Meeting my Kazakh Host Sisters Aktau, Kazakhstan

It had been 16 years since I met with my Kazakh host sisters.

In April 2015, my host sister, Gulzhan, helped me make arrangements to meet some of my Kazakh host sisters during a holiday weekend in May 2015. The last time I saw them was back in November 1999, when I visited them in Karatau. Sixteen years is a long time.

Descending to Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Our plane is flying over the desert and into Aktau. After crossing the Aral Sea, it was just desert and sand until we landed. Then more sand.

Aktau International Airport, Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Control Tower at the Aktau International Airport.

Kazakhstan Sukhoi SU-30SM at Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — I was surprised to see a couple of Sukhoi SU-30SMs at the airport. My Air Astana flight in Aktau.

My Air Astana flight from Almaty to Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — My Air Astana flight in Aktau.

A view of the Caspian Sea, Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — I got this view of the Caspian Sea from my hotel window in Aktau.

A view of the Caspian Sea, Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — I got a better view of the Caspian Sea from the beach.

Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — A view of Aktau.

Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Seaside and cityscape of Aktau.

Seaside and city view of Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Aktau's sidewalks look very similar to the ones in Almaty.

Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Many small shops in Aktau.

MIG fighter in Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Outside of my hotel is a Mig fighter.

Camels in Aktau, Kazakhstan (May, 2015) — Yes, I saw camels on my taxi ride back to the airport. For some reason, my phone could not zoom in.

Reflection

I hope I can meet with my Kazakh host sisters again.