tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23986643352253219952024-03-14T02:30:33.544-04:00Hello TalalayFollow our adventures as we share our thoughts, impressions and awe at what could be called: Foreign Service's Wide World of Talalay.James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.comBlogger2420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-83398064763479997022024-03-14T02:30:00.000-04:002024-03-14T02:30:00.239-04:00Looking At Local Liquor In UzbekistanYou can buy alcohol in Uzbekistan. Sure, it may be a muslim country. Alcohol isn't forbidden and there are liquor stores around. The fancy western brands may cost you a month's rent. Are there local alternatives. Absolutely!<p>Vodka is popular. So are macho tropes. Take a swig, feel like a tiger or a bear. That's the Alpha Spirit.</p><p>
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Ahh, about those western brands. If you can't beat them, copy them. And at a cheaper price. Some local Budweiser and Heineken? Better gulp that vodka first to lessen the taste.<p></p><p>
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Tamerlain cognac, named after the most famous ancient hero of Uzbekistan. Where is our George Washington digestif?<p></p><p>
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Getting hard core, hard liquor in a can. Or barrel. Tough stuff.<p></p><p>
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Imitation getting more weird, beer looking a little too similar to the Domino Sugar label.<p></p><p>
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Back to Vodka, channeling Grey Goose and Ketel One.<p></p><p>
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Ahh, some truly local quaff, jumbo size. The can is for scale. It's about 12oz. The plastic, he-man jugs are basically mini kegs. Drink up!<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosreSGEHsQNV0RBcdnzGyNsar2sSVdGTg0iEyxMVlRGgPPlNJ_xHYYF6tBfs3rYH3TTzqf2KHdoZEkpuf7hrNQm2HLi0HbP0yMuV57ZME7PEVTB5F-qQV38T25Og1QyI3SzQUmXenMZFEb_Dk1kNqE2R2HprYzgBZvVz6tcgE3CilSN4nkwfYHETBiFMk/s1500/Liquor-10.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosreSGEHsQNV0RBcdnzGyNsar2sSVdGTg0iEyxMVlRGgPPlNJ_xHYYF6tBfs3rYH3TTzqf2KHdoZEkpuf7hrNQm2HLi0HbP0yMuV57ZME7PEVTB5F-qQV38T25Og1QyI3SzQUmXenMZFEb_Dk1kNqE2R2HprYzgBZvVz6tcgE3CilSN4nkwfYHETBiFMk/s600/Liquor-10.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-13246133821924907192024-03-12T02:30:00.001-04:002024-03-12T02:30:00.236-04:00Prepping A Formula One Race In BakuClose a few streets, throw up some bleachers, sell some soda, blow out ear drums and you've got a rip roarin' race! Not quite. Sarah and James crossed paths with Formula One race prep in Baku, lucky to be safely back home by race day.<p>No small affair, heavy equipment need apply and often.</p><p>
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The fencing is, obviously, the most abundant sign of the impending noise. Formula One (at least in Baku) races on regular streets, which remain open until the last minute. As do the regular speed limits. Portable pit stops. Spectators, not drivers.<p></p><p>
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The fencing can make the chic city look like a post apocalyptic TV show. The Walking Gucci Dead.<p></p><p>
