Baku...finally!

Last Saturday, our LCF's (Language teachers) accompanied us to Baku, which is the capital of Azerbaijan. Peace Corps is located in Baku. I've been told that Baku is a different world from the rest of the country. Very western influenced... even several McDonald's there. (bad western influence) For the first part of the day we had a very tight itinerary and then some free time. We first were shown the Peace Corps office (definitely brought up good memories of PC Lesotho) and then were taken to Martyr's avenue which is a very emotional place. Its an area/ monument which commemorates/ mourns the killings of Azerbaijani by the Soviet military 20 years ago. As was explained to me, Azerbaijani wanted independence from the Soviets. Azerbaijan and Armenia have had conflict and war for a long time (they are at war with them now) The Soviets sided with Armenia and Azerbaijan wanted their independence to make their own decisions. Azerbaijanis were protesting. (there was noticeable pride from my LCF when she told me that Azerbaijan was the first country to let the Soviets know they wanted independence). On January 20th, 1990, the military from the Soviet Union went to the square that the Azerbaijani were protesting at. They killed hundreds of men, women and children. Hundreds were imprisoned and a few disappeared. We spent a bit of time at this place and saw the tribute the Azerbaijani have given to their dead. The 20th of January is a big day of mourning every year and Im sure I will attend something in my community. This visit has reminded me of how blessed we are in America. We have been attacked, but we have never been occupied. What a terrible thing to be occupied and what a wonderful thing to gain independence. Way to go Azerbaijan.

The rest of the day was relaxing. We saw some of the old part of the city, which I would like to go back to when I have more time. We split up for lunch. Some of us went to a very western mall and had Mexican food and just hung out. It was a good
and exhausting day.

On the bus going to Baku!

This is Zuleha, my LCF. Shes the best. I'm only getting through language because of her patience. Zuleha rocks!!!

The metro schedule

Coming off the metro in Baku. It was packed

2 cool buildings that aren't quite finished yet.

Martyrs avenue. Zuleha and Jeyhun, another LCF who is also wonderful and helps take care of us.

A local mosque

Martyr's avenue

This is where the men, women and children who were killed are buried

Baku

Baku

The eternal flame at Martyrs avenue

My mentor Kathy went with us on this trip.

YD's at the memorial

A guy slaying a dragon. I dont know who it is though. Funny, I havnt seen any dragons here