Man, what a day! Zhezkent, you wild beast! I woke up thinking it’d be just another chill day. You know, guiding some tourists, maybe hitting up a café on Abay Street for a quick coffee. But nah, the universe had other plans.
First off, I’m late. Like, super late. My alarm? Totally betrayed me. I jump outta bed, throw on my gear, and bolt out the door. I’m sprinting down Kabanbai Batyr Street, dodging potholes like I’m in some twisted video game. Seriously, these streets are like a minefield.
So, I finally get to the meeting point at the Zhezkent Park. It’s a beautiful spot, man. Trees everywhere, people chilling, kids running around. But guess what? My group? They’re all there, looking at me like I’m the biggest loser. Ugh! I can feel the judgment.
“Sorry, guys! Traffic!” I say, trying to play it cool. But they’re not buying it. One dude, a total know-it-all, starts lecturing me about punctuality. I’m like, “Bro, I’m a mountain guide, not a clockmaker!”
Anyway, we hit the trails. The views are insane! The mountains in the background, the fresh air, it’s like a postcard. But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, monsoon-level rain. I’m soaked, my gear’s soaked, and my group? They’re freaking out.
“Is this normal?” one girl asks, looking terrified. I laugh, “Welcome to Zhezkent, baby! It’s like a surprise party, but with rain!”
We take shelter under a tree. I’m trying to keep spirits up, cracking jokes, but inside, I’m like, “What the heck is happening?” I mean, I love the mountains, but this weather? It’s a mood killer.
After the rain, we finally get moving again. The trails are muddy, and I’m slipping everywhere. I’m like Bambi on ice. At one point, I totally wipe out. I’m lying there, covered in mud, and my group bursts out laughing. I can’t help but laugh too. It’s ridiculous!
Then, we reach this stunning viewpoint. The sun breaks through the clouds, and it’s like the mountains are glowing. I’m standing there, feeling all the feels. It’s moments like this that remind me why I do this job. I mean, who wouldn’t want to share this beauty?
But then, the know-it-all guy decides to take a selfie. He’s like, “Hey, can you take this for me?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m not your personal photographer!” But I do it anyway. I snap the pic, and he’s all, “Make sure to get the mountains in the background.” I’m rolling my eyes so hard, I think I might’ve seen my brain.
After the hike, we head to a local spot on Kairat Street for some food. I’m starving! We order plov and shashlik. Man, the food here is next level. I’m stuffing my face, and the group is bonding over shared stories. It’s actually kinda nice.
But then, the know-it-all starts talking about how he’s climbed Everest. I’m like, “Cool story, bro, but we’re in Zhezkent, not the Himalayas.” I mean, come on!
As the day wraps up, I’m feeling a mix of emotions. Happy, exhausted, a bit annoyed, but mostly grateful. Zhezkent, you crazy city, you’ve thrown me through the wringer today. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I head home, my mind racing. What a wild ride! I can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow. Zhezkent, you’ve got my heart, even if you drive me nuts sometimes!