Winter Skies

Like most developing cities, Almaty has significant air pollution. The primary source of energy here, and the source of the entire city's heating and hot water,  is coal. As such, the fine dust that coats our apartment is black, and I hate to think what my lungs look like after a nice run outside. Some days the pollution is more evident than others, but it's certainly more evident in Winter. 

 Taken from our apartment balcony in the morning. 

 The distinct line usually lifts and fades as the day goes on and temperatures increase. 

And then, there are some mornings like this: fresh snow, skies full of clouds instead of pollution, the Tien Shan mountains visible as the sun breaks over them. Glorious.