I was born in Aktau and loved till 17. My house was 20 mins walk from sea. Aktau is recent man build city. Originally it was built not due to oil, but uranium. Oil was found later. It is the smallest city in kazakhstan yet, but my birtplace and i love it. Caspian sea subsets. Actually there we have sunsets around 10pm in summers really
What a beautiful city! The sunset was just gorgeous! I’m sorry you got stuck but always appreciate your willing to just go with it ! Beautiful filming as always ❤️thank you for
So I just found you two, and I am an American. Weirdly I’m almost ashamed to admit that anymore online when speaking to people from other lands. Anyway, just wanted to say I love what you do, I’m half Peruvian and got to travel to Peru when I was younger to visit family and explore what I joking and lovingly call “my homeland”. Doing some of the same stuff you do and just meeting people. It gave me a, idk, truth? Maxim? Anyway. We are all just people trying to get by, trying to help those dear to us, and all just trying to make sense of life. You two are capturing this notion so well…please don’t stop doing what you’re doing.
Welcome to Kazakhstan. The construction in the city of Aktau is a fine example of what is happening over most of KZ. I live in Astana which is one large construction site in Oct 2022. I'm sure you found the country is full of lovely, friendly people who are very glad to help not only in Aktau but everywhere in KZ.
Another great video. I an constantly amazed at seeing all these out of the way destinations and parts of the world most people have never seen. I love the way Julia giggles at her own funny comments.
Aktau is a good place, but as you mention with all of the building works has changed so much since I was last there. One thing that hasn't changed is the Chechil Bar (Cheese Bar) at 12.09 in the video is still there. Have memories albeit vague :-) from going there. I used to work in a small village called Bautino which is very near to Fort Shevchenko, both about an hour or so away. As you have discovered, train links are not great and take forever no matter where you go from Aktau. Thanks again for the memories. рахмет
How long ago were you there? Just interested to know how fast it’s changing, judging by the sheer volume of building work it must be so quick 😮 Ah interesting 😊 Yeah we definitely discovered that, especially mid summer 😅 So glad you enjoyed it ❤️🇰🇿
@@MattandJulia I worked in KZ for eight years, most of the time was spent in Bautino, but the last two or three were in Atyrau. I was lucky enough to travel through a lot of Kazakhstan, Uralsk, Aksai, Aktobe, Astana, Shymkent (numerous times obviously) and Almaty. I left in 2017, but was last in Shymkent in January this year.
You guys are amazing where you have travelled to. You go to places that we only dream about. the ever-changing terrain from sea to desert . To be stuck in Aktau is something . The story continues. We can't wait to see what's next. Love you guys💖💖💖 Harriet , Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
What a pretty place to get stuck in! Gorgeous sunset. I'm getting ready for my own holiday on Monday. Going to the ocean side for 8 days. Good luck getting out!! Hugs🥰
Lovely vlog guys! I don't thunk you guys stuck there, but that was your destiny to be in that town for few days, and you guys were able to explore it and looks like you had a great time in the end! That's how travelling makes us tough and teaches us how not to panic in such extreme situations, as there is always a way out for every situation!🙂
Hi there! My husband and I are literally on your tail and are using your videos as guides. We are in Baku now waiting for a cargo ship to Aktau. I'd really love to know HOW you got out of Aktau as we were going to tale the train as well. Any info is helpful! Also how did you go see the cave Mosques? Did you rent a day taxi etc? Thank you!!!!!
Hello Evana 🥰 You should have no problem taking the train now. Unfortunately we were there on 14th August which was the height of the summer season so everything was fully booked 😘 And regarding the tour, we used a company called Mangystau Safari - hope this helps 🥰
Thanks for taking us with you exploring Aktau! Sorry you got stuck for a few days, but that gave me the opportunity to see a city I've never heard of! From showing us people carrying on with their daily lives to that beautiful aerial views of the city and sunset (and everything from a Sharon Stone moment to a Mig-on-a-stick too! 😉😂😂). Can't wait for that desert excursion video... Lots of love ❤️❤️
Thank you so much Johan! So glad you enjoyed it 🥰 Aktau was a real pleasant surprise for us too 😊 And a mig-on-a-stick sounds tasty 😋😄 Can’t wait to share the next one 🥰❤️
Great video. Glad you escaped! Loved the music and videography from circa 4.15 to 5.22 - really cool and haunting but snazzy music and shots - awesome. Also, totally loving your insightful stats about places - really educational. Your in-depth stats about places regarding the culture, economy, etc is unique to you both...it's really powerful. Matt's Stats...
