Exploring Baku

Early breakfast buffet with some unfamiliar choices but always fruit, breads, eggs, juice. Our group meeting with our guide, Torgruh Baghirli, was scheduled for 9:30 so we had time to explore more of the boulevard along the Caspian Sea. Many workers out tending the lawns and sweeping the sidewalks, a few walkers, too. The group is smaller than expected as a couple didn’t come due to illness and another fell soon after arriving and broke her arm. Not a great situation., she had to fly home.

Baku’s Old City is the historic center of the city dating back to at least the 12th century. Inside the walls are hills and cobblestones, homes along narrow streets, shops, mosques and churches though some were destroyed by

the Soviets, even an old caravanserais. We walked through the 15th century Palace of the Shirvanshahs situated on the highest point of the city. The Maiden Tower is a symbol of the city representing layers of history and stories of a girl with fire-red hair. Art displays and interesting doors were sprinkled throughout the city.

Lunch was in one of the cafes near the gates. Delicious lentil soup and a bright green tarragon lemonade. We spent the afternoon at the Heydar Allyev

Center, a cultural center and museum. The building was designed by Zaha Hadid and is famous for a flowing, curved style. Divided into several sections and floors, the exhibits center on the cultural heritage and historical of Azerbaijan. I spent time in the doll collection, musical instruments, coppersmith and artistic heritage.

The Welcome dinner tonight featured three salads, cheeses, bagel-shaped bread, a thin bread sprinkled with minced lamb, and a plate of lamb and chicken kabobs, potato fries, sweet onions. Baklava and tea to finish.