As the end of another year approaches, Lord Venal is back with some great gift ideas for Christmas, New Year or whatever tickles your fancy.
Rose-tinted Specs
Whilst in the attic of Venal Hall looking for the tree decorations, the good lord came across a box of rose-tinted spectacles from an election observation trip to Kazakhstan some years ago.
With reform fatigue beginning to affect seasoned Uzbekistan watchers, these glasses are the ideal medium to regain your enthusiasm for the ‘unprecedented’ changes taking place in Tashkent and beyond.
Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan
Top of the Lord’s books of the year, this masterful tome by journalist Joanna Lillis, who takes a look at Kazakhstan in a wide-ranging trip across this fascinating country.
Some of Lord Venal’s old cronies are featured in the book, although he was reported to be a bit upset that his own sterling election observing in Kazakhstan over the years did not feature.
Black Sea
Food book of the year goes to Caroline Eden’s blend of travelog and recipes from around the Black Sea. This book solved many of Lord Venal’s gift dilemmas this festive season. It’s a great companion to 2016’s Samarkand.
Lord Venal wishes you happy holidays, wherever you are!
Kazaxia 
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