Summer in Almaty

Summer is here in Almaty and now is the time to really experience the "cafe" society, with all the restaurants and coffee bars that spilling out onto the sidewalks and pavements...giving the city a very European feel.

The city is very enchanting and green which is in high contrast to the colder months of the year.

No summers is complete without a walk in one of the many parks, or a sunset cocktail at Koktobe.

During the first part of the summer, expect rain showers to come quick and fast, while the later part of the summer is much more hot and humid.

The joys of summer in Almaty

+ great excuse to try some yummy ice creams available at most small shops and bus stops 
+ fresh berries -  cheap and plentiful
+ watermelons at the hight of summer
+ great cafe atmosphere in the city
+ lots and lots of weddings-  look out for all the couples taking pictures everywhere especially in the popular parks
+ strolling in the park on a lazy sunday afternoon
+ barbecuing with friends in the mountains 

Hope you have a great summer in Almaty!!

Carrefour rumour

There were rumours going around that Carrefour would be coming to Kazakhstan and the first store would be in the long awaited Dostyk Plaza.   But the latest news from the National Agency for Export and Investment is that there are no plans made by Carrefour to enter Kazakhstan.

Why did the rumour start?

Back in 2011 Carrefour announced that they had plans to enter the market in Kazakhstan, Georgia and Russia.  Although the Tbilisi store has been successful, those that opened in Russia have since failed.

How viable was the idea?

I am sure that the company consider the viability of entering the Kazakhstan market, and competing with Metro the German network that already has a strong presence. 

But from their store failures in Russia, they might have also reconsidered their whole strategy and might be looking for other areas that represent easier entry to the market.  

It is sad that Carrefour is not coming to Kazakhstan, as I am a strong believer in some good competition. 

Now, my only hope is that Metro would actually open in Dostyk Plaza : )   

Events in May 2014

I cant believe it is May already... it doesn't really feel like Spring as yet, but I am sure from this week the weather will only get better.

Here are some events happening in Almaty during the month of May, 2014

Pop Art Exhibition from 3-30 May, Address: Al-Farabi 77/8 at Esentai Mall

May 3 is the 3Km Colour Run, participants have to wear white at the starting point - it is a similar idea to the Colour festival in India. 

Tickets are 1 000Kzt and proceeds will go towards planting trees in Almaty

Patricia Kaas Concert in Almaty at the Republic Palace on the 4th of May 19:00

Tickets range from 5 000- 35 000Kzt.

Contact +7 727 329 7711 for more information

Expect Indian traditional music on the 6th of May at the Museum of Musical Instruments

The event starts at 19:00,  Address: Zenkova 24A,  Tel: +7 727 291 6917

14-16 May 2014 KIHE - The 21ste Kazakhstan International Healthcare Exhibition