8,000 Kilometers and Counting

Zdrast-vuy-tye from Almaty, Kazakhstan! It’s the largest city in Kazakhstan and the former Kazakh capital. It’s really a delight to be here, a city that is communist in nature but feels so full of opportunities and development possibilities. And trust me, Kazakhstan is much more than what you see in the Borat movie. This country has had an 8-10% GDP growth over the past years, and I have spoken with some of the most inspiring, forward thinking people while being here.

Since my departure on July 26^th, I have travelled more than 8,000 kilometers from the east coast of China to the heartland of Central Asia, the furthest possible point from an ocean in the world. I have crossed, together with my travel companion Rogier, some of the highest mountain passes and hottest deserts on earth in our BYD, Build Your Dreams, Chinese car. We’ve had no difficulties so far with the car, but we have faced some very challenging road and weather conditions on the Tibetan Plateau between Sichuan and Qinghai provinces in China.

It’s obvious that a book about urbanization does not come together by itself. I’d like to share with you some of my process and update you on the progress.

How is it going?

Very well! I had an excellent interview about the preservation and development of former concession areas in the city of Wuhan, development possibilities in the city of Urumqi and how to deal with an ever-expanding desert while accommodating future population growth needs. In Almaty, Kazakhstan, I spoke with the development centre of the Almaty Government about the implementation of the light-rail system and integration with other means of transport in the city.

What has been successful?

The interviews went well. I realize that many do not get to openly share their thoughts with government officials. This is a situation that can’t be taken for granted. I am very glad that I was able to confirm the appointments beforehand and found the right people in the right positions to talk to. The RTKL network and the embassies and consulates of the Netherlands have been very helpful here.

I am also amazed by the preparation and dedication of the interviewees in answering my questions. I sent them the questions beforehand and everyone has prepared answers in advance, even providing me with PowerPoint slides and maps to use in the book. Just amazing!

What has been frustrating and what have you had to change?

It has been very difficult to steer conversations into the direction I want to. Civil servants can only openly share so much of their own thoughts and opinions which makes it difficult to ‘dig deeper’ into a subject. Also, I wanted to end every interview by asking them: “Can you draw, in 5 minutes maximum, the most essential elements of your city?” I asked in an attempt to focus the conversation to the essence of each city. Unfortunately, my idea was politely declined during my second and third interviews, which leaves me empty-handed for this part of the book.

What is still to come?

I still have five interviews ahead of me in the next 2 months until my arrival in the Netherlands on October 31^st. Samarkand, Tehran, Istanbul, Athens and Florence are waiting ahead! After arrival in the Netherlands, the toughest part will be figuring out how to consolidate all interviews and make this information readable, attractive and informative.

Please follow the journey though www.brandnewchina.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brandnewchina

To read more about the book I am writing, please visit: http://www.brandnewchina.net/2014/08/10/perspectives-on-a-globalizing-world/

For part one of Maren’s journey, make sure to check out his first Kagan blog post here.