Kazakhstan: Snow-capped mountains to luxury shopping malls

Almaty, Kazakhstan, October 19, 2012: Shymbulak Ski Resort in Almaty, Kazakhstan on October 19, 2012. Christopher Pike / The National

A local man on a horse in Turgen Gorge in the Ili-Alatau National Park, 90km from Almaty.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the second tallest wood building in the world.

Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Traditional dancers perform at a restraunt in Almaty.

Workers prepare for the launch party of Esentai Mall in Almaty.

Foreign journalists tour the Esentai Mall prior to the launch party in Almaty.

A model walks the runway during a fashion show at the launch party of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall in Almaty.

People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.

A man watchs a fashion show at the launch party.

People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.

People watch a fashion show at the launch party.

National View editor RJ Mickleson talks to staff photographer Christopher Pike about his experiences and thoughts of a recent assignment to Kazakhstan.

1. You recently traveled to Kazakhstan on assignment for the Business Desk at The National. Can you explain the assignment?

The National was invited to attend a press trip sponsored by Capital Partners, the investors behind the Esentai development project in Almaty, one of the first luxury malls in Central Asia.

2. You have been living and working in the UAE for about a year and the temperature rarely dips below 30 degrees. Were you prepared for the cold climate in Khazakhstan? Did you find it difficult to shoot in the cold weather having been in the Gulf for the past year?

One of the main reasons I enjoy living in the Emirates is the weather. I'm originally from the Caribbean, but grew up in Canada, so I'm begrudgingly acquainted with cold. Before moving to the UAE in 2011, where I lived in Canada where the temperature could easily reach -45 at it's coldest. Probably because of that though, I hate being cold.   Autumn is in full swing in Almaty, and I landed in the city as the first snow of the season was falling, with temperatures averaging in the single digits. Although my vast experience with cold and wearing many layers of clothing, nothing ever really prepares you for that first couple days of cooler weather. Although I don't really enjoy the the freezing cold, (it got down to -4 while I was there), it didn't effect how I worked at all.

3. Kazakhstan appears to be a country which honors its traditional way of life, yet it has made an effort to modernize in order to become more of a global player both economically and geopolitically. Do you see any similatlities between the economic/political growth of UAE and Kazakhstan?

There were a few similarities between the UAE and Kazakhstan that I saw, most of which were subtle though. The most evident was the Kazakh people's love of their heritage. A true sense of pride permeated from everyone that I had the chance to speak to. I learned that the former nomadic people would host passing travelers for three days before asking the reason for their visit. Also, everyone was very quick to note the changes that have occurred since 1991 when the former USSR fell.

4. Can you describe the landscape of Almaty, Kazakhstan?

Almaty is beautiful! Surrounded by the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau mountains, the city is lush with large trees lining every street and the many large parks that make up what is known as "city of apple trees". The city has been heavily influenced by Russians but definitely has its own charm.

5. Have you considered going back to Kazakhstan?

I'd go back in a heartbeat.  Using Almaty as a base, I would really like to get out into the countryside a bit more to see a more traditional Kazakh lifestyle. I was only on the ground for four days this time around, a majority of which was spent working, but it really left me wanting more.

6. Is there anything you were surprised to learn about the people and/or culture of Kazakhstan?

The biggest surprise was was what traditional fermented horse milk tasted like . . . yum. Almost as big of a surprise how much Kazakhs eat for how small they are. I'm not sure I had a meal that was less then five courses and never saw a table that had a bare spot on it. They just keep feeding you. Its 90% meat, and very hearty. I probably ate more in four days then I normally do in two weeks.