Hoping you find a way to Almaty soon! Great video and excellent drone footage of city and sunset! Keep on inspiring us! Your kindness and joyfulness is a joy to watch! 😊
You poor things, although that city seems like a pretty nice place to be stuck...LOL. Praying you find way to get to Almaty and also another way to get back out. ♥
Живу в этом городе всю жизнь, каждый уголок, показанный на видео знаю, но смотреть через ваши глаза - это прям что-то другое. Иногда забываешь, в каком чудесном месте живешь. Спасибо, что напомнили. Приезжайте еще, особенно поздней весной, когда город расцветает.
Chris here. Greetings from Ann Arbor. So, since you are moving to Aktau, do you have a permanent address yet. I would like to send you a housewarming present. How about a crock pot? Or do you have one in those big bags? Matt, you have got to get food (🍟🍕🌭🌮🍦🍧🍩🍪..... these are for Julia) into Julia on a regular basis. Got to get her to stop licking the camera. 🏁🚩🎌🏴🏳🏳🌈🏳⚧🏴☠ (matt, these are for you!) Hope you get a connection soon, to continue on your journey. Since you are heading into more desert, check for a used camel dealer. Get one with low mileage, that doesn't spit. Safe travels, praying for you guys always. 😁
Hahahaha, I would love a crock pot Chris! ❤️ I can’t help it the lens is just so sweet 👅 Hahaha, we will look in the local ‘auto trader’ , I think they have a camel section here 😁❤️❤️❤️
I agree 😊 but it is surrounded by what? 😀 also the title “stuck in a Kazakh city with over 100,000 people” probably wouldn’t perform so well with the algorithm 😀❤️
We searched in both English and Russian, the routes were there, but no tickets, same at Aktau station ticket office. Probably are tickets now to be fair, this video was filmed around the 13th August. only we could turn up to Kazakhstans main ‘beach resort’ smack bang in the middle of summer season and try to book last minute tickets 😅
@@MattandJulia Ahhhh, that makes more sense because I suppose then it was holiday season. Its a similar story in many post soviet countries, the locals book way in advance. Not like in UK when you can always get a train, at ten times the price! Hope you guys are well.
I became your follower even before because I really dont know the reality of life over your continent. Before YT cones out , when your continent is mention , what comes on my mind is picture of your 'known" leader , kremlin & old bldgs. But it came out there are a lot more. You visited my country briefly , hoping for come back!
Everyone we have encountered speaks Russian yes, it is cooficial alongside Kazakh so it is learnt from school age. There are many ethnic Russians in Kazakhstan and actually even for many ethnic Kazakhs, Russian is the first language 😊
The younger generation, especially, speaks Kazakh, as well as Russian and English. Kazakh is not an easy language to speak. Traditional Kazakh had 42 letters in the alphabet, but it was recently 'Romanized" so there are less letters. If you try to speak a few words Kazakhs are very appreciative of your attempt. It shows respect for their country.
Well, your not dead. The part of the world your in is not free, that means you cannot move without government approval. If you are smart, you would get out back to England while you can.
Hope you enjoyed the video! ❤️ Not far to Almaty now! Let’s hope get can get there 😅
You two are my favorite must watch on TH-cam right now!
Oh no. You both are so precious. And can overcome any obstacle with humor and the love between the two of you .
I really appreciate this video. I would never have experienced this town. Now, I can add to my memory. Safe travels.
