Today was the second day we've really been able to get out and see Alamty. Although Kevin got sick this morning, he was feeling better by afternoon so we all went out for a walk, in-search of the great souvenir shops we'd heard about. On the way there, we came across even more parks full of large trees and lush grass, plus more monuments to soldiers and wars. It is so much fun stumbling across these wonderful surprises. This country really values its parks and its nature-dependent heritage.
Finally, the calm city streets and occasional parks turned to busy shopping districts filled with vendors, artists and even an accordion player (the strangest of all were the vendors who were selling kittens for about 40 cents each). We strolled up and down the central mall and then entered the large shopping center where we were told we'd find great prices and a good selection of souvenirs.
While cruising through the shops, we ran into another American couple with a dark-haired little girl in their front-pack. We began talking and found out that they had just adopted her from Karaganda, another region in Kazakhstan. Their names were John and Debbie, and their little Grace was the same age as our Katie. As we stood between shops talking, the shopkeepers came out to the isle where we were and just stood their smiling and watching our little girls. One of them even asked to hold Grace; it was really cute.
After talking for almost an hour, we said our goodbyes, and continued on in our shopping adventure. We had a great time meandering through the different shops and seeing tons more souvenirs than in Astana. We also enjoyed communicating with the shopkeepers using our little bit of Russian and their little bit of English. We found each of the items we were looking for; a traditional vest and hat for Katie, a coffee table book of Kazakhstan, a couple little gifts and a Christmas ornament (it's a tradition for us to buy one on every trip). There were so many amazing things that we wished we could have bought for Katie to enjoy in the future, but we were grateful for what we could afford and we’re even more grateful that we have her; the best souvenir of them all!