As I log in today, I realize that I've been remiss about posting this winter. There have been travels and adventures in the region, and I haven't had enough moments to digest the experiences and share properly. I was reminded on a recent trip to
Ashgabat that spring is the perfect time for renewal and refreshment. Here are some pictures of what has to be one of the world's most fantastic cities. Marble and gold-inlaid opulent architecture, majestic fountains and sculptures, spic-and-span wide avenues are ubiquitous in this oil-rich capital. However, none of it compares to the beauty of nature in springtime. The best part of my visit was a Sunday afternoon trip to President Turkmenbashi's presidential health walk outside of the city. Poppies, lupine, sage, forget-me-nots, and delicate white flowers littered the sides of hills where families and teens wandered, gathering bouquets to take home. Simply the loveliest breath of fresh air.
Take a look for yourself. Breathe deep. Spring will come soon, even to the tundra of Astana and plains of Gillette!
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| View of "40 legs" from the hotel -- a statue of 10 horses (scroll down for another view) |
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| Indoor Ferris Wheel outside of the city. Note the trees, a few of thousands planted surrounding the city by the President to try and change the desert climate of Ashgabat. |
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| Impressive! Too bad it was closed on our visit due to rain... |
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| The Presidential Health Walk - kilometers of cemented stairs on the hillsides outside of Ashgabat |
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| Cool marble fountain in which the water makes the ball spin (tough to capture on camera) |
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| The health walk |
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| Poppies! |
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| with "Toni the ELF" |
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| Pretty sure that this was what made my legs sore the next day |
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| Back to 40 legs |
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| Tribute to the President |
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| Outside of Turkmen Disneyland |
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| "Typical" new Ashgabat avenue lined with marble buildings |
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| View of the city from the Oil and Gas Institute building |
