I am considering renaming the blog 'how Not to get into Turkmenistan'.
I applied for a visa this past month to visit my old friends and family . . . and was rejected. My boyfriend, with no ties to the country, was accepted.
Of course, with all that went on during my two years there--signing the anti-government petition, assaulting a soldier, being denounced to the KGB by my local boss--I suppose I should have known it was coming.
It's only sad to think I might never be let back in again.
10 comments:
Hi, what did you expect? You were living over there, fell in love with this country and people- but never were aware of the official game... Don't be stupid.
I would not say that I fell in love with the country, anonymous. And after trading a possible diplomatic note that should have been written against the police for a friend's life? I think I understand the official game as well. I didn't expect, however, for the police to mistake my insolence as a deep threat to their safety, that could be jeopardized during a two week KGB-guided tour.
Greetings! well.. first of all... it was pretty interesting to read your posting... I totally understand how you feel when you are in T-n and when you get out of it and then come to particularly the United States.
I am an alumnus of US government program .. I wish I could change the situation into better..
Again... thanks for your posting and please keep writing.... there are a lot to talk about that country but alas.......
Hi, Thanks for responding! I guess I'm at fault for a lot of things--I always wondered how to help the most, to expose the wrongs that are going on or to keep silent and try to be a positive role model in my community.
I don't do very well at keeping silent, so my punishment is not being welcome.
That is what usually happens to the people when they really wish to get into tstan.
respect for your loving Turkmenistan!
Man that's such a bummer to hear this...I'm a PC volunteer now in Turkmenistan and I've always thought about coming back later on to visit, but it's a lot harder than I thought I guess...there are also a few volunteers in Kazakhstan right now who'd like to come visit soon, so if you have any advice that would be much appreciated.
Personally, I love it here, and I think if it were possible, so many more people would come visit. I don't know if there's anything I can do to help, but if there is, or anyone I can talk to for you at PC, let me know:) -Angela (T-16, Yoloten, Mary)
Hey Angela!
I'm not sure if it will be different for those who came during the new regime, but a supervolunteer who served with me and did only wonderful things was also denied. I would say for your friends, the best advice I have is to make sure to put a nice calm profession when they ask. Journalist and lawyer often are not preferred.
I'm so happy to hear you enjoying your time! Don't forget to buy a carpet from Guljahan on your way out ;) :)
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Hi. My name is Tess and I am a current Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkmenistan. I'm trying to get in touch with Courtnee Neilsen for her friend Jennet who has asked me to look her up. You mention her on your blog. If you still keep in touch, please give her my e-mail and ask her to please contact me. tesselmo@gmail.com.
Thank you so much,
Tess
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