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.

Sofia , General info:
5/10

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It is situated in midst of the Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria is the eldest country on the Balkans. Balkan means mountain area in Bulgarian Language. About 150 km from Sofia stays the Mousala Peek - it is the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula.

Sofia emerges as Trade Center of the Roman Empire(in its east part). The Roman Empire also imcludes the provinces: Mizia(capital Pleven link:www.pleven.bg), Trakia and Macedonia. During the Medieval this is what Bulgaria consists of.

Nowadays, in Sofia are situated a lot of economics branches. Sofia is an aim of a lot of foreign investments. The IT, Engineering and Financial and Economic sectors are really growing due to considerable input capital calculated around 10 billion EURO. On 1st of January 2007 Bulgaria is a member of the European Union.