plov & vodka shared with Turkmenistan footballers

Caspian Sea - mile 4550

---

May 4th 2010
We are now officially in the land of big hats. Since we left Turkey the hats have been getting bigger and snazzier. All the officials have enormous peaked caps, the more important the man the bigger the hat - they really are superb. Unfortunately, since Turkey, we have also been in the land of 'strict security' so taking pictures of officials in their hats is a big no no. As is taking photos ... read more

Asia » Turkmenistan » Turkmenbashi

---

Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved its independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President NIYAZOV retains absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated... ... read more