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.

Kiev , General info:
7/10

A pleasant surprise for most visitors. You think eastern Europe is all grey post communism heavy industry with factories speing out thick black smoke? Think again. Kiev is one of the greenest capitals I've ever seen (and I've seen 62) with huuuuge parks right in the city centre.

Kiev , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Alcohol and locally produced stuff.

All imported goods are just as expensive as in western Europe.

Kiev , Don't miss:
7/10

The cathedrals

Andrews Descent

The mummified munks in the lavra

Hydropark in the summer

Chernobyl museum

Kiev , Food:
4/10

There is a reason to why you can't find ukrainan restaurants all over the world, but some very tasty stuff if you know where to look and which meals to avoid. Plenty of indian, turkish, italian, chinese and mexican places to dine too.

Kiev , Hotels:
3/10

Either superexpensive luxuryhotels like Hyatt og Radisson, og expensive ex-Soviet-style coloss hotels with service attitude stright from the KGB-book. Save your money and rent an apartment instead, seriously.

Kiev , Safety:
7/10

Not worse than any western European big city, but keep an eye, or a hand, on your wallet and valuables in the horribly crowded metro.