Live Moore: Azerbaijan

I decided to continue to post my fantasy vacations until this pandemic ends. So, the top of my list right now is Azerbaijan. It is a country that has blended cities built with BIG oil money wanting to emulate Paris, to stark Soviet-style buildings left from Russia’s influence, and rural communities that have not changed since the travelers rode along the silk road. It is a country that wants tourists to see its unique landscapes, which Marco Polo once described as a country on fire. I think one week is plenty of time to see the country, so maybe I’ll combine the trip with a visit to Georgia or Armenia. Here are a few items to do and visit on my fantasy itinerary:

• Book several nights into Baku's 5-star luxury hotel, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers
• Walk around the ancient town of Baku filled with Parisian-like neighborhoods
• Stay in the walled Old City or Ichersiheher of Baku, which is a World Heritage site
• Stroll along the largest inland body of water, the Caspian Sea’s boardwalk
• See the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was built in the 15th century
• Take a trip out to the Mud Volcanos. The country is home to 1/3 of the world’s mud volcanoes --they spray mud like a geyser
• Drive out to Yanar Dag, which is the famous burning mountain—a natural gas fire that has been ablaze continuously for more than 60 years
• Stay in Sheki City to visit the Palace of the Skeki Khans and buy silk products
• Eat pakhlava—similar to Turkish baklava
• Soak in one of the luxury spas

I can’t wait to visit the bazaars and see what I can bring back in my one carry on suitcase!

Live Moore.

Karen

#LiveMooreMonday