We headed North through the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. This was part of the ancient Silk Road, linking East and West.

Shemakha, was the former capital of the Shirvan Khanate. We toured the city, including the impressive Juma Mosque. The Mosque was built in the 10th century, and women were allowed to enter as long as we donned long black skirts and head scarves. ...View image... Men were always suitably dressed to enter with long pants on. (No shorts on this trip.)

Continue reading "Shemakha and Sheki" »

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Passports (with all three Visas) arrived in time, a big handbook of "Know Before You Go" from MIR, photos and details about our group of 13, and background on the tour manager accompanying us, Michel. Michel lives in Amsterdam and speaks 11 languages!

Our group flew in to Baku on different airlines: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and

at different times, and didn't have a chance to meet until breakfast the next morning.

Continue reading "Baku - Our First Stop" »

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