Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:04 am Post subject: Travelling to Azerbaijan: some questions
Hi,
I’m a 24 year-old British translator and editor, currently working in Kyiv, Ukraine. I’ve been planning a journey through the Caucasus and Central Asia for a couple of years – I’m writing a collection of travel stories - and it looks as if next spring I’ll finally have the time and money to make it happen.
I have a degree in Russian, and studied in Russia before moving to Ukraine, but I have always been captivated by the culture in the satellite states. I have read a fair amount about Azerbaijan, but haven’t found much information that is helpful for planning a journey.
So, my questions are:
- How easy/safe is it to move across the country, and across borders? How expensive/reliable are trains and marshrutki?
- What are the visa requirements for short-term, tourist stays?
- How widely is Russian spoken in towns and cities? Do people react to foreigners positively or negatively?
- How many expats are there, generally?
- What are Azerbaijan’s landmarks? – (not necessarily the biggest tourist attractions, but the places that best represent the country and its people).
- What is a realistic daily budget (two meals, transport and accommodation)?
Apologies if I’ve asked any questions that appear a hundred times on the forum. I’d be very grateful for any advice, ideas and information.
I think the things to see are the Fire Temple and Maiden Tower in Baku, both very important national symbols. And I would love to see any old oil wells and railway buildings (the first trains there were Made in Sheffield).
However, I always find that the best thing you can do is sample the local food and get down the back streets to meet the local people. A good meal and a good conversation are worth any number of old buildings!
Have you thought of getting in touch with Universities along your route? They will all have students that would love to show someone around.
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