5-Baku

Baku appeared on my list when I had a lot of family and friends going there on vacation.I had never heard of the place before and to be very honest wasnt sure how to pronounce it(Baakoo incase you were wondering!)
Basic Info:
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan.It is located 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world located below sea level.It is also known as the city of winds.
Currency:Azerbaijan Manat(AZN) 1AZN=100 qapik banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manat. Coins (qapik) are issued in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 qapik. AZN is the only currency that is being used in Azerbaijan. Therefore, you have to exchange your money upon or before arrival either in the airport, train station or in the exchange offices and banks. Most exchange offices accept Euro, British Pound, Turkish Lira and Russian Ruble.1 OMR=4.4 AZN(as of 2018)
Place in the world:

Languages spoken: Azeri,Russian and English among the younger generation.
Visa: India is one of the 93 countries whose citizens can get an evisa in as little as 24 hours. Passport needs to keep its validity for another three months after your visa expires.
Best months to visit:September-December
City card: BakiKart for the metro and buses.
Flag:

This is the flag of Azarbaijan and the city of Baku has it's own flag called Baku Fahne.

Random trivia:

1. Azerbaijan(not Baku) has more mud volcanoes than any other country on earth – more than 400. When its volcanoes erupt, the flames shoot up to a kilometre in the air, and when dormant they bubble and pop with noxious gases.
2. Bread is sacred-When bread goes stale, Azerbaijani cooks don’t just chuck it in the bin: they hang it up in bags, separate from the rest of the rubbish, to signify their respect. If you drop bread on the floor, it’s custom to kiss it, as an apology.
3. A gold, shimmering smile is a common sight, especially among Azerbaijan’s older generations,it's supposedly akin to a savings account!
4. The babies are bathed in salt water-It’s thought that washing newborns in salt water will make them strong, truthful and bold.
5. The first known fireplace and construction in human history, which is dated back from 700,000 to 500,000 years ago, was discovered in Azikh Cave, the largest cave in Azerbaijan.
6. Tea is the most popular drink in Azerbaijan. Traditionally served in a pear shaped glass, the drink is often consumed through lumps of sugar or jam, held in the mouth.
7. There is no time difference between Baku and Muscat!

Top things to see:

1. Icheri Sheher-this is a medieval fort which is also a UNESCO heritage site.
2. The Maiden Tower-a 15th-century architectural complex that is home to the Palace of Shirvanshah.Has an entry fee.The Maiden’s Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Baku.
3. Flame Towers-best to see at night because of the light show.It dominates the skyline. Three curved triangular buildings resembling three flames represent Azerbaijan’s cultural identity with fire
4. Ateshgah Fire Temple-or House of Fire dates back to pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Underground gas rises to the surface burning endlessly. The castle-like shrine encompassing the flame dates back to either the 17th or 18th centuries. But the first records of Ateshgah date to the 2nd-century BC.
5. Heydar Aliyev Center-Has a museum inside in case nothing to do else perfect for just a pic!ALso has the I <3 Baku sign outside!
6. The Baku Museum of Miniature Books- Takes about 10 or 15 minutes to explore. Entrance is free. Certified by Guinness , the Museum of Miniature Books is the largest collection of miniature books in the world. The history of miniature books goes back quite a long ways in Azerbaijan, part of the tradition of Persian miniature painting that has been popular for centuries.
7. Gobustan National Park-there are bizarre rock formations, burning gas vents, prehistoric petroglyphs – and the large musical stone, called Gaval Dash
8. Gurgling mud volcanoes near Gobustan-
9. Carpet museum-Again pic worthy from the outside,go in only if you must!
10. Baku Boulevard-this is a 3.5 kilometre-promenade, hugs the Caspian Sea with an amusement park, bars and cafés along with a cacti garden, Mini-Venice, and the Baku Eye. Beginning at National Flag Square and ending at Freedom Square, this is the best spot for views of the Flame Towers and a relaxing stroll along the coast.

Tours to take/Look out for:

1. The strange multicolored snails in front of the otherwise ultra-classy Heydar Aliyev Center, the rainbow stacked teacup structure in the Shirvanshahs complex, or the weird hand coming out from the ground to grab a tree

Kids might like: Nothing really for them here.
Food not to be missed!

1. Kutabi – filled pancakes – are practically Azerbaijan’s national dish. They’re stuffed with pumpkin, veggies, meat or just a sprinkling of herbs, then flipped and toasted on a griddle.
2. Plov- is a type of pilaf that uses saffron-flavoured rice cooked with aromatic herbs, fried meat and vegetables.
3. Kufta Bozbash-Large meatballs boiled into a delicious broth with potatoes, peas and mutton bones
4. Piti-The lamb stew cooked with vegetables comes in a traditional clay pot.
5. Dushbara-Azerbaijan’s version of dumplings, dushbara, are small balls of stuffed dough served in a lamb broth. Typical fillings include minced meat, tomatoes and onions served with dried mint, wine vinegar and garlic.
6. Lavangi-Walnuts, dried fruit and onions are stuffed inside either chicken or fish and roasted to create a tantalising fusion of flavours.
7. Khamrashi-type of traditional soup using minced meat, boiled beans and noodles.
8. Dovga- a traditional Azeri dish, is a type of yoghurt soup with rice, chickpeas and herbs. Locals eat it either warm or cold.
9. Baliq-Grilled fish, or baliq, on a skewer is a favourite food in Azerbaijan and is eaten with a sour plum sauce.

Restaurants not to be missed:

1. Surprise surprise there is a hard rock here as well!!

Souvenirs to look out for in Baku:

1. Armudu Glass-similar to turkish tea cups but more ornate.
2. White cherry Jam
3. Crude oil paintings “neft paintings”

Considering the place is an overnight journey from Tbilisi,Georgia,I'd rather combine it(provided visa happens) and most blogs claim a weekend would be more than enough to see what we have to in Baku.

Vive Valeque♡

Kavita