A detailled account of me trying to reach a giant burning hole in the middle of nowhere in the Karakum desert in Turkmenistan.
Post-Soviet states are fascinating travel destinations. They represent 15 independent states that emerged after the collapse of the Former Soviet Union through the late 1980's until December 1991.
The Ultimate Bucket List: Things to Do in Minsk
Belarus, one of the least visited countries in Europe, now allows for 5-day visa free travel. Check out my bucket list to see what cool things there are to do in the capital Minsk!
Kurgan Slavy: a Must-See Soviet WWII Memorial in Belarus
People from all over Belarus brought a handful of soil from their village, ultimately making a 35-meter high hill. On top they built an incredible memorial.
A Massive Soviet-Style Military Parade in Minsk
A mighty show of military force, you would almost think the Cold War in Belarus never ended. Check out these pictures to see for yourself.
Dead Goat Carcass Throwing at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan
The world’s toughest men on horseback fighting over a dead goat! Kok-Boru is a dangerous sports played only in Central Asia.
Three Weeks of Backpacking in Central Asia: Route, Accommodation and Expenses
In an almost forgotten corner of the world there is a lot to discover. See how I travelled in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Ukraine’s Secret and Abandoned Tank Graveyard
Hundreds of rusty old battle tanks, as far as the eye can see. I located a secret tank graveyard in east Ukraine only to find out it remains heavily guarded.
Getting Arrested by the KGB, in a Country That Doesn’t Officially Exist
Getting arrested abroad is something you should always avoid. But getting arrested in a country that doesn’t even officially exist, is definitely next-level. It happened to me in Transnistria.
Sloviansk – a Former Separatist Stronghold in East Ukraine
Sloviansk was once a stronghold of the separatists in east Ukraine, until after months of shelling the Ukrainian army took it back. I visited this city in Donbass to see for myself the aftermath of the siege of Sloviansk.
A Soviet-Style Military Parade in the Streets of Kyiv, Ukraine
Armoured vehicles, ballistic missiles and heavy air-defence systems driving down the central street of Kyiv. I attended a military parade on Ukraine’s 23rd anniversary of national independence.
Transnistria – Trans…what???
Welcome to Transnistria: a frozen-conflict separatist breakaway state of Moldova not recognised by any country in the world. A place where people consider themselves Soviet citizens more than anywhere else in the world.