Really glad you enjoyed it 🙌🏼🥰
I agree with you ... Nicely put. 😊
I was born in Aktau and loved till 17. My house was 20 mins walk from sea. Aktau is recent man build city. Originally it was built not due to oil, but uranium. Oil was found later. It is the smallest city in kazakhstan yet, but my birtplace and i love it. Caspian sea subsets. Actually there we have sunsets around 10pm in summers really
What a beautiful city! The sunset was just gorgeous! I’m sorry you got stuck but always appreciate your willing to just go with it ! Beautiful filming as always ❤️thank you for
Thank you so much Jo Ann, really appreciate it 🥰❤️
So I just found you two, and I am an American. Weirdly I’m almost ashamed to admit that anymore online when speaking to people from other lands. Anyway, just wanted to say I love what you do, I’m half Peruvian and got to travel to Peru when I was younger to visit family and explore what I joking and lovingly call “my homeland”. Doing some of the same stuff you do and just meeting people. It gave me a, idk, truth? Maxim? Anyway. We are all just people trying to get by, trying to help those dear to us, and all just trying to make sense of life. You two are capturing this notion so well…please don’t stop doing what you’re doing.
Even with all the construction it was beautiful. Hope you got out and are now traveling again. Be safe. ❤️
So glad you enjoyed it Cheryl 🥰 Thank you so much ❤️
Welcome to Kazakhstan. The construction in the city of Aktau is a fine example of what is happening over most of KZ. I live in Astana which is one large construction site in Oct 2022. I'm sure you found the country is full of lovely, friendly people who are very glad to help not only in Aktau but everywhere in KZ.
Another great video. I an constantly amazed at seeing all these out of the way destinations and parts of the world most people have never seen. I love the way Julia giggles at her own funny comments.
You can book a flight
Aktau is a good place, but as you mention with all of the building works has changed so much since I was last there. One thing that hasn't changed is the Chechil Bar (Cheese Bar) at 12.09 in the video is still there. Have memories albeit vague :-) from going there. I used to work in a small village called Bautino which is very near to Fort Shevchenko, both about an hour or so away. As you have discovered, train links are not great and take forever no matter where you go from Aktau. Thanks again for the memories. рахмет
How long ago were you there? Just interested to know how fast it’s changing, judging by the sheer volume of building work it must be so quick 😮
Ah interesting 😊
Yeah we definitely discovered that, especially mid summer 😅
So glad you enjoyed it ❤️🇰🇿
@@MattandJulia I worked in KZ for eight years, most of the time was spent in Bautino, but the last two or three were in Atyrau. I was lucky enough to travel through a lot of Kazakhstan, Uralsk, Aksai, Aktobe, Astana, Shymkent (numerous times obviously) and Almaty. I left in 2017, but was last in Shymkent in January this year.
Так держать, ребята. Казахстан не удивляет 😂😂 со мной такие истории тоже были и в Астане, и в других местах были... 🙂
Ахахаха, спасибо 😊 Мы сами дурачки что выбрали приехать в Августе 😂❤️
I’m loving 🥰 your extreme adventure right now! This part of the world is so fascinating to me! Really exotic
So glad you are enjoying it Jason! Lots more to come 😊❤️
You guys are awesome, I was born in Russian city Samara, and I live in USA for 20 years now. Glad I found you guys. ❤ I was to travel like you guys!
Thank you so much! Love to the US ❤️🙏🏼
You guys are amazing where you have travelled to. You go to places that we only dream about. the ever-changing terrain from sea to desert . To be stuck in Aktau is something . The story
continues. We can't wait to see what's next. Love you guys💖💖💖 Harriet , Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
Thank you so much guys! Really appreciate your support! 🥰❤️❤️❤️
Wow! I love these type of videos, places that I knew very little about. Aktau, Kazakhstan seems like a very nice place. Thank you for the video!
Thank you so much Marcia, really appreciate it 🥰❤️
I'm so happy you guys are making these videos. I'm learning so much about places I wouldn't have even thought to research otherwise!
So glad to be able to bring you along with us 🥰❤️
7:15 u guys are gold.. beautiful people..godbless u guys luv u ❤️
Thank you so much!! 😊❤️
Wow! What a sunset shot!
