avg_rating: 3.67
name: Stephen M.  Bland
about: A freelance journalist, author and researcher specialising in Central Asia and the Caucasus with a minor in South-East Asia, my articles have appeared in numerous publications including The Diplomat, Vice, Motherboard, EurasiaNet and Perceptive Travel. You can view a selection at www.stephenmbland.comIn my book - Does it Yurt? Travels in Central Asia or How I Came to Love the Stans - I take the reader on a voyage of discovery. A mix of travel, history, and reportage, the book explores the region’s rich heritage, unearthing the stories of the people and places of these fascinating lands.I'm currently putting the finishing touches to a book on the Caucasus and collaborating on two other new manuscripts.Selected press for Does it Yurt?‘Packed A freelance journalist, author and researcher specialising in Central Asia and the Caucasus with a minor in South-East Asia, my articles have appeared in numerous publications including The Diplomat, Vice, Motherboard, EurasiaNet and Perceptive Travel. You can view a selection at www.stephenmbland.comIn my book - Does it Yurt? Travels in Central Asia or How I Came to Love the Stans - I take the reader on a voyage of discovery. A mix of travel, history, and reportage, the book explores the region’s rich heritage, unearthing the stories of the people and places of these fascinating lands.I'm currently putting the finishing touches to a book on the Caucasus and collaborating on two other new manuscripts.Selected press for Does it Yurt?‘Packed with insights into every corner of the region.' Paul Wilson, Trailblazer Guides writer and author of The Alphabet Game.‘Written sharply, vividly… If you're looking for an antidote to chirpy travel-guide descriptions of Central Asia, then this is the book for you.’ Sam Tranum, author of Daily Life in Turkmenbashy's Golden Age.'Weaves together historical context and current observations mixed with a dry sense of humour and amusing anecdotes... Does it Yurt? will result in my journey to Central Asia being that much more rewarding.’ Ric Gazarian, author of 7000KM To Go and Hit the Road India; top 500 travel blogger.‘Stephen M. Bland’s writing captures the magical whirlwind flavour of Central Asia in this very perceptive and insightful book. Those who have visited this wonderful part of the world will instantly recognise and reminisce on the many stories of potholed journeys by shared taxi, generous encounters with friendly locals and the inevitable run-ins with bumbling bureaucracy. Those who haven’t yet visited will be inspired to book their next adventure as soon as they can put the book down. A thrilling ride from start to finish.’ Nick Rowan, author of Friendly Steppes: A Silk Road Journey.'Provides unrivalled insight into life within Central Asia today. Interwoven between the fascinating portrayals of everyday characters are illuminating details and observations; creating a story as rich and expansive as the landscape through which [the author] journeys.' - Matthew Traver, Filmmaker.'Deserves to be shared among friends, as well as having a designated place on your shelves. Stephen M. Bland succeeds in bringing the region alive, and his story is a hard-to-decline invitation to join in his travels.' Eugenette Morin, travel writer. ...more