So I need to give credit where credit is due. During my trip to Azerbaijan two weeks ago, I was treated better than royalty and shown hospitality unparalleled to anything I've ever experienced before. It was better than any ancient petroglyph or ancient temple, and it topped seeing the Caspian Sea for the first time ever. And, in fact, I was only able to see those sights due to the friends who hosted me. So, therefore, this post if for Zinyat, Nadir, and Lamiya.

I first arrived in the country at about 9:00 in the morning on a Friday to the Baku central train station. Naturally (due to spending the last 12 hours on a train), I was a bit out of sorts. Thankfully for me, however, Nadir was already standing and waiting for my arrival on the platform. Knowing what was best for me, he instantly took me to the nearest coffee shop and made sure I back up to a functioning level. We then called Zinyat (who was at work until the evening) to tell her that I had arrived, and then Nadir took me to see the sea before ultimately bringing me to my hostel so I could check in and settle down. Later on in the evening, I met up with him and Zinyat, and together they took me all around the city before we eventually settled into a nice restaurant in the city center for dinner and drinks. And although I insisted on paying for myself. They absolutely refused to let me spend money, stating that I was a guest and it was their pleasure to cover me. Anyway, that was just day one.

Over the course of the next week, we walked around and explored every side of Baku, from traditional tea rooms to the beachfront of the Caspian Sea, to the medieval castle in the city center, and even to a shisha-karaoke bar. The experience wasn't just limited to the city either, because like the amazing hosts they were, Zinyat and Nadir both made sure I got to see the places around in the country. For example, on my third day, I got a message from Zinyat saying, "Hey, can you be ready in an hour?" I replied, "sure," as I wondered what this could possibly be. Then, about an hour later, a car pulled up for me and together we went to an ancient Zoroastrian fire-worshiping temple.

However, the best part of all had to be the dinners we all had together at their friend Lamiya's house. Twice, we all gathered together there for home-cooked meals more delicious than I could imagine (this time not exaggerating) and generous amounts of Georgian wine. During this time, we all hung around and talked for hours on end all the while feasting and drinking in order to replenish ourselves after walking what felt like the entire city of Baku. It was a time I will never forget and hospitality unlike anything I've ever had before while traveling.

Following that, Zinyat and Nadir proceeded to take me through the ancient castle in the city center and to a traditional tea restaurant (which was amazing), as a means to show me a little more of the cultural side of things. Together, they were determined to show me everything Baku had to offer and all I had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride.