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.

Bogota , General info:
8/10

Bogota, capital of the republic of Colombia, located in a privileged site in the center of the country at an altitude of 2640 meters above of the sea level.sitting on a large plain surrounded by fertile land, harboring friendly population where industrial, agricultural, livestock, artisan activities are developed.

Bogota , Food:
8/10

Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city referring to gastronomy. Thus, in addition to specialized typical Bogotá food restaurants, other restaurants also offer menus from other regions of the country or global cooking. Restaurants for all budgets are available.

In Bogotá people usually take three meals: breakfast served in restaurants and cafeterias up to 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.; lunch between 12:00 m. and 3:00 p.m., and dinner at night up to 11:00 p.m. for most restaurants. Some people also take light snacks “medias nueves” between breakfast and lunch “onces” around mid afternoon

Typical dishes

Ajiaco

Delightful soup from the Cundiboyacense plains. Prepared with chicken, creole potatoes, sabana potatoes, Pasto potatoes, corn and “guascas” (aromatic herb). Served with capers, thick milk cream, avocado and rice on the side each persons takes at their pleasure.

Fritanga (charcoal broiled meats)

A dish consisting of different meats: cow, pork, sausage, tripe, “longaniza” (different sausage type) black pudding, udder, heart and creole potatoes, ripe plantain and griddle cake.

Mazamorra Chiquita

A soup prepared with cow ribs, tripe, meat from the lower cow thigh, long onions, green peas, lima beans, carrots, Pasto potatoes, creole potatoes, corn flour, garlic, pepper and cumin. Accompanied of white rice.

Puchero Santafereño

Bogotá origin dish prepared with meats, Sabana potatoes, Pasto potatoes, yucca, plantain and sweet corn. Bathed with hot “hogao” and decorated with cabbage leafs.

Sancocho de Gallina

Soup eaten over all regions of the country, prepared with hen, potatoes, yucca and plantain. Served with white rice.

Sobrebarriga con papas chorriadas

Tasty meat of the fibrous type recovered with a layer of grease for delicious taste. Served accompanied of “chorriadas” potatoes bathed with “hogao” prepared with long onions, garlic tomatoes and spices.