Turkmenistan, it's like Central Asia's eccentric old uncle with a penchant for golden statues and dramatic desert landscapes—quirky, but undeniably charming! Their passionate love for carpets is truly an art form, not to mention a national emblem. If you ever amble through its capital, Ashgabat, be prepared for a dazzling showcase of futuristic architecture that may have you questioning if you've stumbled into a sci-fi novel. And don’t miss the natural gas crater that’s been burning since 1971—talk about taking a warm welcome literally!