Safarnamaa — Azerbaijan Diaries | Chapter 1- Exploring Baku
If you are looking to travel for the first time, Check this blog and make the most out of it.
Picture this: a wide-eyed travel blogger (that’s me!) landing in Baku, Azerbaijan, ready to conquer the city solo. With a backpack full of curiosity and a pocketful of enthusiasm, I dove headfirst into this captivating destination — where ancient history meets modern charm.
Baku, with its maze-like Old City (Icherisheher), felt like stepping into a medieval fairytale. Cobblestone streets, ancient mosques, and secret alleyways — perfect for pretending I was on a quest for hidden treasures. Pro tip: lose yourself here, but not literally. The locals are super helpful if you need directions (or just want to find the best kebab joint).
Let’s talk food, shall we? Azerbaijani cuisine is a flavor bomb waiting to explode in your mouth. Kebabs that melt in your mouth, dolma that’s like a tasty grape leaf surprise, and plov — a rice dish so aromatic it could charm a genie out of a lamp. Oh, and don’t get me started on the sweet delights like baklava and shekerbura. My taste buds were in for a treat!
Now, onto the music scene. Azerbaijani music is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. Mugham, a traditional genre with soul-stirring melodies, had me swaying like a local in no time. The streets came alive with zurna and davul, and I found myself dancing like nobody was watching (except everyone totally was, and it was awesome).
Speaking of awesome, let’s talk about the people. The folks in Baku are the real MVPs. Warm, friendly, and always ready to share a cup of tea and a good story. Conversations flowed over tea breaks, and before I knew it, I was part of the neighborhood gossip (in a good way).
Shopping in Baku was a whole experience in itself. I lost track of time exploring local markets, admiring handwoven carpets, and bargaining for souvenirs. Pro tip: always negotiate with a smile and a sense of adventure — it’s more fun that way
As a solo traveler, Baku felt like a playground just waiting to be explored. The mix of culture, tradition, and modernity was a delightful surprise around every corner. From the historic Maiden Tower to the futuristic Flame Towers, Baku had me captivated from start to finish.
To the people of Baku, thank you for the memories and the laughs. You’ve left a mark on this wanderer’s heart, and I’ll carry it with me until our paths cross again. Until then, Baku, stay fabulous — you’ve got a special place in my travelogue and in my dreams of future adventures!
To the people of Baku, with hearts so kind,
In your city, a treasure I was blessed to find.
Your smiles, your stories, your warm embrace,
Have left an imprint, a memory I’ll trace.
Amidst your streets, a symphony of old and new,
Azerbaijan’s spirit shines bright and true.
In Baku’s heart, where cultures beautifully blend,
I found a home, even as a wandering friend.
To the melodies of mugham and dances so free,
To the flavors of plov and tea shared with glee,
Thank you, dear Baku, for your hospitality grand,
In your embrace, I found beauty in this foreign land.
May your days be filled with joy and peace,
As your city’s allure continues to increase.
Until we meet again, under Baku’s starlit sky,
I carry with me memories that will never say goodbye.
For more of Azerbaijan fun — https://www.instagram.com/hafsa_sultan_bajwa
