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Darvaza

The Darvaza gas crater is probably the best attraction in Turkmenistan. The government has been trying to close it for years, but has not yet succeeded. The Russians were drilling for gas in 1971 and the ground collapsed, leaving a large crater. Gas was escaping, so they decided to burn it off. It has been burning for forty years or so.

The temperature was 110 F abandnd the road was poor. There were lots of camels and lots of nothing along the way. At least we were allowed to drive out of Ashgabat. We spent a hot night camping in the desert so we could see the crater in the dark.

The following day was only 106 F. It was escape from Turkmenistan day. The three best things about Turkmenistan are the gas crater, the fuel prices, and leaving. The three worst things about Turkmenistan are the entry, the roads, and the exit.

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