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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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One of the places I really want to go that aren't among the well-known destinations for tourists is Central Asia. People forget how important this region was for the world in terms of the Silk Route, the transmission of technology, religion etc - alot of it happened here. Do you think you'll personally actually visit one day or will it forever remain just a mysterious space on the map?
Central asia is a difficult destination. There are land border hostilities between neighboring countries, and visas are difficult to get. There is very little in the way of developed hosting for visitors. There is serious political and systems instability. There is virtually no English to be found in central asia, so the inability to speak either Russian or the country's native language would be a deterrent to many travelers.
That said, if someone gave me a free ticket to Uzbekistan I'd be on my way tomorrow.
Hubby would like to go. Not me. Perhaps when our son is older, they can do a guys trip while I lay on the beach in the sunshine, sipping on my little frozen drink and trying not to get poked by the mini umbrella in my glass.
I have been lucky enough to visit this vast and varied region and I loved it. I certainly hope to return though now that I am disabled it might make it a lot more challenging. I found it a fascinating part of the world, so many different Ethnic groups and laguages, such varied lanscapes, loved most of the food too. I know the definition of Central Asia varies for different people but I count Mongalia in that group and I adored it. Horse-riding in Mongolia and staying with local nomadic tribes will remain one of my favourite travel memories ever ( I have very long legs and they have short horses so it was quite bizarre for me -best horse-riders I have ever seen though ). The place just makes you feel very small and humble somehow.
As an Archaeologist Central Asia is simply fascinating, a meeting point of so many cultures and so much cultural and economic exchange too.
I know Georgia is not strictly in Central Asia but as it sort of "borders" it I would also recommend it to anyone, an absolutely wonderful place , fantastic people and food ( I don't drink but I am told the wine is superb) and Tbilisi is lovely.
Kyrgyzstan is stunning, and I have a bit of a soft spot for Uzbekistan which has so many things to do and see. And Tajikistan is pretty darn good if you really want a taste of adventure and otherworldiness.
Shame corruption is endemic is so many of those countries because they truly are wonderful places to visit. I would love to show them to Hubby.
Central Asia still suffers from the decimation that soviet politics did to the area. However some of the countries are finding their feet, others not so much. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are incredibly beautiful, however both countries are having some problems lately. Mongolia I'd like to visit as well.
Anyone interested in this area should checkout the Sibersky Extreme blog and the author of that blog has posted many long threads on advrider.com with hundreds/thousands of pictures of central asia and russia. He's traveled something like 70000 miles around the region in that past 2 years on a motorcycle.
At this point in time, no interest. Perhaps down the road when they (and their bordering nations) become more stable both politically and economically I might change my mind.
No. The only Asian language I speak or understand is Japanese. So I won't be visiting any country where I do not know the language.
Even Japanese, I'm not familiar enough with...kanji, I believe the term is...to read it. I can only read the transliterations.
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Not if I can help it
