Unexpected

Part 37

Following breakfast we get ready for a day of adventure. First we explore the ancient sights in the city, Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The F1 circuit passes close by both, but I don't pay attention to the view during racing. And I certainly cannot enjoy it like I do now. We go inside the tower and climb up the stairs, making them pant.

"I see you're not out of breath," gasps Makino.

"No. If I was my trainer would be very unhappy with me."

"Lucky you. I feel like I've performed half a concert."

"Same," agrees Taewoong.

We catch our breath as we look out over Baku, a mix of old and new buildings. After taking pictures we are ready to depart. "A little handholding on the way back down?" I innocently ask.

"Yes, let's," says Makino, turning to Taewoong to gauge his reaction. "I don't want to fall, and I think I'm feeling dizzy."

"More like ditzy," I mutter under my breath. No one hears me.

"Did the sappy romantic bug bite you overnight?" he demands. "You sound like they did at supper."

She pouts. "You did promise."

"Okay, okay." He takes her hand in his and they start to descend.

Sangil and I bring up the rear, nudging our shoulders and raising our eyebrows in their direction, which sets us off giggling. They look back and ask what's funny, but we shake our heads and answer "Nothing." At the bottom of the steps they let go.

We eat lunch (grilled fish and minced meat wrapped in grape leaves) before heading out into the wilderness. Gobustan has Stonehenge like rocks and rock drawings, similar to cave drawings. After exploring those we head to some mud volcanoes.

"You know what would be amazing right now?" I ask, staring at the bubbling mud.

"A dip?" Makino says.

"How did you know?"

She laughs. "I was thinking the same thing."

"Ooh, that's dirty. I can't imagine how that would feel," says Taewoong.

"And it looks hot," observes Sangil.

"And then it would dry and crack," I continue.

Taewoong shivers. "Sounds gross."

We only have a couple places to go to and dinner to eat before we head to the airport for our return flights. Some of the most famous attractions in Azerbaijan. "It's yanar bulag!" I exclaim, gesturing to the fountain like a game show hostess.

"Does it really catch fire?"questions Sangil, intently studying the plain looking water.

"That is why I brought this." I whip out the large lighter with a flourish. "Who wants to do the honors?"

They glance at each other before Makino steps forward. "I'll try." She turns toward the water and flicks on the lighter, bringing it closer to the water. As it catches on fire we lean back, but then crowd around for a closer look.

"Wow," whispers Taewoong as he takes photos.

It goes out after several seconds, and Sangil relights it this time. What catches fire is the methane in the water.

"Who wants to try it?" I ask, filling up a small cup with water. They look at it warily. "Fine," I huff. "I'll be the first." I take a sip and immediately spit it out. "That's nasty. Sorry, Azerbaijan. It's too sulfuric."

Sangil tries after me, and also doesn't care for it. Taewoong and Makino taste it, too, and Taewoong diplomatically proclaims it as good for your health.

And on to our last adventure - the burning mountain, or yanar dag. This is natural gas that escapes from cracks in the mountainside and burns as it does so. Since it's best seen at dusk, we left it for last. We observe several fires from our vantage point.

"I haven't been to many countries," says Taewoong, "But I'm amazed by both the natural and man made features. Here, these fires and mud volcanoes, and in the UAE the sand dunes, for example. And the different animals. Earth is beautiful."

"What other countries have you been to?" asks Makino.

He counts on his fingers. "England, Vietnam, Russia, India, Singapore, and China. And Japan, of course. And in a few days Snuper will be going to Mexico and Canada."

"Ten is good. And quite a variety, too," she responds. "I haven't been to that many."

"Yeah, I guess I didn't realize before how many places we've been to."

"But when you don't have opportunities to go abroad, I think it's nice to explore your own country."

"It's time to drive back," I announce. We pile in the Infiniti and I drive us to a restaurant on the outskirts of Baku. They serve lyulya kebab here, or lamb shish-kebabs. After the main course, when we're having dessert (baklava and ground nuts sandwiched between fried dough), Taewoong speaks up.

"I've been curious all day. What are those?" He gestures to our left hands.

"Wedding bands." Sangil gives him a look as if to say, Isn't that obvious?

"When did you get them?"

"Last night. Part of my birthday present."

"When are you going to have a wedding ceremony?"

"Haven't decided yet."

"Are you going to have one?"

"Sochi?" asks Sangil.

"I hope so," I respond. "But we have busy schedules."

"Can I be your best man?"

"No," says Sangil, "That's not fair to the rest of Snuper."

He hands me another piece of baklava, but I shake my head. "My trainer told me I was becoming too lazy about my diet on Mondays."

"You have more willpower than I do," he says before popping it into his mouth.

We finish with dinner and drive to the airport. Taewoong sees firsthand what Sangil had experienced earlier with F1 fans. As I wave goodbye I say, "Have fun in Mexico and Canada! I'll see you later, Sangil." Then I pose for selfies and sign autographs. 

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Tokyo Dogs. This clip doesn't show it but this crime/detective drama had plenty of funny moments.