From Baku to Sheki: Puppies, Math Lessons, and Roadside Ducks

We started our day early, ready to take advantage of the hotel buffet breakfast before the long drive from Baku to Sheki, with stops along the way. When Ali met us in the lobby of the hotel, it was clear he would also have appreciated a little more sleep.

Diri Baba Mausoleum – And Puppies!

Our first stop was the Diri Baba Mausoleum. Tucked into a cliffside, the mausoleum itself was serene and full of history, with ancient stonework that made you feel like you’d stepped back in time. But what really caught our attention? Puppies! As we pulled up in the car, there were three puppies and some tired-looking parent dogs lounging in the sun. Now, I don’t know about you, but history and architecture are all well and good, but throw in some puppies, and that’s where my focus will be. Frankly, it’s a miracle we got Ella past the parking lot to see the mausoleum. 

On our way out, we spent some more time with them and managed to drag Ella back into the car so we could hit the road again.

Jummah Mosque – A Quick Visit

Next on our list was the Jummah Mosque. It’s a beautifully preserved place with a calm atmosphere and a sense of reverence that makes you slow down and take in everything around you. Ella clearly has a thing or two to learn from Katy about how to wear a headscarf. 

An Awkward Winery Stop

This was one of those stops that had potential but just didn’t hit the mark. We rolled up with visions of wine tastings and a leisurely lunch among the vineyards. Instead, we found ourselves wandering around the property, looking at some fish and swans. Don’t get me wrong—fish and swans are great—but it wasn’t exactly the vineyard experience we’d imagined. 

When it became clear that we weren’t going to have lunch at the vineyard, it seemed unnecessary for everyone else to watch me taste wine. So, we cut our losses and hopped back in the car.

Lunch at a Roadside Stop

After the lunch-free winery stop, we were ready for lunch. Fortunately, we soon pulled into a roadside stop, the term restaurant seems too formal. The food was simple but delicious and we had a table in the forest. The highlight was definitely Katy accidentally eating a rather hot chilli and the aftermath of that as she tried to maintain composure. 

Corn and Ducks: The Roadside Combo We Didn’t Know We Needed

Further down the road, we pulled over again—this time for corn. Yes, corn. Apparently, roadside corn is a thing in Azerbaijan.

Ali explained how they would eat the corn, with just a little salt. When we said we would do the same in Canada, only with a little butter thrown into the mix, you could see him making plans to give this a try.  

Tufandag Mountain Resort – four plus two is six

When we reached Tufandag Mountain Resort, we found ourselves in a long line for the cable car. Lines are one of those things that can work differently in each country, so we try to go with the flow. In this case, rather than filling up the gondola cabins, people stayed with their own, whether they were a group of two or a full complement of six. Less efficient, but when in Azerbaijan…

The guy in line behind us didn’t feel the same way. He decided that because we were three, we should push in with the group of two in front of us. Fair, but we weren’t comfortable with that, so I suggested that they go ahead as they were four and could join the two and make a six. Instead, he just kept saying there was space for us, to which I would reply there was space for them and, by all means, cut ahead. Turns out he didn’t want to share, he just wanted us to get him on faster. 

Needless to say, we ignored him and made our way up to the top. There, we found some big swings that you could get strapped into and then sing over the cliff. Ella was all set to hop in, but unfortunately, you have to be 14. So, some quick photos and back in line to descend. 

Yeddi Gozel Waterfall – A Quick Escape

After that, we made a brief stop at Yeddi Gozel Waterfall. The waterfall itself wasn’t massive, and currently, you can only visit the first two of the seven steps. Nice to stretch our legs and have a look but we didn’t linger too long.

Nohur Lake – Mystery Building and Weird Mascots

Next up was Nohur Lake, a small lake with a fair-like feel on the edge. It was clearly popular with locals, particularly teens.

You could rent little peddle boats, but they were oddly confined to a small portion of the lake. What’s more, the other side of the lake had buildings that looked like a fairly decent-sized hotel and some cottages. Some are complete, and others are still under construction. Apparently, you can’t access any of it, so I can’t help but feel it’s just for the rich associates of the ruling family. 

Then, as we walked back toward the car, we came across this strange mascot wandering the area. It was this low-budget Bugs Bunny character who, at one point, got a little too enthusiastic and started hitting Ella with one of its giant ears. She took it in stride, of course, but it was one of those random travel moments and a little awkward.

By the time we reached Sheki, we were exhausted but happy to have some food. Ali took us to a restaurant not far from the hotel. The food was good, and we enjoyed it despite the horrible live music and annoying kids at the next table. That said, we were soon ready for bed.  

Up next, we head to Georgia