Baku
Another day off (sorry, rallying is exhausting and your average rally athlete requires at least two days of a week). Actually, it is to do with ferries. There is no booking system and ferries leave when they are full but the wind has got up and so sailings today were cancelled. We are going to the port tomorrow, to see if what we have learnt by phone, is really correct. Watch this space.
So we enjoyed a private tour of the Heydar Aliyev Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid. It is a simply sumptuous building of compound curves, whiteness and deliciousness (do you think Architects Weekly will invite me to contribute? Such prose, such description.) We were all bowled over, but it is not the only building which stuns, here in Baku. There are plenty. We learned that the Russians used to ‘confiscate’ 93% of Azerbaijan’s income. Now with independence, since 1991, the country is becoming increasingly sophisticated and cosmopolitan. The people are incredibly friendly and helpful. They love our cars and show genuine appreciation. Somewhat different from the average Brit who thinks you are being a nob for driving anything other than a foreign built eco-monster/warrior car.
This afternoon, some of the party, well all that is left apart from Chris, went to play golf, and why not? Weird place, with about a hundred condominiums along the fareways, all of which seemed unused.
All that is left of the party now, sadly, no longer includes Caron nor Salty. They departed today along with our heartfelt good wishes; they have been excellent companions, like the previous departees. We have been joined by Nick Gambier, who takes his seat in his Dad's car, whilst Ed joins Chris.
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