Underground lake and national mosque

We enjoyed a lazy morning waiting for the cave to open. There were 170 steps down to the lake where we swam in the water enriched with sulfur and other elements. The cave was huge and the "lake" about 40' wide and 80' long. The swim was refreshing.

Meeting the highway we headed for Ashgabat stopping halfway to view the new national cathedral built in 2006 as well as the tomb of the first president since the 1991 independence. We arrived in Ashgabat early afternoon for a shower and some free time wandering the capitol city. Tomorrow we will meet 14 new family members, tour the world's largest city market and flea market, and explore the modern city with its unique and modern architecture. Whew! Getting a bit tired. Down 18 pounds..sigh...still look and feel huge! :-)