Bayramımız Mübarək: Balakən & Qizardilmiş Xəngəl

My Novruz break is coming to an end. Although, I am really sad to see it go (along with my visiting friends and late mornings), I am happy to have had the wonderful adventures and vacations of the past two weeks. I feel truly blessed to have such awesome site mates, friends and host family that made these past two weeks the best two weeks I have had in-country.

To conclude our break, two of my site mates, J-man, and I decided to head up to Balakən (Balakane) for a delicious dinner and a bit of site seeing. Balakən, a region located north of Zaqatala, is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Georgian border. A picturesque town with a middle America feel, it’ s a little over 9 hours away from Baku. It also boasts a gigantic Həyar statue and park that reminds me of the National Mall.

And even if all that isn’t enough to make you visit, let me tell you about the grub. I have had some delicious food in Az, but fried xəngəl (xangal) takes the cake. Over the course of a couple of hours, my dinner party and I packed away 90 pieces of these delicious dumplings, plates of cheese and a basket or two of bread. If anything, I am headed back to Balakən for another round.

Ahh...what a way to end spring break.

Bayramımız Mübarək: Dağa Piyadə Getmək

Even better than geting away is coming home! Even better than returning home is visiting friends! Even better than coming home and visiting friends is coming home to visiting friends!

After my trip to Şəki (Sheki), I was elated to find that Jesse (remember him from PST?) had decided to make the 6+ hour trek from his site (way down south) to my site.

During his visit, J and I joined my other site mates on a mountain trek to castle ruins outside the village of Muxax. The day was absolutely beautiful and the company was fantastic. The only downfall? Me. I took a bit of a tumble and busted my leg (check out that radtacular bruise) - but don’t worry Ma. It was worth it.

Bayramımız Mübarək: Oğuz

Next up on my getaway list was the rayon (region) of Oğuz (Oguz). Since I was already in Şəki (Sheki), a quick day trip to this paradise was easily managed and worth the cramped bus ride.

Not only is Oğuz one of the most scenic places I have visited in Az, but it also is one of the most booming. Everywhere I turned, massive construction projects were on the up-and-coming list of things to see. I cannot wait to return here next year and check out the new Olympic Complex, Həydar Park and beautiful new houses.