Going to Central Asia next month - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan- through Dubai. We have all of the basic stuff planned out. Any don't miss things beyond the obvious ?

I love textiles with Central Asia having some fabulous selections. Bigger cities more expensive but if you get into the countryside the suzani selection is cheaper. So try not to go with a full suitcase. I found the food somewhat greasy with the sheep having big fatty rear ends which I guess they cook with. I definitely would go back.

Bukhara is one of my favorite cities I have been to. Enjoy. Didn't like Baku as much, but I did get a Persian rug there that I love. Visit Flying Carpets if you are there and want one. They will ship back to the States for you, speak English well, and are very nice. Weirdly enough, the U.S. ambassador was shopping there when we went in and we ended up having dinner with him.

The money exchange in Uzbek is insane. I went to an ATM and got out $100 for dinner, and enough cash came out to fill a shoe box.

If you wind up in Turkmenistan, it's bizarre. Definitely visit the Gates of Hell.