I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.” – John Green.
Traveling the world has always been a dream of mine, so I figured I would start my around the world adventure where my life began- in Astana Kazakhstan.
I’ll start off by recommending the best places that show Astana’s true beauty!
#1- Baiterek Tower
This monument in the sky gives a jaw dropping view of the city. I could tell by just walking in why it is so highly recommended. You get a panoramic view of the Capitol of Kazakhstan. It attracts tourists from all over the world such as myself, to locals who enjoy the view just as much. One fun addition is the imprint of the presidents hand, which you place your own hand into and make a wish.
#2- Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
This place was my personal favorite due to the amazing architectural design. It is a transparent tent with amazing accommodations inside such as a indoor swimming pool. 
If your interested in more of a homey activity I highly recommend Medeo High-Mountain Skating Rink. There’s always something magical about ice skating outdoors, but ice skating in the mountains takes it to a whole new level.
Now the talk of where to eat. For me- good restaurants can make or break a city for me.
Line brew Astana.
This place is the taste of Kazakhstan. The waiters are very friendly and patient with foreign travelers. This place is cozy and inviting food and establishment wise. Great place is you are traveling with kids. My favorite dish is the Banzay.
I love to find a favorite cafe in every city I visit and Cafe Tselinnikov hit home for me. Amazing appetizers and Baklava.
The people of Astana.
The city is packed with a little 1 million people. Since Astana is located in Asia, majority of the population, mainly locals, are fully Asian/Russian. As a Kazakh, I have the looks so I fit in with the locals. They are very welcoming of travelers and made me feel right at home.
About the country itself
Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan, straddling the Ishim River in the north of the country. a country rich with oil money, the flashy buildings of Astana rise up implausibly from the flat Kazakh plains to form a city stuck between a Soviet past and an aspirational present. 
Would you really like to visit this country? Explain
I would love to be able to visit Kazakhstan. I’m hoping I can go when I turn 18. I’d love to experience my home culture.
Where would you go first?
I would definitely visit the orphanage I was adopted from no doubt.
What would you like to see, visit or do in the area?
I am hoping to track down my birth parents.
What would you need to have to make the trip? Goods, clothing, money, etc..
this trip would definitely be costly, a couple thousand dollars. Depending when I went, I would need warm clothes because the temperature can get below freezing. I would have to hire a translator and purchase Kazakh money.
How long would it take to make the trip and how long would you like to stay?
The flight is about 19 hours from San Diego. The plane ticket alone would cost about $4,000 there and back. I think about 1-3 weeks to visit all the places I want to see and spend time with my biological family would be amazing.
What type of transportation would you need to make the trip as well as what transportation is available in the country to help you get around?
My parents said that renting a car, and taking taxis is the best way to get around the city. Hiring a translator is a must.
What foods are there to eat and would you have a problem with consuming those?
Their food of unique. I’m a very picky eater so finding foods I can/will eat is very tricky. Fermented horse milk according to my parents is disgusting. Pringles are considered a delicacy and served on glass platters.
Is this an affordable trip most people could take?
This trip is a costly one because if how far it is and since it is a foreign country you have to add in all the costs of hiring a translator, nice hotels and the cost of good high quality food.
Karina’s travels 