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Getting ill can be infectious

A hospital in Astana

Hospitals can be confusing, Claire McCarthy’s dalliance with the health system in Astana had her seeking a specialist

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24-hour Astana – a non-cook's dream!

Astana shop

With temperatures dropping to -40°C in Astana, Claire McCarthy decided to face up to her lack of talents in the kitchen, and uncovered her new favourite shop

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Hot and steamy in Astana's banya

city banya in Astana

Claire McCarthy warms herself up with some hot and steamy activities at Astana’s city banya, not to mention the birch leaves!

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Snow fun in Astana's sub zero temperatures

Astana snow slide

Claire McCarthy finds Kazakhs in Astana make the most of the sub zero temperatures

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Train, planes and automobile – how to travel to Plymouth, Melbourne and Astana for Christmas

Landing gear

For Christmas and the New Year, Claire McCarthy decided to visit friends and family in Plymouth, and go to a wedding in Melbourne before returning to Astana, Kazakhstan. Here’s how she got on…

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Getting ready for Christmas in Kazakhstan

Christmas in Kazakhstan

Christmas and New Year in Kazakhstan have some startling similaries – and differences – to what you’d expect in the UK. Claire McCarthy gives a rundown on the festive season in Kazakhstan

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Coping in a winter wonderland

Snowy Astana

Claire McCarthy gets to grips with a winter in Kazakhstan, and with temperatures that plummet past the 0 mark. It’s a far cry from winter in Plymouth

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