Expats abroad: Mark Beddow in Kazakhstan
If you think it's a bit nippy in Shropshire at this time of year, spare a thought for Mark Beddow.
He's upped sticks and moved out to Kazakhstan, where temperatures regularly dip below -20C at this time of year.
After 15 months away from home, Mark recently returned to give a fascinating insight into his new life to the Rotary Club of Shawbury and Mid Shropshire.
In little more than a year, Mark has dug a hole 20 metres deep and prepared a virtual tour of a gigantic structure which is to be built in the new Kazakh capital Astana.
He told Rotarians that the basement foundations are now under way and the building complex will include shops, offices, a hotel, enormous atrium, pedestrian walkways and relaxation areas.
The main tower will be 330 metres tall and is expected to give amazing views which could stretch for 150km across the flat Kazakh Steppe. On a clear day it would be possible to see the top of the London Shard – if the Earth was flat!
Mark said one major obstacle to completing the work on time – and in budget – was the fluctuating temperatures.
"There is very low humidity during winter. Unfortunately, the minimum temperature when you step outside makes it like walking into a block of ice."
He says he returns to Shrewsbury on leave from time to time in order to get "warmed up".
At least at Christmas, he won't be short of choice when it comes to winter warmers – Mark commented on the huge variety of vodka available in the supermarkets in Kazakhstan.
"Here at home we may see four or five makes, but out there are literally hundreds of varieties," said Mark, who confessed he hasn't yet sampled them all . . . but is working on it!
