Days, weeks, months can go by at home, me living the normal, taking things for granted, perhaps not always paying attention to particulars, etc. Suddenly, I’m elsewhere, noticing everything, taking it all in, paying assiduous attention to a new normal. Creating a long post in less than 24 hours…
Baku, the capital of Azerbajian, may not be on the radar of many westerners, but it should be! My long flight from SFO thru Frankfurt brought me here at midnight, but even then, the airport, the taxi, the ride to my hotel (pic out the back window), was impressive…
The next morning, having barely slept (fully jet lagged), I headed out, in spite of the heat, to explore Baku. First, I made my way to the nearby Old Town, shuffling by a few noteworthy buildings, sculptures, and photoworthy moments…
Along the way, I slipped into Taze Bey Bath, a fascinatingly designed hamami (spa, massage, bath house). A most definitely compelling cabinet of curiosities, and I wasn’t allowed to photograph several other rooms! Not sure about the actual business – usually done with your eyes closed, but all the visuals inside and out were fun!
The Maiden Tower may be the most famous single building in the Old Town. Near there, I was being pitched by a tour company guy when I saw “that photo spot” (juxtaposes the Flame Towers with the Juma Mosque) so I took two. And there’s more…
Eventually, I made it down to the Caspian Sea, in spite of the crazy sweltering sun exposure. Did just a bit of Baku Boulevard, then dipped into the Four Seasons for some water and AC. Weak from the heat, I refreshed with a salad etc. then went back to the hotel for a nap. Here are some snapits…
Somewhat revived, I went out again, this time to see Nizami Street, the popular pedestrian zone full of restaurants, shops, street vendors, and the occasional busker. The photo of the building with the impressive facade is the Ministry of Internal Affairs, well guarded by armed soldiers, and just as I took that pic, a Dickensian/Marxian character told me not to! So I just took that one – among others…
My afternoon stroll was probably twice as far as my earlier one. Again, here’s a random collection of architure, sculpture, and moving miscellany. I walked the sun down, catching some reflections and compelling lighting. I had a light dinner, took in a fair amount of people watching, then back to the hotel for some restless sleep.
My plans for Monday were thwarted by sheer exhaustion. I worried about not conquering my jet lag, but surrendered to my fatigue and slept most of the day. I eventually freshened up for our welcome meeting at 6:00, but the tour guide’s plane was delayed. Had a nice dinner with my new group of 12 fellow travelers, and went back to bed…