Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a radical change from Georgia, in the Muslim world once again and even though crossing the border the vegetation is still nice and green the desert slowly starts to raise its beaten head.



Sheki is a small town at the base of the Caucasus Mountains labelled the most picturesque place in Azerbaijan, a cup of tea on the Main square is a treat not to be missed. We stay in an old Caravansarai here, at one stage these massive buildings were dotted all along the Silk Road. Caravans of camels would arrive and traders would take a break from the slog of the desert road and dry heat and while camels watered they would trade goods and prepare for the next part of the trip.

The Khan's Summer Palace in Sheki:



Amazing decoration inside the palace:









The Caravansarai:



The inner courtyard:



From Sheki we head for Baku and the oil fields but not without stopping at the remarkable mud volcanoes for maybe our most surreal bush camp.

Driving onto Baku the wind started to pick up rocking the truck with its violent gusts, a missed turn turned out lucky as we drove into the middle of an oil field full of nodding donkeys; the ground scarred with streaks of oil, the wind blowing clouds of dust as the unmanned machines sucked oil from the earth was an experience in its own right.







Baku is an oil rich city; massive buildings and every designer shop you could imagine make it a great place to explore, though it has the price tags to match its lavish style! A night at a beach resort was marred by the wind but the following day was pleasant and everybody got a chance to explore the city or lie at the pool.

Fun fair on the edge of the Caspian:



The locals always seem to have plenty of time to sit, chat and play:



Amazing buildings:



Gold fountains... plenty of money in Baku!



The Maidens' Tower in Baku: