Turkmenistan - Simon Proudman

Turkmenistan is a remarkable country with beautiful and rarely visited ancient ruins from the Silk Road. Highlights include the ancient city of Merv, once the largest city on earth, the striking ruins of Gurganj, the marble and gold of modern Ashgabat, and the unique experience of the ever-burning desert gas field, the 'Gate of Hell'. The rulers behave eccentrically; building gold statues of themselves, renaming bread after a Presidents' mother, banning beards, gold teeth, facebook and lip-synching. Far Flung Places Guides provide an insight into the key places to visit, with historical context, travel tips and humor. Simon Proudman is a recognised travel writer and blogger, author of the popular travel site www.farflungplaces.net He is an historian with a travel addiction, who loves to explore exotic and offbeat locations, discover local food and drink beer.