Strength: the quality or state of being physically strong.
We were in Azerbaijan for about a week as we travelled on the ground from Georgia to Kazakhstan. Here’s the impression it left:
From the very first minutes we arrived in Azerbaijan, it had a very “strong” environment. We were on a train crossing the Georgia/Azer border. The guards came onboard to check passports. They were serious. Real serious. The military guards searched our bags. Personal belongings were thrown around the small train compartment as they searched for smuggled goods. We were taken one by one to have our pictures taken and questioned in another bunk. The squad waited in silence. We waited, half expecting to be thrown out of the country. Ok, maybe it wasn’t that bad, but the border crossing was tense.
The countryside was beautiful. Old soviet style buildings stood in green fields and open space. Sun glistened off of melting snow. When we arrived in Baku, the sea air refreshed our winter souls. It had been cold and snowy in Georgia. Now, warmish sunny air strengthened our spirits and bodies. You could almost visibly see people being recharged. It was like watching the percentage steadily rise as your phone battery charges.
Baku was a very clean and modern city. Beautiful skyscrapers and architecture rose towards the sun. The Heydari Aliyev Center, an art and history museum I visited, was spectacular. The history itself gave the impression of a strong country built on its own pride. Of course, like many places of the world, there was still very much a physical and spiritual need. But the outward appearance showed physical strength. Health. Wealth.
Personally, time with friends, exploration, and time to rest brought renewed strength. It was a refreshing pause in between two winter countries. A transition between two places.
As we prepared to board a cargo ship, yes, a literal cargo ship, to cross the Caspian Sea we had our last moments in Azerbaijan. It was brief but refreshing. I made a new friend at the customs office before crossing the Caspian Sea. Despite the fact that smiling is considered a sign of weakness, He was bright and had many smiles. (I think this made him stronger) A very regimented and strong country on the outside, Azerbaijan was intriguing and left me wanting to come back and visit again in the future.
With Faith, Hope, and Love
Nathan
