“Hospitality on another level”: Scottish traveler shares what surprised him most about Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – Scottish adventurer Ross Jennings, known worldwide as The First Piper, says his trip to Kazakhstan exceeded all expectations. In an interview, he shared what impressed him most about the country.

Ross, who travels the world in a kilt playing the bagpipes, has made it his mission to perform in every country on the planet. Kazakhstan became his 116th destination.

"The bagpipe is part of who I am. But this time, I came not only for music — I was researching the origins of apples, and everything pointed to Almaty. So yes, I came for bagpipes and apples — a strange combo, but somehow very Kazakh," he laughed.

Before the trip, Jennings admitted he knew little about Kazakhstan.

“In the UK, we know it’s a huge, landlocked country with a Soviet past and nomadic culture — and that’s about it. So I was really curious, because I knew everything would be new to me,” he said.

Ross said the Kazakh capital left him stunned.

“Astana looks futuristic, like nowhere else. The architecture is just incredible — modern, but with tradition right next to it,” he noted.

Playing the bagpipes in the streets, he was struck by how warm and open people were.

“I expected people in cold places to be reserved, but it was the opposite. Everyone smiled back, said ‘salam’ and ‘welcome’. The hospitality here is on another level,” he said.

Outside the city, he met an eagle hunter and his family.

“We cooked beshbarmak together, they played the dombra, told stories — it was so genuine. I didn’t expect that level of warmth,” Jennings shared.

On social media, he joked that “in four days, I ate more horse than I’ve ever ridden”.

Kazakh cuisine, he said, was one of the trip’s biggest surprises.

“When I tried asip, I was shocked — it’s almost the same as our haggis in Scotland! The only difference is that Kazakhs use rice instead of oats. Even the flavor is similar,” he said.

He also enjoyed beshbarmak, samsa, and baursaks — “everything was delicious”.

From steppes to mountains

Jennings said one of the most striking impressions came from the geography of Kazakhstan.

“When I climbed a mosque minaret, I could literally see the curvature of the Earth. I’ve never been anywhere this flat — it was mesmerizing.”

He spent about a week in Almaty, visiting natural landmarks such as Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake.

“Traveling around was easy — taxis, flights, everything was simple and convenient. Maybe a bit more public transport would be nice; I saw Astana’s LRT and Almaty’s metro. As a European, I love public transit,” he said.

Although he faced a minor language barrier, he found locals helpful and kind.

“I learned a few Kazakh words, but then realized most people speak Russian. It was unexpected but fine — now I want to learn Russian too,” he added.

Reflecting on his journey, Jennings said Kazakhstan had left a deep impression.

“It’s a country of stunning contrasts — people, food, traditions, and nature. I felt like a truly welcome guest. I’ll definitely be back.”