We have arrived in Almaty!

We arrived around 1:30am this morning in Almaty. The trip went very smoothly and really wasn't all that bad but we are definitely tired! Our translator met us at the airport and took us to a very cozy little hotel. There are only 12 rooms, but it has been renovated and is actually very nice - the beds are very comfortable. After we ate breakfast at the hotel (was included with the room cost) our translator and driver came and took us on a driving tour pointing out some sights. We also took a cable car up the mountain to a park - it is very pretty here with the mountains and snow.
We are now at an internet station in a shopping mall and it is very cheap to access the internet this way! We are going to eat here and then go back to the hotel for the evening and get plenty of rest tonight. Tomorrow we are going to the museum and then we fly on to Aktau Sunday morning. Our translator actually travels there with us. So far the people have been nice and many do speak a little English.
We definitely feel safe and comfortable. I know many family/friends seemed concerned about where we were going in relation to the proximity to the middle east, but there is absolutely nothing that feels middle-eastern about Almaty - the people are mostly Asian, but speak Russian and the appearance of the city is more Russian or European. So don't worry !
Will post an update again soon!
Steph