1. Holy Shrine Emam Reza, Mashad, Iran.
Although only the 8th grandson of Prophet Mohammed,
this shrine is the most important pilgrim's site
for Sunni moslems in Iran. The complex is being
extended and upgraded all the time. Especially
at evening praying time it is an impressive sight
with all the gold and mirror tiles glittering and
the crowds gathered in front of and inside the
holiest of holiest, forbidden territory for
non-muslims.
 
2. Arch of Independence, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Coming from the hot Iranian desert, we climbed
over the mountains to cross the border.
In mist and rain, which obscured our view of the
Kopet Dag mountains, we descended into this
eerie modern oasis town. The rest of the country
being desert, it is strange to see an overabundance
of parks, water spouting fountains, marble clad
buildings, golden statues and pictures of Niyazov
(the former president) and broad tree-lined
avenues where people are sweeping the street and
pavement clean.
  
3. Russian bazaar, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Bazaars are of course great places to see people.
Having seen mostly black and darker colours in Iran
it was refreshing to see so many colours.
There is a mix of Turkmen and Russian people,
the former dressed conservatively, the latter
dressed very modern and showing flesh at all kinds
of places....!

Let's go: