We arrived in Almaty early in the morning after flying over some incredible scenery.

The Ascension Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church built entirely of wood and made without nails.  It was completed in 1907 and is claimed to be the second tallest wooden church in the world.  It is quite ornate inside, with most of the interior being made in art workshops in in Moscow and Kiev.

Panfilov Park and the Memorial of Glory.  The sculpture depicts representatives of 15 Soviet republics in the outline of the map of the Soviet Union. The words of Panfilov’s political commander were carved on the podium: “Russia is great and there is no retreat. Moscow is behind us!”.

It’s interesting how much influence still exists from the USSR – even though Kazakhstan received its independence in 1991.  The Soviet era is still much top of mind with everyone.

The Green Bazaar where you can find about everything imaginable (and some quite unimaginable).  (I spared you the photos of the meat department. )

The Golden Warrior Monument in Republic Square.  This is a Saka Warrior standing on a snow leopard.