Turkmenistan, an unusual country in Central Asia, dominated by two despot dictators. It’s one of the craziest and strangest countries to ever visit. Stephen Bailey recalls a trip to Turkmenistan, including the marble city of Ashgabat and a homestay experience.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

0:39 The only options for you to enter Turkmenistan

1:40 First impressions of the country

2:55 Niyazov and politics

4:09 The contrast between rich monuments and a poor home

7:18 It’s hard to learn what people think because they are afraid of informers

8:12 Niyazov again

10:30 Stephen pushes his luck

12:32 Witnessing what “no media freedom” means

13:54 Why Stephen has mixed feelings about Turkmenistan