The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup

383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region

Dec 3, 2025
Marc Clair, co-host and travel enthusiast, joins to discuss Mikkel's whirlwind journey through Turkey and Central Asia. Discover why Turkey is their base for exploration. Mikkel shares his shocking experiences in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting its stunning landscapes and friendly locals. The podcast unpacks the chaotic airline troubles with Qatar Airways and the challenges faced at the airport. Mikkel also describes delivering a keynote in Prague while feeling under the weather, showcasing how travel fosters freedom despite the hurdles.
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ADVICE

Use A Regional Home Base

  • Use a hub-and-spoke travel base to simplify frequent regional travel and keep family close.
  • Station in a central city (Mikkel uses Istanbul) and day-trip to nearby countries for efficiency.
ANECDOTE

Kyrgyzstan Surprised With Beauty

  • Mikkel found Kyrgyzstan unexpectedly modern, friendly, and mountainous during a week-long visit.
  • He described clean roads, helpful people, and stunning green hikes that surprised his expectations.
INSIGHT

Central Asia Defies Simple Labels

  • Central Asian countries can mix unexpected cultural, linguistic, and legal traits that defy tidy categories.
  • Mikkel notes Kyrgyzstan blends Turkic roots, Russian language use, and secular Muslim civil law.
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