So, after 2 years back in UK we are off again. This time I am chasing the money as my job back in the oil businesses moves to Atyrau, Kazakhstan.  I have gone out on my own for a month to check it out, returning for October to look after John and Gwendolyn as Rowena joins her cousin for the first month of her 4 year ride from Beijing to London:

www.thelonghorseride.com

In November we will all move over here, so I am here to check it out.  I arrived in Atyrau last Wednesday, so not yet a week.  But I must say I am quite impressed.  There is not getting away from the fact that it is a small town in the middle of nowhere, miles from any hill, but it does have some charm.  The weather has been lovely, beautiful blue skies, it was very warm a couple of days ago, but the breeze made it acceptable to walk around during the day.  Now the temperature has dropped 10C but it is still lovely.  The river Ural, as you can see is rather nice, there are a few power boats going up and down and I have seen a few canoes.  I have also found a place where you can hire pedelos.

I am in a very posh Marriot serviced apartment so have sitting room and kitchen.  There is a great gym on the 20^th floor with amazing views.  I believe that I am down for a two bedroom when the rest of the family arrive, but I am going to try to find somewhere more suitable.  I have seen some nicer flats with secure play areas outside and windows that actually open.

Although I am probably not supposed to, it is great fun wandering round the town exploring.  Seems a very happy and litter free place.

Anyway here are some photos.

Here is the beach near the office, looking accross to the Renco hotel with a 10m pool on the roof, seems quite pleasent

There are quite a few play grounds around of variering states of decay

My walk to and from work.  There is a lovely promonade along teh river, and it seems they are building one on both sides.  Lots of access to the river for fishing and swimming.

Small resturant on way home from the office.

My hotel, note the Europe monument.  My office is in Asia on the other side of the only bridge.  (well there is actully another foot bridge).  Who else does a daily intercontinental commute by foot?

Views from the hotel Gym