As predicted it was a long hot slog to get here. We leave Mary at 6.00 am to escape some of the heat. However our guide only goes at about 70 km per hour and we have to follow him. Big trucks all pass us as do cars with the cars doing about 130 km per hour. So much for being a law abiding nation !
To make matters worse I have picked up a painful bladder infection. Let’s just say with sparing the details that being on a motorbike in 38 degree heat with a bladder infection is not at all comfortable. When the guide stops to show us an archeological site I am mich more interested in much more recent diggings and excavations !
However I think of England, remind myself that this is supposed to be enjoyable and we get to Ashgabat
What a surreal city ! To start with we are in a super plush giant hotel. It is dripping chandeliers and gold banistered marble staircases everywhere. But it is deserted. We are virtually the only guests. As Dianasays it is a bit like being on the Mary Celeste
We have a guided tour around the city the next morning. It is breathtaking
The sports stadium and the biggest horse in the world
In many instances you are not allowed to take phots and this includes government buildings and the president’s palace.
There is in Ashgabat a Ministry of Happiness. It in turn runs a building built by the government especially as a venue for weddings. Wow !
This is all for weddings. ! Inside you can hire absolutely anything for the big day
And in case you don’t get the theme
There is even special accomodation in the building for the bridal parties
Can you imagine the New Zealand government setting up a Ministry of happiness and then setting up government owned and operated wedding venues such as this. Note to self - must talk to Prime Minister Jacinda Adhern about this when I get back to New Zealand
We get back to our hotel. There in the entranceway is - well what a surprise.
Read the next blog post to get the inside goss on this car and who is inside it
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