The History of Ashgabat: From Ancient Silk Road to Modern Day Chaos

so, i've been living in ashgabat for a few months now, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. as a *disillusioned consultant, i thought i'd seen it all, but this city has a way of keeping me on my toes. from the surreal marble buildings to the endless desert landscapes, ashgabat is a city that defies expectations.

the weather here is no joke, either. it's not uncommon for the temperature to drop to -10 degrees celsius in the winter, and then soar to 40 degrees in the summer. and don't even get me started on the neighbors - iran, afghanistan, and uzbekistan are all just a short drive or flight away. speaking of which, if you're planning a trip here, be sure to check out the ashgabat subreddit for some valuable insights and tips from locals. as for safety, ashgabat is generally a very safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities. however, as with any place, it's always a good idea to take some basic precautions to ensure your safety. according to some drunk advice i overheard at a bar, it's best to avoid walking alone at night and to always keep an eye on your belongings.

in terms of cost of living, ashgabat is relatively affordable, especially when it comes to rent. here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay: | category | cost | | --- | --- | | rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $200-300 per month | | meal at a mid-range restaurant | $10-15 per person | | public transportation | $0.10-0.20 per ride | as for job opportunities, ashgabat has a growing economy, with a number of major industries, including oil and gas, textiles, and construction. if you're looking for work, be sure to check out some of the local job boards, such as tripadvisor or yelp. all in all, ashgabat is a city that's full of surprises, and i'm excited to see what the future holds. if you're considering a visit or move here, i'd definitely recommend doing some more research and talking to locals to get a better sense of what life is like in this crazy, amazing city. and if you're looking for some more honest reviews*, be sure to check out some of the local blogs and forums, such as expat.com

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