Atyrau Journal - Nomad Culture and More

Kazakhstani people shared their rich nomadic culture during some corporate meetings in Atyrau and the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty. A highlight was trick riding from a culture that relied on horses, camels, and cattle. Horses were both transportation and allowed Ghenghis and the other Khans to rule on the battlefields where mobility and accurate archery ruled for centuries.

We visited a yurt - the nomadic home - and learned about the traditional methods of cooking, weaving, child rearing, and other arts. Interestingly, when they wrapped children tightly in their easily portable cribs, they put pillows under the boys' armpits to cause their shoulders to grow more broadly and on the outside of girls' arms to narrow their shoulders. Their wall hangings were very colorful!

The national food is Beshbarmak, meaning "five fingers," because it is eaten with hands. It can be made with various meats. In this case, it was made with lamb. The lamb's head is set before the guest of honor, who gives pieces of the head - eyes, ears, brains, cheeks, etc. - to represent personal attributes the honored guest hopes the other recipients develop. Sasha got an eye and ate it; I got some brains and part of the cheek (and hid them under some noodles).

Finally, we hiked near the ski resort Shymbulak. It's so beautiful! Part of the hike was up over 850 stairs from a world-known speed skating ring and stadium to the lower portions of the ski resort. The views were worth it!