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A photo parade of past glory, decorating the seaside promenade. Fencing and flowers, a curious juxtaposition.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jfWXkhWwAmJM8dD4iFKS5wi47MYLz8-MggRN0g-lZ5q9Ow5mN27Q2MLlHkrikuUyEL0Ys4ycCeh_WyxNE0I_GKa2xPtBnToyTyO05LmMLeTXoAlygyuVnPJ0y9CEOnUuxJ31duFDNKZCk4RFvjS3jK0HQT6zDqKtTkFngO27i4wMJa2ZuqsqZMRHOfu3/s1500/Baku%20Formula%20One%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jfWXkhWwAmJM8dD4iFKS5wi47MYLz8-MggRN0g-lZ5q9Ow5mN27Q2MLlHkrikuUyEL0Ys4ycCeh_WyxNE0I_GKa2xPtBnToyTyO05LmMLeTXoAlygyuVnPJ0y9CEOnUuxJ31duFDNKZCk4RFvjS3jK0HQT6zDqKtTkFngO27i4wMJa2ZuqsqZMRHOfu3/w400-h300/Baku%20Formula%20One%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjZ8VISuq9nGOMOfHZQsCvQm0hEQrVY89QLYihd8mdnY_8fTEKaT6wbqAiejATmea6ecMtnjDSu8eUbMuOAbBMtwHPHaFRcMkBhRwvW-a_0NikqX1NfqYSdVYj6b7deE_cDmPhOol4KMqkviWaCbwoOjLgIRIjOU4BXhIKScOvHwDoPMB6Jso0harQgGf/s2000/Baku%20Formula%20One%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjZ8VISuq9nGOMOfHZQsCvQm0hEQrVY89QLYihd8mdnY_8fTEKaT6wbqAiejATmea6ecMtnjDSu8eUbMuOAbBMtwHPHaFRcMkBhRwvW-a_0NikqX1NfqYSdVYj6b7deE_cDmPhOol4KMqkviWaCbwoOjLgIRIjOU4BXhIKScOvHwDoPMB6Jso0harQgGf/s320/Baku%20Formula%20One%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Advertising lipstick on a construction fence pig. No one notices.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAVXfH6aVwQOdMNVMKSzrkhj9vFoD0wAm5Thdi8iTxqHkszndFvzC7qrvMq0p4Mkyela_p6I0Vw1FE2rVbB7f8gJvQaNmXCjg4NDkFfECtVYLmo5c7OXtG7sIOVj4cqHfYc5Ftk6-LCZN0ClNO_xjD1nrE9Jsk09V6NmmqAPAxFabY3KQvtInubDj3yOH/s1500/Baku%20Formula%20One%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAVXfH6aVwQOdMNVMKSzrkhj9vFoD0wAm5Thdi8iTxqHkszndFvzC7qrvMq0p4Mkyela_p6I0Vw1FE2rVbB7f8gJvQaNmXCjg4NDkFfECtVYLmo5c7OXtG7sIOVj4cqHfYc5Ftk6-LCZN0ClNO_xjD1nrE9Jsk09V6NmmqAPAxFabY3KQvtInubDj3yOH/s600/Baku%20Formula%20One%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-81872463827300799562024-03-07T01:30:00.078-05:002024-03-07T01:30:00.145-05:00Baku's Zeynalabdin Taghiyev MansionIf you want to see how the .001% lived in old Azerbaijan, head to the National Museum in Baku. The heart of the place is an impressive mansion, once belonging to magnate Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. He made his money in oil in the late 1800s and died in 1924. The Bolsheviks confiscated his mansion and eventually turned it into a museum. Comrade, thanks for the digs.<p>Living room, ballroom, mega room.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUwsEEmDc6WjwTwCrVGvBbD-aGDzWhV5TbkHHP_Ir-mftiW8FbXZiFuen6GTOrkpjsjXzUZTrHt8bpaqinDVqB4oiqRYPeTEsM4rCtKnVsAj14cmGRCxuq5KvLY8HGqWWZFmqunB_0Q3spL3Wm_pSdTWFjl1RzM5_Bq2sshrlrtA6KU3ibljWf1i6NvJk/s1500/Baku%20Mansion%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUwsEEmDc6WjwTwCrVGvBbD-aGDzWhV5TbkHHP_Ir-mftiW8FbXZiFuen6GTOrkpjsjXzUZTrHt8bpaqinDVqB4oiqRYPeTEsM4rCtKnVsAj14cmGRCxuq5KvLY8HGqWWZFmqunB_0Q3spL3Wm_pSdTWFjl1RzM5_Bq2sshrlrtA6KU3ibljWf1i6NvJk/s600/Baku%20Mansion%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Column and carving details, every color and pattern welcome. The sitting room. Plenty of seats.