I’m Yulia Nikolaeva. I came up with my own business — and only later found out that it’s called being a tour guide in Almaty. Are you from Almaty? Well, my great-great-great… Cossack Ataman ancestor, Ivan Pozhidaev, arrived in the city of Verny back in the 19th century. But I was actually born in Taraz (formerly Dzhambul). Am I a historian by education? Nope. I’m an aviation transportation engineer. AGA, 2003–2009. No more bets… ???? I worked at a casino in Almaty until 2007, then became an office manager, a dispatcher at the airport’s in-flight catering department, later worked at an underground casino, then at a casino in Kapchagay — and eventually returned to the airport. At 32, I realized that something had to change in my life — either I had to do something about it or finally stop complaining. My steps toward my dream life: Studying the theory Learning about sales channels Searching for professional courses Working two jobs for two years Building my own routes and tours My most popular tour The city sightseeing tour. In fact, surprisingly few guides can, want to, or know how to do a really good city tour. So how did I become a city guide? One day, my tourists changed their plans and decided not to go to Big Almaty Lake. Instead, they asked me to show them around the city. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. I had to figure out on the spot where to take them and what to show them. And that was the beginning. Where can you go with me? I have 24 different routes around Almaty and the surrounding area. Of course, I know all the popular places. But I also know something else: completely deserted, hidden and protected places where you can escape the crowds and experience a very different side of Almaty.