Hope the flight goes well, JohnM. See you later today.
Its now my second morning in Ashgabat, after what turned into a long day of sightseeing yesterday. It wasn't a 'tour' day, but since there were 9 Aussies with a day to spare, after a nights sleep, the Turkman guide arranged a minibus from the local tour operator for a 'half day' afternoon/evening tour from 2pm to 9pm, timed so we can go up the cable car behind the city and see the sunset. At a grand total cost of US$60, or about US$6.70/each, plus a dollar or so for some rides!!!
So, after seeing the city very well, all I can say is - this place is the most freak'n bizarre place I've ever seen. There is no other word for it. Kilometre after kilometre
after kilometre of gleaming white marble clad buildings and monuments, many of waaaaay out there design; huge parks, immaculately maintained - I mean HUGE. Then, go again with the kilometre after kilometre of the white marble buildings in all the other directions. All linked by freeways with virtually no traffic. Its all sort of beautiful, but surreal is the better word.
Oh, the marble. From Carrara in Italy, of course! The stuff Michelangelo worked with. The finest. The Turkmans have consumed most of the mountain, and are still going strong!
Two 'unfortunatelys'. One, no photos of most government buildings, which is a shame, because they are the grandest and strangest in some cases. Two, its the
scale of the place that hits you, and I can't give you any idea of that here. You'll have to visit and see for yourself.
So, to continue with yesterday's preliminary walk, before the bus tour.
'Apartments and an empty freeway.
The 'Continuation' monument with obligatory falcons