Robert Huna, 33 years old, hometown — Liptovský Mikuláš, professional hockey player
I lived in Kazakhstan from 2013 to 2015 and also from 2017 to 2018. The reason for my move was my work, and I am a professional hockey player and played for the hockey team «Irtysh» in Pavlodar.
From the first days of my stay in Kazakhstan, I did not experience difficulties — everything was at home, cosy and comfortable. Pavlodar is a beautiful and clean city. I liked Pavlodar embankment, and this is a meeting place for many local residents. In summer I spent a lot of time on the beach, the Irtysh river is beautiful.
I spent most of my time on ice, hockey is my passion, and I liked to play in Pavlodar. I communicated with other Slovaks-hockey players, but there were not so many of us.
I also managed to visit Almaty and Astana. Astana surprised me with its architecture. But I am a man of nature, so Almaty left more warm memories. My favourite place was Shymbulak, the mountains in Almaty are unforgettable.
Kazakhstan is similar to Slovakia in its architecture and atmosphere because we are also a country of the former Soviet Union. The grey architecture of the post-Soviet states is a feature of all cities of the former USSR.
But our mentality is different because the Kazakhs are more open and hospitable. I felt it as soon as I arrived. People are always ready to help in difficult situations.
I liked Kazakhstan: your nature, people and attitude to life. I will definitely come back here, but as a tourist, to see familiar places and old friends.
Mariana Dachova, hometown — Bratislava, project manager in a private company
I was in Astana on November 19-it was a working trip. During my stay in this city, I visited several business meetings and had time to walk with friends who live in Astana.
I didn't have much time to walk. But still, I managed to visit the cult places of the city.
The architecture of the city — intriguing, unusual buildings of bizarre shape — is unusual. I managed to visit Hazret Sultan Mosque, Baiterek Tower, Astana Opera house and National Museum.
I would like to note that, despite the snow and a cold, the city is clean and safe.
Basically, I talked with businessmen interested in cooperation with us. Due to this trip I was able to see my friends from Slovakia.
I can only judge by one trip, but people in Kazakhstan are like Slovaks at some points. Slovaks also like shopping, warmth and comfort in winter, and we also often face the problem of traffic jams.
I would like to note that, despite the snow and a cold, the city is clean and safe.
We do not have such harsh winters, so I think the people of Kazakhstan are better adapted to extreme weather.
Kazakhs and Slovaks honour and respect national traditions, are proud of their relatively recently gained independence.
If our trip reaches its goal, I will definitely come back here on a working visit. Next time I want to see other cities.
Martin Hujsa, 39 years old, hometown — Skalica, professional hockey player
I moved to Kazakhstan in 2012 for work — I was invited to the hockey team «Irtysh» in Pavlodar. Any problems arose, I was well received, and the staff was friendly.
I spent all my time on the ice. When there was a free minute, I played football, went fishing with friends, and spent time with family.
Pavlodar is a compact city with typical post-Soviet architecture. But some buildings surprised me. I visited the main mosque, church, embankment of the city. All these places are the sights of the city, and I liked them. In the Ice Palace «Astana», where I worked, there was a good ice arena, and the whole complex was built at a high level. It was a pleasure to play and work there.
While I was in Kazakhstan, I visited Almaty. Mountains are the main feature of this city, they attract from the first sight. I went skating at the famous skating rink «Medeu».
The main differences, for me, were the roads because they are absolutely no good. The second is the infrastructure of the city is quite different, many important objects in the city were not enough. I know now Pavlodar has become more modern, and the city has changed a lot over the years.
We have different cultures, but the Kazakhs as the Slovaks, honour traditions and are proud of their freedom.
I want to go back to Kazakhstan to see my friends, but I don't know exactly when it will happen.
