Baku

  Baku, Azerbaijan
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Just got out of the airplane, first thing I notice is the strong smell of oil and gas. But I think to myself, must be the typical airport smell. The VIP bus, the company organized, is already waiting for me. I'm getting accompanied by one customs agent to the lounge where they offer me a cold beer while waiting for my visa. After 45 minutes I finally get my passport back and enter Azerbaijan for the first time.
A taxi driver drives me to the hotel, and I was kind of relieved when I arrived. The driving style in Baku is unbelievable crazy. Nobody seems to respect each other, there is absolutely no discipline on the roads!!! 
At the hotel I realize that the strong oil smell is still present. I remember having read on the Internet that Baku is the most polluted city in the world (http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/26/pollution-baku-oil-biz-logistics-cx_tl_0226dirtycities.html) ...well yes it is!
The hotel is very good, friendly staff, big rooms with a wonderful bed, a big shower and Jacuzzi. 

Jacuzzi

 At the hotel bar they have the local Xirdalan beer on tab, which is not that bad.

Next day in the morning I make myself on the way downtown Baku, despite everybody telling me that I should not walk but take a cap. I turn left at the hotel, and cannot believe my eyes: Somebody is standing next to his car and pouring old oil down the canalization. After 3 kilometers walking, crossing 3 roads and getting almost killed 3 times by idiots pointing with their car at you when you cross a street, I arrive at fountain square, the absolute opposite of what I've seen so far from Baku: clean, quiet, safe. After lunch I go to old city to visit the maiden tower

Maiden tower

and Shirvanshah's Palace.

Shirvanshah's Palace

After that another walk on the shore of the Caspian sea, from where you can see the abandoned oil platforms.
I call a taxi, have to negotiate with the driver about the price to bring me back to the hotel, and after 10 minutes and 5 Manat later, I survived the ride. This was my day at Baku, the rest will be work.