Celebrating Naurys (Kazakh New Year) in Almaty!

(Sorry everybody, but the work I produced for the Government of Kazakhstan is not mine to reproduce. Skiing every Sunday in the Tien Shan Mountains about 15 miles out of town was awesome, especially up near the glaciers!)

The front of Kazakhstan's Parliament Building; the huge plaza in front serves as the focal point for a full-day of entertainment, culture and goodwill. Later in the evening, thousands turn out for dancing in the plaza!

Boys will be boys and, as these photos indicate, the phenomenon does not respect geographic boundaries!

Naurys occurs about the same time as St. Patrick's Day (which probably both originated as pagan celebrations of springtime), so John had a big St. Patrick's Day party in his apartment. Although the invitation said to wear something green, nobody understood quite why...

Just as the first guests were leaving, John discovered he hadn't taken any photos. Caught outside, in the headlights of Sergei's car are Sergei, Shinar, Edige, Chris, Larisa, and Zhubyk.

The second bedroom served as a miniature discotheque; Daniar A. Berlibaev of Kazakhstan's Eximbank (right) brought along some friends; one in particular was not too hard on the eyes.

Later that evening, everyone crowded into the kitchen. The verdict on the party? Not at all Russian or Kazakh style, according to the guests, but "a real New York party!"

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