Baku you are so beautiful

My visa did arrive and just within the three hour slot I was promised. The wonderfully helpful gentleman at immigration kept me posted and looked after me.  The Madam Dobson that he kept calling me was a bit weird but I dont think I’ve ever come across a more helpful, polite and respectful service person. Thank you. 

Through immigration I rescued my poor forlorn bag which had made its way to lost property and we were away. I had phoned my pre paid driver ($41NZD) when I struck the visa issue and told him to leave so I grabbed a cab. Of course I wont get my money back and rightly so. 

Take the marroon coloured electric version on a London cab I was told. So that’s what I did. Ha ha. He had no idea where to go and stopped and asked his fellow drivers a few times but he got me to the hotel safely and then asked for NZD70 equivalent. Rip off but I was too tired to argue so I paid up. Luckily I had cash. 

I am hoping that I have seen the back of delays, waiting, sleepless nights and all that nonsense. 

But nothing could detract me from the amazing sites I  was passing. Zooming along an amazing motorway lit by antique looking hanging lights I did not know what to look at first. 

Was it the beauty of the older buildings standing regally making me feel as though I was royalty or the green spaces surrounding them?  Was it the mindblowing modern architecture that sat next to the older buildings or was it that everything was so calm with so many cars merging, turning, moving smoothly without the need for a toot. 

Despite feeling shattered a sense of calm came over me. It was overwhelming and the tribulations of the last 60 odd hours suddenly were forgotten. Wow!  

Delivered at my hotel I was met with a warm welcome. I had let them know I would be much later than the original 3:00am I had told them.  The hotel is an older style with cavernous rooms and corridors wide enough for another row of rooms. It’s lovely. 

It wasnt long before I hit the sack and had a great 5 hour nap. I think it was hunger that woke me so after a heaven sent shower I set off to explore. 

Set in a residential area I feel as though I am in Paris, beautiful buildings, peaceful streets, not much traffic but lots of parked cars, no hustle, no bustle just people doing everyday stuff. There are a few mini markets close by, a number of bakeries, fruit shops and basement restaurants. I found a bakery which provided me with an excellent chocolate pastry and a very good coffee so I think that might be my local. In the basement of that shop is a semi underground kebab kiosk where you have to bend down to peer in and place your order. So cool. 

I was mind boggled by some beautiful buildings, loved being in an environment where people were casually but smartly dressed, without their heads in a phone and appearing to be content and calm. I love this place. 

My wander was short lived. Still in need of more sleep I lacked the energy to go far so stocked up with water, coke, chocolate and another pastry I called it a day. 

I cant wait till tomorrow so I can go exploring so watch this space.