April 5.
Second day on the train from Kazakhstan to Russia.
Out here, the world feels different.
The route cuts through vast степи where almost no one lives.
Settlements are rare, and when they do appear, they feel more like brief interruptions than actual destinations.
Internet is unreliable — sometimes there’s a signal at bigger stations, sometimes nothing at all. And even when it does appear, you only get a few minutes before the train moves again.
Most stops last no longer than five minutes.
Just enough to step out, look around… and rush back.
But there’s something valuable in this.
For once, there’s time to sit with your own thoughts without constantly checking the feed, messages, or news. No endless scrolling. Just the rhythm of the train and whatever is on your mind.
Today’s post is another short one.
I just wanted to share a few photos I took on my phone at one of those small stations.
We jumped off the train with my son, hoping to grab something to eat — and almost immediately ran into a woman selling shashlik.
Perfect timing.
She had three options:
chicken
duck
lamb
I went straight for lamb.
My wife and son chose chicken.
Prices were simple too:
lamb — 2000 tenge per skewer
chicken and duck — 1000
Bread and onions included.
No menus, no branding, no fuss — just food.
We barely had time to pay before it was already time to get back on the train.
As expected, the meat was excellent.
Kazakhstan has incredibly good meat — animals grow in natural conditions, grazing freely across endless pastures. You can taste the difference immediately.
Tender, juicy, real.
Some of the photos were taken right from the train, through not-so-clean glass.
I decided to leave them as they are.
Sometimes imperfections tell the story better — they show how people actually live out here, in conditions that aren’t always easy.
Another short stop on a long road.
More soon.
Thank you for your likes, your comments, and your time. It never goes unnoticed.
I write my texts myself, correct mistakes and translate via ChatGPT (which is not a violation on Hive)! All photos were taken by me personally - I am a beginner photographer, so I ask professionals not to judge strictly.
Thank you for sharing these moments with me! Until new stories and new holidays! ✌️.
Camera 📷: Sony Alpha 7 IV full-frame
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 70-200mm F: 2.8 GM OSS II
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II
Processed 🛠: Lightroom
