike. Eventually, most of the group elected to go to a cafe overlooking the lake and take a lunch break. It was a great way to warm up and get dry before returning to the village.
Kaindy Lake
Upon arriving at the village we again played games and talked until it was time for bed. On our final day we embarked to perhaps the most unique destination, Kaindy Lake. This is a relatively young lake formed during a 1911 landslide. The lake has the ghost of a forest in it, with petrified trees still standing throughout. It was a striking and beautiful sight.
Finally, exhausted from all the hiking, we boarded the bus and headed back to the city. Reflecting on this experience, I think it was incredibly valuable in so many ways. Foremost was that it allowed us to experience the famous nature surrounding Almaty. But it also was a large, shared experience that helped the group bond and grow closer. Furthermore, the addition of language partners was a wonderful choice. I got the opportunity to interact more deeply with these students and not only practice my Russian, but make friends. Everyone involved in the program feels closer and more comfortable with each other after this excursion.
Fulbright-Hays Fellowship Recipient
American Councils Need-Based Scholarship Recipient
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Almaty, Kazakhstan, Fall 2023