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO1GRRHhWNjjQzZO-DDw0D59ckXJ3wlmOgYBe7ZGTAPjPbD94KIkEKzkB2l8HSHhYzc_JVAvXofX1q55Qj2bIN4USvy7oPdG-zBGXwdr1KktlP-4dUO8ULOJb5Rh14IAWOWvmNI7cWZ8yrsQhfLmfUz7MU2kjo8QoJH-VooUpqRsoQy7YGMwTiWDoa2py/s2000/Baku%20Mansion%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO1GRRHhWNjjQzZO-DDw0D59ckXJ3wlmOgYBe7ZGTAPjPbD94KIkEKzkB2l8HSHhYzc_JVAvXofX1q55Qj2bIN4USvy7oPdG-zBGXwdr1KktlP-4dUO8ULOJb5Rh14IAWOWvmNI7cWZ8yrsQhfLmfUz7MU2kjo8QoJH-VooUpqRsoQy7YGMwTiWDoa2py/s320/Baku%20Mansion%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoSJc7WHlBNldT8xJ3FS-3vGWaV6WKPFNshJEc_PvMibdL4wkqK26hq2IMT3sRJOnWIhyphenhyphenmieWpx_IMi3e0gDY6bD3YIvD7FjwF9P-xfca57TbAgLxGzHUsMAl0Cf4yjedkbnwhdm4-IdFJeQMdrJ0AY5JsJu_WcXJ22NeB6gp0tXNbTfQBAGMpphp8gDK/s1500/Baku%20Mansion%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoSJc7WHlBNldT8xJ3FS-3vGWaV6WKPFNshJEc_PvMibdL4wkqK26hq2IMT3sRJOnWIhyphenhyphenmieWpx_IMi3e0gDY6bD3YIvD7FjwF9P-xfca57TbAgLxGzHUsMAl0Cf4yjedkbnwhdm4-IdFJeQMdrJ0AY5JsJu_WcXJ22NeB6gp0tXNbTfQBAGMpphp8gDK/w400-h300/Baku%20Mansion%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Billiards room. Rack it.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoa0nuB3bdyhJiJjBnFuO7jF5n6206hhl4facDseYZuVg6tAL2by2ep2xWSmuUdaiMLsxCf5zcRoHWB0NVQcyZmJvwPJtp97EFj4wrKSyC7bJOZav2PdptthIH4Y9WZzQzdHrzNXAyxqXZ-fsYExXoxjLBXU7Ky8hjjRflrhTqEAfPdsNfz5RY0Lg8B6n/s1500/Baku%20Mansion%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoa0nuB3bdyhJiJjBnFuO7jF5n6206hhl4facDseYZuVg6tAL2by2ep2xWSmuUdaiMLsxCf5zcRoHWB0NVQcyZmJvwPJtp97EFj4wrKSyC7bJOZav2PdptthIH4Y9WZzQzdHrzNXAyxqXZ-fsYExXoxjLBXU7Ky8hjjRflrhTqEAfPdsNfz5RY0Lg8B6n/s600/Baku%20Mansion%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Dining room, a study in brown. the circular dressing room, mirrored kaleidoscope ceiling. Trippy.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiHIXkgcvMfyxheN_HsZ0Wcm63h1Pgp54CVW7PNREwJL6dSpNfjIcrak_qMEkVCvvdSzG_YkrVdSP2ymVAAZgPha6JAZ4omEk_aKwDJqmrGE_3VjX5muSo6t9MsA-TtU5-i_i4ZO7mnYl1s97lQxxLtMiV01GZS6_kF6lkS5DqmfBCjy_sw3WyWRzOKrh/s1500/Baku%20Mansion%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiHIXkgcvMfyxheN_HsZ0Wcm63h1Pgp54CVW7PNREwJL6dSpNfjIcrak_qMEkVCvvdSzG_YkrVdSP2ymVAAZgPha6JAZ4omEk_aKwDJqmrGE_3VjX5muSo6t9MsA-TtU5-i_i4ZO7mnYl1s97lQxxLtMiV01GZS6_kF6lkS5DqmfBCjy_sw3WyWRzOKrh/w400-h300/Baku%20Mansion%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA-4FP7lBAaiv8TfcqRNNZrXbXpudRi31f8QiRUHgQKlthyB_OmxGedTZPVSatvKGhgp-iHmmUpHtzeqQogwmAoi6sl6o1pR-2cWOQKNdflWofJDHoeA2Lwv0tiUEmSg5ssVyFOs74r2z6iBlQcEbha3P4gZRUOmsJDFZPtRJrnZoJvd48tcNLWAMfYOp/s2000/Baku%20Mansion%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA-4FP7lBAaiv8TfcqRNNZrXbXpudRi31f8QiRUHgQKlthyB_OmxGedTZPVSatvKGhgp-iHmmUpHtzeqQogwmAoi6sl6o1pR-2cWOQKNdflWofJDHoeA2Lwv0tiUEmSg5ssVyFOs74r2z6iBlQcEbha3P4gZRUOmsJDFZPtRJrnZoJvd48tcNLWAMfYOp/s320/Baku%20Mansion%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Main bedroom. Sure, the bed looks like two twin beds "accidentally" shoved together. "We don't know how it happened!" <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhllVpWml14UWjc2tjGc-hlNA_zyiDDL8HDXkd4J3rLYsG807jBrZH1FPTJas9GtxxrJeJWA4kQGhcYwpRjgOLaAJOvIdtlVTBg-HZ7_g2p0ZfreSNgIwfmg40vVDau15vpZM2ZtGPDQXsa6UeJUf47y00Xn3vqOZYp416rcThR7qpN6Z8B7mcPyGuaqv4/s1500/Baku%20Mansion%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhllVpWml14UWjc2tjGc-hlNA_zyiDDL8HDXkd4J3rLYsG807jBrZH1FPTJas9GtxxrJeJWA4kQGhcYwpRjgOLaAJOvIdtlVTBg-HZ7_g2p0ZfreSNgIwfmg40vVDau15vpZM2ZtGPDQXsa6UeJUf47y00Xn3vqOZYp416rcThR7qpN6Z8B7mcPyGuaqv4/s600/Baku%20Mansion%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-21008666914280606372024-03-05T01:30:00.046-05:002024-03-05T01:30:00.254-05:00The Military Spoils Park In BakuGo to war, bring your burned out trophies home and put them on display. Fun for the whole family. In 2020, Azerbaijan fought Armenia in what is now known as the Second Karabakh War. Who won, who lost, who wasted a lot of blood and treasure is in dispute. Azerbaijan is now using evidence of their destruction as propaganda, tangible relics that represent might and power.<p>
