May 18, 2013

Ever Thought of Going to Kazakhstan for Vacation?

Almaty (ex Alma Ata), Kazakhstan

Image via Wikipedia

Kazakhstan is an independent state on the edges of China and Europe, both. With colorful traditions, stunning landscapes and a history of government upheaval, Kazakhstan is a state that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

With a newly formed Kazakhstan Democracy, the state has a marketing value comparable to some Western countries. Tourism is one market that’s growing exponentially there and people around the world are being stunned by the pristine beauty of the diverse landscapes.

Kazakhstan Entertains Families

The Kazakh people enjoy many scenic wonders, but 1691 meters above sea level sits Medeo, a sports complex in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains north of Almaty. It’s the highest spot in the world for winter sports, with a man-made ice field of 10,500 square meters. The scenery is breathtaking and it’s quickly becoming “the” place for winter vacations.

The same mountain range holds the high-altitude ski resort called Chimbulak, but the mountains themselves are quite an attraction too. The giant, craggy outcrops that top the range give a quiet yet extraterrestrial feel and the snow ices the valleys and peaks like a rumpled blanket.

Enter the Warm Regions of Kazakhstan

In another landscape entirely, light-colored sand blows across the surface at the Singing Dunes located in the National Park Altyn-Emel (182 km northeast of Almaty).

It’s a popular tourist attraction where a phenomenon of nature occurs: the sand exudes a sound that’s much like the tone of a church organ. Hence the name, Singing Dunes.

Kazakhstan sports quaint cafes, shopping, places to stay. There’s something for everyone. When figuring out where to go next year, keep Kazakhstan in mind, and when you go, don’t forget the camera.

How to Spice Up Your Life

Taste, Sense of Taste or Allegory of Taste

Image via Wikipedia

Spice is more than that stuff you put on your food so it’ll taste more interesting. Considering that you have five senses, how many of them are you really using in your daily life? If you’re like far too many people, you aren’t using the full potential of your senses. It’s time to make some changes.

What’s the first change you can make? Take a vacation and think through things. Have you ever been on a Virgin holidays ship before? If you haven’t, you’re definitely missing out on an experience that will engage all your senses. While the cruise itself will only last a few days, you’ll carry the memories with you for the rest of your life. Every time you inhale the salty ocean air in the future, you’ll think back to what cruises 2013 taught you and you’ll remember how much fun they were. The vacation ends, but you can make the new outlook on life permanent.

Being a little spontaneous and letting a moment simply happen can make every aspect of your regular life feel just a bit better when you get back from a cruise. While you won’t suddenly be living a celebrity lifestyle, you will be able to think about doing something different and getting outside your comfort zone a little more. While it can be scary to go a little closer to the edge and take risks, this tiny amount of fear can be just the thing to shake up the monotony and allow you to live your life to its fullest.