Kristin and I joined Expat Explore's trip to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, collectively representing the Caucasus Region since they are where the Caucasus Mountain range is located.
The trip started from Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, continued to Georgia and ended in Yerevan, Armenia.
Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union until it obtained the independence in 1991. So the Russian influence still remains and was visible in a lot of places. Also, it is a Muslim nation and the Islamic influence is everywhere. Azerbaijan claims that there is the freedom of religion and everyone can choose his or her religion. But, proselyting is not permitted. So, I would say that the country has a limited freedom of religion.
It borders with Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia on land and the Caspian Sea to the west. Azerbaijan produces oil and natural gas in the Caspian Sea, thus its national domestic product or GDP was $41 Billion (2017) and the per capital GDP was $4,780 in 2018.
Azerbaijan looks like a bird, flying towards the Caspian Sea, and Baku is located at the beak. Baku is the largest city around the Caspian Sea with a population of 3 million out of 10 million inhabitants in Azerbaijan.
We arrived at Baku two days earlier than the date of arrival. Kristin flew in from CNX and I from Kathmandu, Nepal. We spent two days doing fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ whom we have been introduced to by Chris Brown who used to live in this nation long time ago.
We met up with Mr. Park, Sungha and his wife. They belong to an INGO and serve the people in the country. Mr. Park had experiences in running a business, but they do not seem to be ready for any business.
We worshiped at a Korean church located inside Korean Cultural Center and met Pastor Sang Jung Lee, who knew Yong Kwan Han living in Chiang Mai. Apparently they went to school together in Seoul. A small world. He was forced to leave Uzbekistan and relocated here.
Mr. and Mrs. Park introduced us to Mr. Pyun, Dong Huun who used to run SK's business unit in Azerbaijan and has operated a few businesses. Now he owns and operates a travel agency serving primarily Korean tourists. He seemed to understand and practice the missional business spirits and principles. He and i had the second meeting and we shared common vision in several areas. I am curious to find out what the Lord has in mind.
On Monday, September 2, we explored the City of Baku, but all public places including Museums and Funicular were closed. Well... We walked the boardwalk by the Caspian Sea, which the Baku citizens enjoy strolling in the evening. We could not enter the Carpet Museum but the carpet-shaped building itself was quite interesting.
This building was standing out on the Caspian Sea shore boardwalk and looked like Sydney's Opera House. It was still under construction and will be the largest shopping mall in Baku.
Baku is described as the combination of Paris and Dubai, a place that offers both history and contemporary culture, and an intriguing blend of east meets west.
While Kristin chose to stay at a coffee shop at the Carpet Museum by the Caspian Sea shore, I climbed up the stairs to the hill where the famous Flame Towers are located. Flame Towers, comprising three glass buildings, each of which is used for a hotel, an office building and a residential building, I was able to overlook the Caspian Sea and most of the structures built along the sea.
The next day, the Expat group also took us to the top of the hill, called Upland Park, where the Flame Towers are located. From there, we were able to capture a bird’s eye view of the city and Baku Bay below.
Azerbaijan is described as the nation of fire and three flames are common representative of Azerbaijan. One of the largest petroleum companies in Azerbaijan is SOCAR and its logo is three flames.
and Maiden Tower.
We were supposed to visit the Fountain Square, but ended up skipping it. it is famous for its dozens of fountains and shopping boutiques. But, the dinner at a restaurant by Hard Rock Cafe was fantastic! Overall, Baku was a pleasant discovery of an up and coming young city in the Caucasus Region. - Jeffrey
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