Dushanbe

I experienced the trouble Chris spoke of. Unless you live or travel regularly in the region, I would suggest sticking with soda/carbonated drinks or bottled water (even for brushing your teeth) and eating only fully cooked foods.

The people were so friendly and welcoming. I also felt like most of the city was walkable, though they do have lots of buses and mashrutkas (sp?).

Get in touch with a local before arriving – he or she can help with visas & other related bureaucracy.

it’s not too bad. VERY clean. There was never a speck of trash on the streets. The only drawbacks for me were the fact that I had to have 24-7 bodyguards because I was an American, and if you drink the water, get water in your mouth or eyes, you’re very likely to get Typhoid!! And the water is a muddy brown color, so showers sucked!

Every place has something interesting to offer.