Did you hear about Ashgabat? It is located only 10 km from the Iranian border. In the central part of the city you will see a lot of new, futuristic buildings… Golden dome of the Presidential Palace, the Neutrality Arch – huge column with golden statue of Turkmenbashi at the top. There is also brand- new Independence Monument surrounded by giant fountains. It is housing the Museum of Turkmen Values (entry fee for foreigners – 10 USD). And they still build a lot… – the XXIst century was announced The Golden Age of Turkmenistan. I did not see any other capital city like that in the world. Distances are large so it is better to use taxi to go around – they charge just 10000 (US 40 cents) per ride.
Tomorrow I must leave country – I cannot overstay my visa! in the afternoon I took a multi – hours ride to the coast of Caspian Sea – first to Balkanabat (it is easier to go in stages), then to Turkmenbashi… There is many check-points on the roads. I have been already registered more then 20 times!… But if your visa is OK there is no reason to be afraid – it is just formality and young soldiers are friendly… And that’s what I like most in this country – the people: hospitable, friendly and helpful!…
