Istanbul/Ethiopia/Azerbaijan Day 9

March 4, 2016

I wanted today to be a relaxing day so, I walked the old city to see everything that I missed on the first day.

I started off with a return to the Maiden Tower, I learned much about its history and even some weaponry was on display and you know that I'm fascinated by weaponry. The has the expected narrow stairway and very well worn steps. The view from the top is fantastic, you can see all of Baku, the Old Town, and the sea. The contrast of old and new is striking. Respect for the past past and the push towards a bright future.

From here, I walked around the ancient palace. There's not too much to see but it interesting and worth seeing.

Today I felt like a bit of shopping, As the vendors are...pushy, I new I'd have to bring out the forceful guy that we all know is inside, They always start with trying to sell you scarves and rugs, from there it's anything "old". Who knows is its really old or not. Anyway. I found s plov cover that was amazing detailed and I wanted it. The engraving on the metal included a

Many designs and even profiles of faces, I was told that i couldn't but it because it cannot leave the country. So...only Azeri can purchase this, Are there really that many locals that will buy a 100 year old plov cover.

I went into many other shops in the main passageway. The same push without asking any questions about what might interest you. They need understand the art of selling. I did make a purchase of a very old copper spoonish thing with a long handle and strains. It's fits about 10" long. He wanted 50 manat...I purchased for 25.

I continued in to reach the gate on the south side and exited to walk the perimeter. There is parkland on this side and beautifully done. The wall is impressive with more turrets intact than most any that I've seen. I think even more than Tallinn, Estonia ( Most in Eurpoe).

Continuing my walk, I approached a bright yellow building that turned out to be the philharmonic hall. It looks church like so it surprised me.

Waking the west side of the wall, there was another gate, the most impressive of all. There were 7 visible turrets along its length but I could only get 4 in the photo. There is a glass pyramid in front, very Louve-like.

The walk continued and from here much was hidden except die a few alleyways that revealed dramatic views. Really some of the best. The north side had a double gate but as the road in front is being paved, the photo of it is terrible. It would have been special but others are much more dramatic.

I entered that gate and entered, ambling around. I discovered that I was at the alleyway along side the Maiden Towers, I remembered seeing some are galleries there so I went in search.

I found Q Gallery, it showcases local artists and different mediums. Some of my favorites were -

I love art so, this was a treat for me. I felt a bit energized. I think it was the expression, colors, shapes, and content - integrating visions of past with modern.

As the Maiden tower was in front of me again, I took a break here and wrote a bit about what I had seen. It was enjoyable but I would say that the whole Old Town can be done in a day. A day and a half at most.

I returned to the apartment as I was hungry. Scrambled eggs and tomatoes were in order, tasty.

The heat wasn't working so I called the owner. I told her and asked if there was something I could try. She said " I'm a dentist, not an electrician. I don't know." She said that she'd call someone but it would be tomorrow. Great

I lounged around and finished my blog from the day before. I was still feeling physically tired and hot and I felt hot. My throat hurt also. I might be getting sick. I had vitamin C and zinc but had forgotten ibuprofen. I'm usually quite comprehensive with my supplies. As I was hot an the apartment was cold, I just bundled up under them to keep comfortable

I watched a but I'd Netflix and called it a night.