🥰❤️❤️❤️
What a pretty place to get stuck in! Gorgeous sunset. I'm getting ready for my own holiday on Monday. Going to the ocean side for 8 days. Good luck getting out!! Hugs🥰
Amazing! Have the best time!!! 🥰❤️
Beautiful Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
❤️❤️❤️
Lovely vlog guys! I don't thunk you guys stuck there, but that was your destiny to be in that town for few days, and you guys were able to explore it and looks like you had a great time in the end! That's how travelling makes us tough and teaches us how not to panic in such extreme situations, as there is always a way out for every situation!🙂
Thank you so much Awaara! Really appreciate it, we agree, it was ‘a blessing in disguise’ 😊
Wow, thanks for visiting my hometown :)
Классный город у вас 🥰❤️
Just saw this video first time, 5 months after you posted it. My question is why couldn't you fly on Air Astana to Almaty. It's not that expensive.
Hi there! My husband and I are literally on your tail and are using your videos as guides. We are in Baku now waiting for a cargo ship to Aktau. I'd really love to know HOW you got out of Aktau as we were going to tale the train as well. Any info is helpful!
Also how did you go see the cave Mosques? Did you rent a day taxi etc? Thank you!!!!!
Hello Evana 🥰
You should have no problem taking the train now. Unfortunately we were there on 14th August which was the height of the summer season so everything was fully booked 😘
And regarding the tour, we used a company called Mangystau Safari - hope this helps 🥰
Thanks for taking us with you exploring Aktau! Sorry you got stuck for a few days, but that gave me the opportunity to see a city I've never heard of! From showing us people carrying on with their daily lives to that beautiful aerial views of the city and sunset (and everything from a Sharon Stone moment to a Mig-on-a-stick too! 😉😂😂). Can't wait for that desert excursion video... Lots of love ❤️❤️
Thank you so much Johan! So glad you enjoyed it 🥰 Aktau was a real pleasant surprise for us too 😊 And a mig-on-a-stick sounds tasty 😋😄 Can’t wait to share the next one 🥰❤️
Random question: what do you use to hold the camera when you are filming yourself walking around?
Great video. Glad you escaped! Loved the music and videography from circa 4.15 to 5.22 - really cool and haunting but snazzy music and shots - awesome. Also, totally loving your insightful stats about places - really educational. Your in-depth stats about places regarding the culture, economy, etc is unique to you both...it's really powerful. Matt's Stats...
Hahaha, love that, maybe we should be having a special segment in the video for Matts stats 😂 Thank you Hamish ❤️
@@MattandJulia My pleasure! Your stats for each place you visit are super informative and interesting.
Hoping you find a way to Almaty soon! Great video and excellent drone footage of city and sunset! Keep on inspiring us! Your kindness and joyfulness is a joy to watch! 😊
Thank you so much Pam, really appreciate the support 😊❤️
Surprising. Interesting. Journeying on with you. ❤
So glad you enjoyed it! ❤️🙏🏼
Really enjoying your videos……Take care both. You make a lovely couple. 🏴x
Take a flight out from aktau to shymkent
So my little desert travlers....oh no!!! I sure hope you find a solution to your issues. How scary!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏that you get out!😎🏜❤🥰🥰🥰🥰
We hope we have 😅🥵❤️
@@MattandJulia good. Saying prayers that you get out safely!!!!
Thank you so much 🥰❤️
,Sunset was beautiful. Hope you get out ok . Stay safe. 🐱 X
So glad you enjoyed it Carole! 😊❤️
Stunning war memorial
Very poignant ❤️
Wow beautiful different place ❣️ also very empty . Where is everybody ? Good luck with getting out 😘
Haha, it was a little quiet but not that bad, I think we (or our camera) seem to scare people away 😅❤️
All u explain nice city amzing ur fun ha ha allso nice vidos
How did you learn russian so well? Its really good, I imagine Julia is slvaic person, but how about you?
You poor things, although that city seems like a pretty nice place to be stuck...LOL. Praying you find way to get to Almaty and also another way to get back out. ♥
Thank you so much Nix ❤️ It is a lovely city for sure, could be worse places to be stuck 🥰
Живу в этом городе всю жизнь, каждый уголок, показанный на видео знаю, но смотреть через ваши глаза - это прям что-то другое. Иногда забываешь, в каком чудесном месте живешь. Спасибо, что напомнили. Приезжайте еще, особенно поздней весной, когда город расцветает.
