Movie Monday: Baraholka Bazaar

The Baraholka is the largest bazaar in Almaty.  Located north of the main part of the city on Rozibakieva street, it spans what feels like a square mile once you are inside.  With dozens of rows of stalls selling everything in its season, this is the place to buy furs, coats, shoes, Christmas decorations, wedding dresses, carpets, lights...actually it is the place to buy just about anything you want.  The narrow walkways are crowded with shoppers, suppliers shouting 'kesh kesh kesh' as they race towering stacks of boxes to one stall or another, and old ladies selling Chai (tea) and coffee to hungry shoppers and vendors.  The merchandise towers high above the tiny isles giving one the impression that even if the item you were looking for was right in front of you, you might never see it.

The typical Baraholka experience takes hours, and I highly recommend a guide if you are looking for something specific.  Plan on walking through miles and miles of shops - oh and dress warm if shopping in the winter - it might be covered, but it isn't heated.