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Chargement... Drinking Camel's Milk in the Yurt - Expat Stories from Kazakhstanpar Monica Neboli
Central Asia (53) Chargement...
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The Republic of Kazakhstan emerged from the former USSR as an independent nation in 1991. It is one of the largest countries in the world and Astana, its capital, is one of the youngest (and coldest) capital cities. In this anthology of expatriate experiences in Kazakhstan, 24 authors from 11 countries show us this Central Asian country as they know it. In Drinking Camel's Milk in the Yurt, we travel to the country's bustling, multicultural cities, to its rural homesteads steeped in rich traditions, and to the Kazakh Steppe, the vast open plain that has for centuries been home to a nomadic way of life. During the journey, we come to understand the importance of the yurt, or nomad's tent, we are privy to a powerful reflection on Soviet-era labour camps, and we witness the build-up to a traditional Kazakh wedding. In a variety of cross-cultural exchanges - some bewildering, some funny - we meet locals, try new cuisines, discover the work of a talented local artist, join one man's quest for a unique piece of Kazakh furniture for his wife, and explore the steppe as it deserves to be explored - on horseback. More importantly, we are introduced to the warmth of Kazakh hospitality and we learn it is possible to survive the extreme temperatures of a Kazakh winter. Whether you are an expat, a traveller or just curious about other cultures, Drinking Camel's Milk in the Yurt: Expat stories from Kazakhstan will introduce you to the Kazakh landscape, people and cultures as experienced by its expatriates - both those who are passing through and those who have decided to stay. Aucune description trouvée dans une bibliothèque |
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Before visiting Kazakhstan I had no idea that it was one of the largest countries in the world. I knew it was in the former Soviet republic but not with which countries it shared borders.
Other than through Borat, it hasn't graced the bookshelves to any extent, so I was interested to read these expat tales of life in the country.
The articles were a bit of a mixed bunch, written by amateur writers who sometimes captured my imagination but other times didn't; it often felt as if I were reading someone's diary.
There were also far too many exclamation marks, which became quite irritating.
So, what has it left me with? Well, certainly a feeling for the extremes of temperature, varying between the summer highs of 40 degrees C to the winter lows of minus 40C.
An awareness of the welcoming kindness of strangers, some of which we experienced while visiting. And an affection for children, who can cross all cultural barriers so easily.
This would be a good introduction to the country for travellers or potential expats but I don't think I'd recommend it as general travel reading. ( )