Hope to take a vacation this December, where to go?

[LabelKing]

I've always found Turkmenistan interesting. You get to see Niyazov's vainglorious legacy.

 

[Crane's]

Originally Posted by m@T

pollution, crime, its ugly, you have to carry your backpack on your front, weather is basically crap, ripoff merchants everywhere, nothing really to do other than cheap hookers/massages/tailors (which admittedly there is sometihng to be said for all three, but all three can be had elsewhere in Asia), air you choke on, I think a better question is other than a short train ride to HK (and HK day trippers enjoying cheaper shopping accordingly), 'what's good about Shenzhen?'

This pretty much sums it up...http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/...s/shenzhen.php

Sounds a lot like LA, NY and DC. Every major city has it's good and bad points.

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've always found Turkmenistan interesting. You get to see Niyazov's vainglorious legacy.

I forget, have you been to Turkmenistan? It interests me as well.

 

[oneblood]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've always found Turkmenistan interesting. You get to see Niyazov's vainglorious legacy.
+1
However I would recommend visiting Turkmenistan in the month of Gurbansoltan (April) when the Turkmen landscape is at its finest.

R.I.P. His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov Türkmenbaşy, President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Leader of all Turkmens.

 

[dusty]

what?

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've always found Turkmenistan interesting. You get to see Niyazov's vainglorious legacy.

Turkmen media referred to him using the title "His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov Türkmenbaşy, President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers".

Given its proximity to Iran and Afghanistan, I think I'll pass.

Anyone ever go to Borat's home of Kazakhstan?

 

[Brad]

Originally Posted by dusty

I'm open to almost anything. I'd like to find somewhere that's not going to be unbearably hot, and somewhere where I won't get completely reamed on the exchange rate, if that's even possible. I'll probably have around two weeks.

The choice is easy: Bucyrus, OH. You'll thank me later.

 

[Matt]

What is the currency in Bucyrus?

 

[Brad]

Originally Posted by m@T

What is the currency in Bucyrus?

Robin eggs.

 

[dusty]

My co-worker's wife's parents are from Tiffin, and that's the closest I ever want to get to Bucyrus.

 

[lithium180]

I am also currently working on travel plans for December. I want to go somewhere with a beach, good weather, spicy food, loose conceptions of time, and pretty girls so I am thinking South America. Cartegena in Colombia is well regarded (for several local amenities. Also looking at Lima, Peru and Buenos Aires.

And thinking about Rio for Carnaval in February

What are you looking for in a December vacation OP?

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've always found Turkmenistan interesting. You get to see Niyazov's vainglorious legacy.

Originally Posted by tiecollector

Turkmen media referred to him using the title "His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov Türkmenbaşy, President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers".

Given its proximity to Iran and Afghanistan, I think I'll pass.

Anyone ever go to Borat's home of Kazakhstan?

I am planning to take a StanTour when I save up enough money and take a long backpacking trip about 2 years from now. Hoping to do Russia, Khazakstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and then in to China and beyond. Central Asia fascinates me no end. (Side note: currently reading a book called "the great game" about 19th century spy action to conquer the region. great fun

)

My understanding is that Turkmenistan is not too receptive to granting Western tourist visas these days..?

 

[athletics]

I agree with the Argentina suggestions. Mostly bc the dollar and the weather.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by lithium180

I am also currently working on travel plans for December. I want to go somewhere with a beach, good weather, spicy food, loose conceptions of time, and pretty girls so I am thinking South America. Cartegena in Colombia is well regarded (for several local amenities. Also looking at Lima, Peru and Buenos Aires.

If you're going to peru and you have limited time, spend as little of it in Lima as possible. Go to cusco and from there the sacred valley and machu picchu. The jungle can be fun as well. I took a taxi through lima and that was enough for me.

 

[Histrion]

How tough is it to get around in B.A. when your Spanish is limited to 'Que hora es?' and 'Una cerveza por favor'? I'm also looking for a destination in December/January.

 

[GQgeek]

Bring a phrase book and you'll be fine. I took an intro spanish course before i went to peru but it was pretty lousy as there wasn't much focus on actually speaking so I wasn't a whole lot better-off than you would be.