• Food and wine

The surprisingly long, contested history of baklava

Baklava is much loved around the world, but while its true origins are a mystery, there are some theories.

• Ben Groundwater

• Central Asia

Airport review: Ashgabat International Airport, Turkmenistan

The city's utilitarian Soviet buildings are clad in dazzling white marble, and the theme continues in the airport.

• Belinda Jackson

• Adventure holidays

Turkmenistan travel guide: For travellers searching for exotic and unusual experiences

The five Stans of Central Asia are now opening the front door to reveal a new galaxy of wonders for the connoisseur of exotic and unusual experiences.

• Michael Gebicki

• Uzbekistan

A tale of two 'Stans

Helen Anderson finds the bizarre and beautiful on a road trip through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

• Tokyo

World's top 10 weirdest cities

Weird, wacky or simply wonderful. You think you've seen it all but these cities will make you look again. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009 names the world's top 10 most eccentric cities.