Considering the heart of Asia

After conversing with a fellow traveler that I work with, I discovered his amazing ability to travel far cheaper than even I have in the past. By living out of old grocery bags, Willy the surfer has been able to work as a part time fisherman in Mexico and surf his days away on the beach, for next to nothing. Never traveling with a guidebook, rather dressing bummy and living like the locals, he has been able to travel for extended periods of time on next to nothing. His advice has been similar towards me. Live in total poverty.

The advice is legit. Most explorers through the 19th and 20th centuries did it to blend in, disappear, and gain access to the areas that were off limits.

Granted I have always traveled on the cheap. I only spent 5 grand the summer that I went to 8 countries in Asia, several thousand miles by rail. I keep thinking to myself as of late, that the working holiday visas in Australia aren't for me right now. I've already done that sorta thing, I want to really dive into a world that I can somewhat blend into, and yet get a true adventure out of. Central Asia seems to be calling me. Who goes to Uzbekistan for vacation? Turkmenistan? What about Kyrgyzstan? Can most people even find those countries on the map? They are in the old route of Marco Polo, so truthfully it cant be all that bad. Ah how I'd love to return to Mongolia!

Thats why that part of the world is appealing to me now. Its dangerous yes, blah blah State Department says dont go because of terrorists, dictators, and maybe one or two are at war. Theres bears in Alaska, they eat people sometimes. Everyplace has its downfall. Kansas had country music, which is dangerous too. So what. Who seriously goes to these places? They are not on the backpacker trail, thats for sure. If I avoid using a Lonely Planet, live and dress like the locales, and ditch most of my trendy backpacking gear, nobody will know. The giant beard will make me look more local than most. I'm now seriously considering this as my next destination. I dont know yet of course, I need to think about things and plan out. Should I go right after I leave Alaska, it'll be winter in central Asia, making for a frigid trip. Perhaps thats a good thing.

My mind plays games with my heart. Unknown areas on maps, areas that I know little about, areas that arent visited... they all draw me.

Whats Bishkek like? I'd sure like to find out.