Kentau II

The city of Kentau is currently calm, almost sleepy. It might be due to the heat that hardly any people are found on the streets. I see more children and stray dogs than adults. Well, at 34 degrees in the shade, it is more comfortable to stay inside than out in the sun. I adapt to the climate: an early morning walk at just 28 degrees - otherwise reading, working on presentations, watching movies, and writing a blog. In the evenings, I take long walks. 

Compared to Ajteke bi, where I was last year, this place is characterized by many trees that often extend far into the streets and sidewalks. Maintenance of the outdoor areas is rarely seen. The park in the immediate neighborhood has seen better days.

As in Ajteke bi, the cityscape is marked by heating pipes, some of whose insulation is falling apart. There are radiators in the apartments that cannot be turned off because there are no controls. A sign of socialist uniform architecture, but also a sign of the immense energy wealth that Kazakhstan is known for.

The houses here are solidly built with mostly thick walls and double-glazed windows. With winter temperatures reaching -30 degrees and summer temperatures up to 40 degrees, this construction style is justified. When I see the quality of the execution in construction, my handicraft skills seem almost masterful, despite my famously clumsy hands.

The many potholes in the streets ensure a natural calming of traffic. Likewise, the residents here have no parking problems at all. The number of cars is notably very limited.