Almaty. Day 29

 A pleasantly easy day today - which is good because we're tired. We got the whole morning off and used it to sleep in and catch up on things. We've also got a couple more days here and I don't think there's that much to see (based on today's outing) so no rush.

When we did go out, we started at 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park. Named after some soldiers from the Battle of Moscow, which was a big deal in the USSR, it is largely a war memorial with suitably ugly sculptures. But in the middle of the park is a wooden Russian Orthodox Church. This was quite attractive but the interior was over the top with the gilded theme.




Then we walked the couple of blocks to the Green Bazaar. We're pretty much over bazaars but to be honest this was better than most. It smelt better, was tidy and practically hygienic. When we wandered beyond the main building the rest was all drab, cheap clothes from China.

We went to the chocolate factory and shop next door, but it was pretty underwhelming. Looking at packaged chocolate is not very interesting.
Then the final location for the tour was a cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill. I think the actual view would have been quite good if it was less hazy, as the mountains come right up to the edge of the city. Otherwise it was a collection of tame rides and amusements - which is one of the reasons I suspect Almaty has limited tourist attractions. I will also note that from the beginning of the trip, every city where we have stayed a night has had at least one ferris wheel. They seem to be a staple of local amusements.



In the evening the whole group went to a very pleasant nearby restaurant for a final or penultimate dinner, as there seems to be another one tomorrow night. As usual, the large scale thing is big platters of meat and potatoes.

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