AKIPRESS.COM - Italian traveler and videomaker Marco Barbieri visited with his friends Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan last fall.

They traveled along the M-41 highway connected Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the highway is known as one of the most beautiful places in Central Asia.

"Since we started planning this trip, we had often been afraid of what we were in for. After all, we were going to travel along the M-41, sometimes referred to as “Heroin Highway”. The fact that so little is known about these lands sure didn’t help us feeling safer. However, when the day finally arrived, we suddenly felt overwhelmed by the kindness of the people and the unspoiled nature of these countries. Very quickly our worries vanished and we were feeling at ease," Marco Barbieri recollects.

"I find it curious and sad at the same time, to think how prejudices and lack of knowledge can make people feel scared. Many times we were asked: “why Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan?” It was hard to give an answer. Truth is, we still don’t have one. But we are sure it was worth it," he added.