Getting to the airport was extremely stressful, but at least I had the chance to meet two lovely girls from Kazakhstan who were also lost in Baku. Together, we managed to figure out how to get to the airport and discovered that we were on the same flight to Aktau.
Aktau, Kazakhstan
Upon arriving at the airport, which was located about 30 kilometers from the city, both of them kindly offered to take me downtown. Aktau is a city located right along the Caspian Sea, and that’s where they dropped me off. The journey from the airport was quite intriguing, as we found ourselves surrounded by a desert with many camels wandering around. It was not what I had expected; I had the desert in mind, but I hadn’t imagined camels, and certainly not so close to the city. Essentially, the airport was in the midst of the desert.
My first task was to find some food and purchase a SIM card to make getting around easier. It was my first time in Kazakhstan, and I was filled with excitement. On my way to a local supermarket, I came across some Soviet Union and World War II monuments, which were fascinating to see, especially with a real fireplace. According to the locals, every city in Kazakhstan has something similar.
I bought a SIM card for my trip, and although I may have been slightly overcharged, it wasn’t too bad. At least I had working internet, unlike my experience in Indonesia a few months ago. My thoughts were primarily focused on food at that moment. The supermarket was right there, and I was eager to try some local pastries and milk-based drinks. While enjoying my meal, I walked back to the Caspian Sea, which provided a beautiful backdrop. The sun was slowly setting, creating a fantastic atmosphere. People were relaxing and relishing their proximity to the sea. The food was delicious, and I tried “tan,” a milk drink with a unique taste that’s challenging to describe. It’s simultaneously tasty and somewhat unusual, but I liked it.
Exploring Nightlife Aktau
Aktau had a vibrant atmosphere as a seaside town with a pleasant coastal walk. While I relaxed on a bench, I wasn’t sure what to do with the 15-hour wait before my next flight. In the distance, I could hear music, so I decided to explore. There was a local orchestra playing music and promoting their group. Apart from the fantastic live music and talented performers, what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic crowd, ranging from the very young to the elderly, all enjoying the music together. The orchestra didn’t seek donations; they were simply representing themselves.
My favorite moment was when they played the “Drobra,” a Kazakh national instrument, and the sound was incredible. It was a wonderful way to spend my first day in Kazakhstan, especially after not enjoying my previous trip to Azerbaijan.
Along the promenade, there were many street musicians playing their music and singing their songs. People gathered around them and enjoyed their performances, something I rarely see in my home country. Usually, most street musicians are ignored, from what I’ve observed.
In addition to the music, there were various fitness areas along the promenade where people were working out, even in the complete darkness. As the night progressed, more people filled the streets, which was quite fascinating to witness. Many families with their young children were present, and everyone appeared friendly, enjoying their time.
The Night
I returned to the airport during the night as my next flight was scheduled for 6 in the morning. I was alone in the city and didn’t want to spend the night somewhere unfamiliar. For less than 4 Euros, I took a taxi to the airport, covering over 30 kilometers; it felt quite affordable and even cheaper than what the Kazakh girls had paid using local apps. It was a good deal.
At the airport, some people were staying overnight. I had brought some food with me to be well-prepared. Encountered some odd situations, like one where a guy’s bag appeared to be dropping a packed rose. I ran after him to return it, but he didn’t understand English, which made the encounter a bit awkward. He didn’t take the rose back, so I gave it to the security staff, who were also puzzled as to why I was giving them a rose. Nonetheless, I was relieved to finally be at peace. I inflated my air mattress and made myself comfortable on the floor with my sleeping bag, attracting curious looks from people around me.
It wasn’t a long night in the airport, as it took a while to fall asleep, with too much on my mind. Nevertheless, I managed to get a few hours of sleep. The airport’s security check and passport control were quick, taking less than two minutes. My next step was flying to Astana, but unfortunately, I lost part of my headphones on the plane. The noise-canceling feature isn’t as effective now because one of the earbuds is missing, which was a disappointment. However, headphones are not something I use extensively, so losing them was still unfortunate.
What’s Coming Up Next?
Next up is my trip to Astana, where I’ll be meeting my fantastic hosts in the city!
