Locality

[Saltheart]

Just curious, are there some regions or areas of the FSU and/or "stans" that you would stay away from?  There's a nice girl from Turkmenistan but reading about the region I am loathe to even consider it.  Just curious if there are some areas that are highly advisable to stay away from unless you're an experienced international traveler, which I am not.  Vie been to Italy, Spain, France, London, Austria and The Netherlands but only on very short trips. 

Btw and please forgive me but I do a lot of these posts on an ipad and i dont have a way to scroll up and check spelling and the "auto replace" spell feature can really suck in a large way, so if you see that stuff in my posts, please send Steve Jobs some hate mail! 

Thanks.

-Salty

[acctBill]

Salty, Turkmenistan is definitely one of the 'stans I wouldn't want an inexperienced international traveller to visit.  Granted it's not Iraq or Afghanistan, with the constant violence and death, but it is Muslim and run by an autocratic government that makes Russia look like a true democracy. 

Turkmenistan's "President for life" died a few years ago and his successor has repealled a few of the most draconian laws but it is still not a country with a lot of tourism especially from the west. There doesn't appear to be any current "Travel Warnings" for Turkmenistan.

[JohnDearGreen]

Just curious, are there some regions or areas of the FSU and/or "stans" that you would stay away from?  There's a nice girl from Turkmenistan but reading about the region I am loathe to even consider it.  Just curious if there are some areas that are highly advisable to stay away from unless you're an experienced international traveler, which I am not. hanks.

Salty,
You can always meet in a different city/country. 
I don't think there is any requirement for a K1 that you meet in her hometown. 

[Al_C]

Salty,
You can always meet in a different city/country. 
I don't think there is any requirement for a K1 that you meet in her hometown. 

That's true.  The meeting can be anywhere, so why not meet her in one of the European countries you are already familiar with.  That way, you can be her travel guide instead of the other way around.

[Saltheart]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[Aloe]

I flew turkmenistan airlines once, it was amusing how their president poster picture was in miltiple locations on the plane, also slogans promoting their president, very funny. Reminded me of some middle ages absolute monarchy thing. Can't beat their prices though, ticket thru them was 18k roubles vs 40k roubles on Aeroflot. Don't have anything to say on the topic, sorry But personally i would avoid Pripyat area (chernobyl)

[ECOCKS]

Kazakhstan is the only -stan I'd consider for my list.

Russia and Ukraine provide plenty of opportunity.

I'd advise putting more thought into your bait and tackle rather than over-thinking where you're going to drop your hook.