May be relocating to Astana, Kazakhstan - paging Dr. Detroit (1 Viewer)

[flufhed]

Age? Kids? If you're young and have no kids, I would vote to do it.

Good luck.

bump

I'm not really looking for advice as to whether to do it, as that will be a private family discussion, but more just advice for IF we do it.

 

[flufhed]

Surely someone here must have something helpful.

I spent several weeks in Almaty in the summer of 2003. I don't know what it's like today but I never felt uncomfortable or had any real concerns. Best tomatoes I've ever had

 

[flufhed]

Surely someone here must have something helpful.

This guy?

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showuser=20265

Post 7 in this thread says

 

[Guest]

Age? Kids? If you're young and have no kids, I would vote to do it.

Good luck.

bump

I'm not really looking for advice as to whether to do it, as that will be a private family discussion, but more just advice for IF we do it.

OK, I'm just going to assume you're an 1800 year old vampire as the reason you won't give your age.

 

[flufhed]

Age? Kids? If you're young and have no kids, I would vote to do it.

Good luck.

bump

I'm not really looking for advice as to whether to do it, as that will be a private family discussion, but more just advice for IF we do it.

OK, I'm just going to assume you're an 1800 year old vampire as the reason you won't give your age.

Wasn't trying to be evasive or a jerk. Just trying to avoid the thread getting off-track into a debate about whether it makes sense for someone in my situation, as people are already honing in on that. That is something that our family is debating and will continue to debate as we acquire more info. In this thread I just wanted to focus on acquiring as much info as possible.

But the vampire thing sounds cooler so we can go with that.

And thanks for the good luck sentiments!

 

[El Floppo]

maybe it wasn't doctor detroit.

somebody in the FFA has done a lot of travelling in the middle east- military, or contractor... Evil Grin?

I think you should PM shuke.

 

[higgins]

maybe it wasn't doctor detroit.

somebody in the FFA has done a lot of travelling in the middle east- military, or contractor... Evil Grin?

I think you should PM shuke.

It's definitely DD.

 

[Foosball God]

maybe it wasn't doctor detroit.

somebody in the FFA has done a lot of travelling in the middle east- military, or contractor... Evil Grin?

I think you should PM shuke

The only traveling Evil Grin does it to the local Orlando bars.

 

[tri-man 47]

I've taught a couple of grad students who came from that general region ...nothing at all out of the ordinary. In fact, their skills were excellent. I've had grad students at my small university who have come from a wide range of countries - we're just a smaller, connected world nowadays. I don't expect people there would be freaking out that you're an American. I see it's primarily a Muslim country, but 25% are Russian Orthodox. It doesn't seem like you're walking into the lion's den.

 

[cstu]

Although Kazakhstan a glorious country, it have a problem, too: economic, social, and Jew.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Most normal central Asian country and lots of hot Russian broads there.

Easy going people for the most part and the countryside is pretty nice. Mountains, desert, fat chicks, etc.

Not sure I'd recommend a move to Central Asia outside Kazakhstan, but I think you'll find a welcoming lifestyle and culture. Different? Sure. As big a culture shock as say Baja Mexico? probably not.

If the money is good and you are up for it, do it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Jebus. I get wanting to explore the world and all but there? Will that experience help your wife in the long run? Tons of grads from those types of medical schools driving cabs here which makes me think a professor from that school won't get any credit for their tenure. Even if the school is somehow accredited, I think most people will discount the experience simply because of the location. How long would you be over there?

Kazakhstan<>Hondurus,guy

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Not sure if they hate jews, but they love black dudes.

That's all I got.

 

[flufhed]

Most normal central Asian country and lots of hot Russian broads there.

Easy going people for the most part and the countryside is pretty nice. Mountains, desert, fat chicks, etc.

Not sure I'd recommend a move to Central Asia outside Kazakhstan, but I think you'll find a welcoming lifestyle and culture. Different? Sure. As big a culture shock as say Baja Mexico? probably not.

If the money is good and you are up for it, do it.

Thanks for the info, DD.

From my online research I had concluded much of what you type in this post, but it is always nice to hear confirmation from someone who has been on the ground.

 

[Foosball God]

Not sure if they hate jews, but they love black dudes.

That's all I got.

You must have loved it there then.

 

[TenTimes]

Is it possible to maybe vacation over there for a week or so? Check it out first hand. I'd try to do that if possible since I know nothing of the place. Worst case, you've seen more of the world and a different culture.

 

[El Floppo]

co-worker starts telling me about a birthday party he went to last night "they were all from Kazakhstan"... so I mentioned your story.

this doesn't really help- but he says the women were all gorgeous and had uniformly amazing legs. (and this is a guy who places himself around more beautiful women than just about any guy I know).

also said they were all a bit cold/brusk to begin, but immediately warmed up quickly and were all very welcoming and open.

and the dudes were all filthy rich.

that pretty much describes most expats in NYC, so there ya go.

 

[johnnycakes]

Going to Kazakhstan to get some strange.

 

[flufhed]

Is it possible to maybe vacation over there for a week or so? Check it out first hand. I'd try to do that if possible since I know nothing of the place. Worst case, you've seen more of the world and a different culture.

Certainly we will take a peak before moving there. At this point if she doesn't get the job or we get cold feet I really want to visit just to visit. Seems like an interesting place.

 

[flufhed]

Going to Kazakhstan to get some strange.

I saw you had the last post in the thread and before I clicked I had a feeling your post would be exactly this.

 

[cstu]

Not sure if they hate jews, but they love black dudes.

That's all I got.

You must have loved it there then.

 

[beer 30]

Are you white? As a white American man you couldn't pay me enough to live in that area of the world right now.

