Baku

19 September 201

I was in complete culture shock last night on arriving in Azerbaijan. 

Baku is a rich modern city booming from its bouyant oil industry; its shopping area along the sea front proudly presents the top designer brands in new premises or beautifully refurbished buildings. There are narrow cobbled streets, small squares with fountains and shaded seating and the famous sea front walk way. At night, the city is a mass of neon light displays, the best being the flames that roll up the three curved towers.

I have found a lovely guest house tucked away in a family home in an alley behind the Meridan hotel and discovered a locals' café selling great freshly cooked food. Today, I am beginning to feel a bit more at ease here and am starting to appreciate some of the culture of this first stop on my way through the Caucasus region.

The entrance to the Caspian hostel is up a steep stairway to the second floor, where a friendly family rent cheap rooms right in the middle of the old town. There are eight other travellers staying here, all with great stories to share.

My first meal in Azerbaijan; bread, butter and sour cream cheese - the usual breakfast.