Astana , General info:
5/10

Formerly Tselinograd, later Akmola. Nowadays it is called Astana. Previously Astana was the oblast's center (administrative unit in Kazakhstan). Now it is a capital since 1997. The capital was transferred from Almaty. Since that time Astana is growing fast. It is situated on both sides of Esil river. The right bank is called old town, whilst the left bank is a new administrative center of the new capital.

Astana , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Astana is one the most expenssive cities in Kazakhstan along with Almaty (financial and cultural center), Atyrau (oil and gas capital) and Aktau (sea port on Caspian). Cheap stuff can be found in bazaars and large markets like "Eurasia", "Arman" and etc.

Astana , Food:
4/10

Eating is a problem in Astana though there are lots of cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately, most of them can not be considered to be cheap or good. Usually, food is expenssive and fairly good. A usual lunch for a person might cost starting from 1500 tenge (13 USD). And it is not a good lunch at all.

Astana , Hotels:
5/10

There are many hotels and lots are being built. Astana can boast Intercontinental hotel, Rixos President hotel and a few more 5* hotels. There are also 2-3 hotels with 4* grading. And lots of 2* hotels. But prices usually high inspite of fair service. A single room in 2-3* hotel might cost 40-50 usd. 6* hotels cost from 200 Usd.

Astana , Safety:
5/10

It is quite safe to walk in the downtown in midnight. Though it is highly not advised to walk somewhere in the suburbs. There lots of police cams and police booths all over the city.

Houston , General info:
9/10

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States of America and the largest city within the state of Texas. Houston is the seat of Harris County and an economic center of the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area—the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with a population of around 5.6 million.

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

Houston , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Pico's Mex-Mex Restaurant, 100% Taquito, Collina's Italian Cafe, ...

Houston , Different stuff:
9/10

Dynamic Downtown, Architecture & Public Art, Shop Nonstop, Urban Green Spaces, ...

Houston , Don't miss:
9/10

Earth Day celebrations, Art Car Parade, NASA, Menil Museum, Astros

Houston , Food:
9/10

Paulie's, Lankford Grocery & Market, Prince's-Houston's Hometown Burger,

King Biscuit Patio Cafe

Houston , Hotels:
9/10

Howard Johnson Express Inn, Hotel Zaza, Crowne Plaza, Four Points By Sheraton Houston Southwest, Hyatt Regency Houston,...

Houston , Safety:
9/10

Like any large city in the world, Houston has its share of unsavory characters. If you use common sense, you'll enjoy your trip and have no problems.