Azerbaijan - #114

philpotg (67)in #photography • 6 years ago

Azerbaijan - Georgia Holiday

^{Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!}

• August- September 2018
• 20 days travelling through Azerbaijan and Georgia
• Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku is in stark contrast to the smaller villages and townships. It made for an interesting variety of activities and sights. Unesco listed Qobustan National Park with its 10000 year old rock carvings and the old town in Baku were just a couple of the highlights in the area. Moving on to the small village of Lahic on the Caucasus mountains and then on to Sheki added another dimension to the tour.
• Upon entering Georgia we enjoyed a home cooked lunch at a little farm not far from the Azerbaijan border. The oil rich affluence of Azerbaijan transformed into the more rural farming / self sustaining type of communities. Georgia is certainly like stepping back 50 years to the Soviet era in certain areas. The countryside was really breathtaking in areas such as Sighnaghi, David Gareja caves, Metsia and Ushguli. Tiblisi and Batumi showed that Georgia has a modern aspect as well.
• In both countries we were impressed with the mix of old and new existing side by side and found the architecture, history and customs fascinating. We were kept fit by plenty of walking, whether it was around the towns or hiking through the mountain areas of Georgia.
• A thoroughly enjoyable trip in an area less frequented by the mainstream tourist and is to be recommended on places that should be visited.