Bishkek, Garden City of Kirghizia (2003,2013)
Bishkek is one of those featureless, relaxed cities with spaced-out Soviet-era buildings unleavened by ugly malls that have sprouted elsewhere in Central Asia. The sprawling gardens and the excellent weather are ideal for unwinding. But if you want a piece of action, head to the hills or to Lake Issyk-kul, that saphhire-hued dazzler, six hours away.