Year: 2026
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I’m in Istanbul again. I was last here for a couple of days in January on my way back from Russia to the UK. On that occasion, I saw some of the sites, notably the Basilica Cistern built in the sixth century by the Emperor Justinian I, and the Blue Mosque, (17th century, Ottoman). This…
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Catching a taxi at an international airport without getting shafted is a bit of a fine art. To be fair, I don’t know what the deal is with the taxis who collect passengers outside the arrivals area at Istanbul airport. They may be fine. It may be that everything is on the meter and above…
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This article concerns the B8 Visa for obtaining residency in Kazakhstan. This route does not concern people from the Euroasian Economic Area, or people already in Kazakhstan on a work visa, who may be thinking of applying for residency. The writer is a UK Citizen, but the sames issues apply to anyone who might be…
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There are two gorges a short drive from Almaty. Both feature waterfalls; but don’t expect the Niagra Falls. These are small mountain streams, with correspondingly sized waterfalls. There is a trail leading to both waterfalls, and, in both cases, the trail continues after the first fall. I went with a group excursion which promised a…