The people of Kazakhstan are pretty white. Actually, more Asian looking. At least the ones I met.

It's more about standing out as a white dude from America.

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

 

[cstu]

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

Tell the truth, you've never actually left the U.S. have you?

 

[flufhed]

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

Tell the truth, you've never actually left the U.S. have you?

I assumed beer30's post was shtick. Was he serious?

 

[beer 30]

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

Tell the truth, you've never actually left the U.S. have you?

I assumed beer30's post was shtick. Was he serious?

Yea it was but there are always folks around here that take me seriously. Not to hijack but PSA to the FFA, if you take anything I say seriously it's on you, not me. My humor is lost on many people, cstu apparently just joined the club.

I was serious about the not for me but good luck to ya man. Hope it all works out, you should start a thread and keep us up on the giggles & fun that is Kazakhstan.

 

[eoMMan]

Do they have a news website for that town? Maybe an online newspaper?

Start reading that as a start.

 

[flufhed]

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

Tell the truth, you've never actually left the U.S. have you?

I assumed beer30's post was shtick. Was he serious?

Yea it was but there are always folks around here that take me seriously. Not to hijack but PSA to the FFA, if you take anything I say seriously it's on you, not me. My humor is lost on many people, cstu apparently just joined the club.

I was serious about the not for me but good luck to ya man. Hope it all works out, you should start a thread and keep us up on the giggles & fun that is Kazakhstan.

Thanks man. I assumed you were joking.

And certainly if I start this adventure I will start a thread about. I'm sure as ### not starting a blog on going on Facebook or something stupid like that.

 

[Fennis]

Age? Kids? If you're young and have no kids, I would vote to do it.

Good luck.

bump

I'm not really looking for advice as to whether to do it, as that will be a private family discussion, but more just advice for IF we do it.

if you do it, make sure you are young with no kids

 

[Mister CIA]

One of the world's more interesting skylines.

 

[Fennis]

make sure you appear on House Hunters, International.

 

[Mister CIA]

Digging a hole to China - you could cross that off your bucket list.

 

[Mister CIA]

Was going to suggest tiger watching as a hobby, but alas the Chinese appetite for animal penis thwarts all.

 

[Christo]

Go. You'll regret it if you don't.

 

[McGarnicle]

Does your wife have red dress?

 

[Righetti]

Yeah, they either are ethnic Russian and thus whiter than white, or slightly Asian looking if ethnic Kazakh, with a smattering of other ethnicities.

These folks I think are kind of typical of ethnic Kazakh:

http://www.macalester.edu/academics/geography/mongolia/images/image_family.jpg

Look harmless enough

 

[cstu]

You should get one of these cause you'll have one on anyhow so might as well get one that fits. Good luck and Godspeed, not for me.

Tell the truth, you've never actually left the U.S. have you?

I assumed beer30's post was shtick. Was he serious?

Yea it was but there are always folks around here that take me seriously. Not to hijack but PSA to the FFA, if you take anything I say seriously it's on you, not me. My humor is lost on many people, cstu apparently just joined the club.

I was serious about the not for me but good luck to ya man. Hope it all works out, you should start a thread and keep us up on the giggles & fun that is Kazakhstan.

:notebooked:

 

[simsarge]

FWIW http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/starting-a-business-in-bishkek-kyrgyzstan/index.html

Make sure you check in every now and again if/when you get there, and let us know what's what.

 

[Otis]

Your kids will talk like Balki.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Isn't Kazakhstan the former USSR republic where the president retained power and kept retaining it and now he is essentially a classic strongman dictator? My guess is the advantage is they have stayed secular, commerce is good and even growing, I bet they pay a lot even a ton to attract professionals (like doctors) over there and it's probably an amazing cultural experience. My guess is the disadvantage is that the human rights situation is lousy viz the state, few if any of the individual freedoms and rights you are used to, and if you ever get in a jam you could be up the ol' creek with few to no resources.

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Consider the peace corp, even at an "older" age. My inlaws did it with the FIL rising to an in country director. Sounds like a great way to experience a country long term.

 

[Tick]

I am sure you have seen this, but I thought it was interesting anyway.

http://www.expatarrivals.com/kazakhstan/pros-and-cons-of-moving-to-kazakhstan

As the utilities are run on a central network you have very little choice on when your heating is turned on or off. It comes on in October and turns off in April. If it gets cold before the magic date you have to use an electric heater. If there is a hot spell in early April you will swelter. In some buildings the heating is so warm that you will need to open the windows to cool it down – even in the middle of winter.

Our dorms were like this in college, and it stunk.

 

[Sinrman]

Have an old high school friend that lives there and has for many many years. Don't really talk to him, but he posts every once in a blue moon (Facebook) and seems to like it. Think he teaches there...

All I got...

 

[flufhed]

make sure you appear on House Hunters, International.

Great idea!

 

[flufhed]

Have an old high school friend that lives there and has for many many years. Don't really talk to him, but he posts every once in a blue moon (Facebook) and seems to like it. Think he teaches there...

All I got...

Would you be willing to contact him on my behalf and see if he has any advice or resources that could help me?

 

[Chemical X]

make sure you appear on House Hunters, International.

 

[Tick]

Did you go?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Have you knocked up a local chick?

 

[Doug B]

Kismet .. was just thinking of this thread after reading about Baikonur, Kazakhstan (the USSR's/Russia's Cape Canaveral).

 

[blend]

Did you go?

Was wondering this too.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Consider the peace corp, even at an "older" age. My inlaws did it with the FIL rising to an in country director. Sounds like a great way to experience a country long term.

read director as dictator the first time

-QG