Спасибо вам огромное 🥰 очень рады что вам понравилось! ❤️ мы обязательно вернемся снова 🙌🏼
Delicious sunset☺️
So relaxing 🥰
Argh, but the moonrise @8:55 was blurred out!
If you get stuck anywhere we will all organize a rescue!
This is a deal! 😀❤️
Their motto must be "Once in Aktau, always in Aktau".
Hahahah, this is so true 😁❤️
what kind of drone you use Matt?
I use a DJI Mavic Air 2 😊
@@MattandJulia I have the DJI mini 2 and mini 3.
So tiny and loaded with features.
Would love to swap to the mini at some point 😍 so much easier to travel with too ❤️
Lots of Soviet architecture there, Caspian Sea seems nice.
For sure, it looks sooo inviting 🥰
Chris here. Greetings from Ann Arbor. So, since you are moving to Aktau, do you have a permanent address yet. I would like to send you a housewarming present. How about a crock pot? Or do you have one in those big bags? Matt, you have got to get food (🍟🍕🌭🌮🍦🍧🍩🍪..... these are for Julia) into Julia on a regular basis. Got to get her to stop licking the camera. 🏁🚩🎌🏴🏳🏳🌈🏳⚧🏴☠ (matt, these are for you!) Hope you get a connection soon, to continue on your journey. Since you are heading into more desert, check for a used camel dealer. Get one with low mileage, that doesn't spit. Safe travels, praying for you guys always. 😁
Hahahaha, I would love a crock pot Chris! ❤️
I can’t help it the lens is just so sweet 👅
Hahaha, we will look in the local ‘auto trader’ , I think they have a camel section here 😁❤️❤️❤️
Wrong headline it's not a desert it's a beautiful big city with hundred thousands of people
I agree 😊 but it is surrounded by what? 😀 also the title “stuck in a Kazakh city with over 100,000 people” probably wouldn’t perform so well with the algorithm 😀❤️
❤❤❤❤
You are using the English spelling of Almaty, try using Alma-ata 😂there's loads of trains i think 😂
I am in Samara now, I might be doing the same journey in the next few days 😀
There's one train tomorrow at 8am and another at 6pm
We searched in both English and Russian, the routes were there, but no tickets, same at Aktau station ticket office.
Probably are tickets now to be fair, this video was filmed around the 13th August. only we could turn up to Kazakhstans main ‘beach resort’ smack bang in the middle of summer season and try to book last minute tickets 😅
@@MattandJulia Ahhhh, that makes more sense because I suppose then it was holiday season. Its a similar story in many post soviet countries, the locals book way in advance. Not like in UK when you can always get a train, at ten times the price! Hope you guys are well.
You too! Enjoy Samara! ❤️
I became your follower even before because I really dont know the reality of life over your continent. Before YT cones out , when your continent is mention , what comes on my mind is picture of your 'known" leader , kremlin & old bldgs. But it came out there are a lot more. You visited my country briefly , hoping for come back!
Thank you so much Margarita, really glad you enjoyed it 🥰 so happy to have you along with us ❤️ and we definitely will! ❤️
What a palava🤔
Yep, what a bit of a stress, especially after getting this far 😣❤️
🥰🥰
Добро пожаловать к нам в гости если что нужна помощь пишите в личку
Спасибо вам огромное 🙌🏼❤️
😂😭👍💕
😅🙈
😎🖐
❤️❤️❤️
Does everybody in Kazakhstan speak Russian? Do you guys encounter locals that just speak kazakh?
Everyone we have encountered speaks Russian yes, it is cooficial alongside Kazakh so it is learnt from school age. There are many ethnic Russians in Kazakhstan and actually even for many ethnic Kazakhs, Russian is the first language 😊
Many locals speak only Kazakh in fact. However, in the cities knowledge of Russian at least at intermediate level is ubuquitious.
The younger generation, especially, speaks Kazakh, as well as Russian and English. Kazakh is not an easy language to speak. Traditional Kazakh had 42 letters in the alphabet, but it was recently 'Romanized" so there are less letters. If you try to speak a few words Kazakhs are very appreciative of your attempt. It shows respect for their country.
Well, your not dead. The part of the world your in is not free, that means you cannot move without government approval. If you are smart, you would get out back to England while you can.