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Jan Wilson of Oakland recently traveled to Azerbaijan and stopped off at Chef Tavakul’s outdoor restaurant in the mountains outside Baku. (Courtesy of Jan Wilson)
Our readers are making up for lost time by venturing to the remotest corners of the planet: They’ve trekked throughout Brazil, explored the Azores, and hiked Kauai’s Na Pali Coast — and they’ve shared their travel tips and memorable experiences along the way.
Today, an intrepid Aucklander shares his recent adventure in Azerbaijan.
I wish you were here
Azerbaijan: In March, Jan Wilson, who lives in Oakland, visited Azerbaijan, a country located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. “It’s between Europe and Asia, and despite thousands of years of history, culture and art everywhere, the number of tourists is relatively low,” she says. “The capital, Baku, on the Caspian Sea, is a beautiful mix of old European architecture and ultra-modern high-rises. It’s also fascinating to come across narrow cobblestone streets and gorgeous medieval palaces every now and then. If you’re visiting, it’s a must to take in the natural beauty of the breathtaking mountains and visit the charming villages with 1000-year-old history along the way.”
Yang’s adventures have also included trips to the Fire Temple in Baku and to the mountain top where Chef Tavakil has his al fresco restaurant (pictured).
Travel Tip: Azerbaijan is worth a couple of weeks in, says Jan. “Whether you’re into the outdoors, art, history, architecture or culture, there’s plenty to see. Do some background research before you arrive to get a better understanding of the various influences on the country. Plan to do a lot of walking in Baku; traffic is as bad as anywhere, but many of the tourist attractions are concentrated around the convenient downtown area. Hiking in the mountains is also recommended.”
Share your travels with us! Send us photos from your latest adventures at jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you’re at, who’s there and where you’re from. Also, share a travel tip or two to help your fellow travelers.
Read more at The Mercury News
