So, now happily ensconced in Uzbekistan, a few words about the last place.
Definitely worth a visit! You MUST be on a tour. Private or group, but a tour company must sponsor your Letter of Invitation. I have details of a tour company if anyone is interested.
You have to be accompanied, or with your tour the whole time, but walking about Ashgabat by yourself is ok, and we walked ourselves to and from dinner in Mary, no problems.
Ashgabat is just plain bizarre. That's a word I found myself muttering the whole time. No other word for it. May be no where else on earth like Ashgabat. But After a few days you have it all seen.
The Turkmen government tolerates rather than encourages tourism. They don't need the income!! About 10,000 tourists per year visit.
The restaurants have a lot to learn about service. The hotels are better.
Considering the vast amount of marble buildings and 6 Lane freeways in Ashgabat, the standard of roads outside the capital is lamentable, as is the quality of water in the capital.
It is a very repressive society. Rated almost the worst country for press freedom, etc.
But like I said, definitely put it on your list to visit if you like even a little bit of adventure. It's very safe and well organised.
The fire crater if one of the most amazing places to visit, anywhere, full stop!!
I would like to go back.