Not long since arrived back from Kazakhstan (Wales game) The trip via Istanbul was a killer, probably the best part of 24 hours, door to door.
Astana, the new capital, for the game first. Like the deranged love child of Dubai and Canary Wharf. Ok, so you’ve built a tower building, it’s a whacky shape and it’s got mental LED lighting on the outside. We’re gonna build a taller,whackier shaped one next door, with even more mental LED lighting.
Pretty soulless really, but the people are probably the most friendly and hospitable, I’ve met anywhere. Constantly stopped in the street and asked how we’re enjoying Kasakhstan. 3am and a hulk of a man comes out of the shadows, as we’re on our way back from a bar. Brace, brace, this could go pear shaped ! Hello, you like Kazakhstan, need any help ?
Crossing a pelican crossing on a 4 lane dual carriageway, in the middle of town. They all have countdown timers, usually 20 seconds. Just hit the middle, with 10 seconds left. A guy grabs my hand, shaking it vigorously and asks what I think of the city. Very nice I say, nervously watching the countdown timer hit 5 seconds, over his shoulder.
I think I set a world record, for uttering the phrase, lovely to meet you mate, but I’m allergic to being run over. Then sprinting to the opposite kerb, before the Mad Max convoy of Land Cruisers mowed anyone down in their way.
Beers at a £1 or less, cabs anywhere in the city for £2 max and tip-top meals, steaks with beers for £15 or so made for fun nights.
Almaty, the old capital, had a fair bit more soul (and bars!) again lovely people. As soon as we got to a bar, the locals just wanted to talk, understand what we thought of the country and give us local tips.
Before the game, the local chief of police announced that any Welsh fans found drunk in Astana after 11pm, would be locked up. Ok, good luck with that, hope you’ve got loads of cells.
The reality was that the many cops, and soldiers on the streets and in the stadium, were brilliant and having a laugh with the fans. No grief whatsoever.
They did turn up outside our bar around midnight, lights flashing, until we left around 4am. No drama again. They gave us an escort back to our hotels, which was more of a mass stagger, than a parade.
A brilliant trip, meeting amazing people.
