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.

Wellington , General info:
8/10

Located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. Wellington is a town like no other in New Zealand. Its renowned for being very friendly, very liberal and full of incredibly interesting people.

Cuba Street in the middle of Wellington City Centre is usually thriving with buskers, jugglers and people wearing no shoes and piercings all of the place.

Wellington , Cheap stuff:
8/10

The asian food and sushi is excellent and incredibly cheap.

Wellington has more cafe's per capita than New York and Wellingtonians are incredibly proud of having some of the best coffee in the world!

Wellington , Different stuff:
9/10

Blanket Man! The City's superstar homeless guy - wearing only a blanket - even in winter - he is a local hero. Often found on Cuba Street smoking pot - he is always listening to his ipod, greets passers by with a little wink and has his own religion and political party!

Wellington , Don't miss:
10/10

Te Papa - fantastic museum of all things Kiwi. Be warned you can spend a full day walking round and seeing the exhibitions etc.

Wellington , Food:
8/10

Breakfast/Lunch:

Cafe L'affare just off Tory Street is excellent. Cafe Delux on Cambridge Terrace also has fantastic organic coffee and the best gluten free muffins in Wellington. Also of note are Dixon St Deli and Victoria St Cafe. Coffee is excellent everywhere.

Dinner:

Highlights include Flying Burrito Brothers, Logan Brown and Hede.

Wellington , Safety:
9/10

Very safe city. Often surprised to see young women walking alone at 2am down the high street.

Some homeless people in the centre of town but they are mostly harmless and often quite friendly.