The captured Armenian equipment is spread out in a vast empty lot, east of the modern downtown.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMQ86weKCzz8qWMjMeyzUdsxy5_cT3mra530czymQvBVlC-FMGsUISngwh_XvuotjkOcqbl7gfnwwjcRRbm_6C2-Qdc-G_ljiCUZmM8p8qdbKGraFsulwzCbdLv-eWz5901Jy9d2dgtE73FEiGmlxE0S3lUTH6johamDP5nA5FH1wYf_JGpdZyZpvyTEc/s1500/Baku%20Military%20Park%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMQ86weKCzz8qWMjMeyzUdsxy5_cT3mra530czymQvBVlC-FMGsUISngwh_XvuotjkOcqbl7gfnwwjcRRbm_6C2-Qdc-G_ljiCUZmM8p8qdbKGraFsulwzCbdLv-eWz5901Jy9d2dgtE73FEiGmlxE0S3lUTH6johamDP5nA5FH1wYf_JGpdZyZpvyTEc/s600/Baku%20Military%20Park%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Kid, tank, a perfect setting for an adorable picture. Direct hit to the engine of a truck.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBRGN8_xkIuXzvZRZ4a3Cjd22JaKJSh-oPmSKK6eTgrj4nSqm5MmHzdMXCSDoIlYstu9kWBGF1WjscWaMyMuuyXZjWvtEmRaE243s7zd2MlwG75R9vV835VoxajE6prai6mHqr5kHxFhyQqIIzUocuBpHKz9Oahhp5iGtwHZpKnaKo8Qc48MYbE5OLwFX/s1500/Baku%20Military%20Park%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBRGN8_xkIuXzvZRZ4a3Cjd22JaKJSh-oPmSKK6eTgrj4nSqm5MmHzdMXCSDoIlYstu9kWBGF1WjscWaMyMuuyXZjWvtEmRaE243s7zd2MlwG75R9vV835VoxajE6prai6mHqr5kHxFhyQqIIzUocuBpHKz9Oahhp5iGtwHZpKnaKo8Qc48MYbE5OLwFX/w400-h300/Baku%20Military%20Park%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUmBgrBl08dravSqRYzQTWzFJ2iJizOZtobduoX-r1F-hvcKumnBZMd7efGHtBeli3S652Nau8Su6WUhS4vp-VI8CGKQZR4c6aTeYuUoyCZvbJCqny3_hSf3RSgsfxCfXuEpAPNKfP60tfsjmx-Xj_IEDbaz3SDP9QE0MB91ja8SuteIGqNAtJDTzD85X/s2000/Baku%20Military%20Park%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUmBgrBl08dravSqRYzQTWzFJ2iJizOZtobduoX-r1F-hvcKumnBZMd7efGHtBeli3S652Nau8Su6WUhS4vp-VI8CGKQZR4c6aTeYuUoyCZvbJCqny3_hSf3RSgsfxCfXuEpAPNKfP60tfsjmx-Xj_IEDbaz3SDP9QE0MB91ja8SuteIGqNAtJDTzD85X/s320/Baku%20Military%20Park%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Bombed, burned, rusted. The more destroyed, the better the presentation.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBCG5OgyxTvEIvPJ_BqCLGEdiOQEzVTz0MuvhkrxaOwwax-m3l4VHMEORslqDhUxn18GU7njjJcRYr2UExCpbG1AoOhUfhp9PdpukdxjP10pzVBp-8qvcIVV6eiPZXIjagSET6eXOTiTdHn5yTkjE3ovfNBuKQEjzzgzdGjtyXenXdUVVJi8h_D2VgF_c/s1500/Baku%20Military%20Park%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBCG5OgyxTvEIvPJ_BqCLGEdiOQEzVTz0MuvhkrxaOwwax-m3l4VHMEORslqDhUxn18GU7njjJcRYr2UExCpbG1AoOhUfhp9PdpukdxjP10pzVBp-8qvcIVV6eiPZXIjagSET6eXOTiTdHn5yTkjE3ovfNBuKQEjzzgzdGjtyXenXdUVVJi8h_D2VgF_c/s600/Baku%20Military%20Park%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Sometimes the layout makes for odd pairings. A tank, dug in and ready to fire on new apartment construction. Back to destruction, this time, airplane (helicopter?) parts.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDrBWBrbCLSf673CHB5BMFG48YtDTED4b0NPDQK4J6r7Htu4kba2G2hILn2kfADurZItLQFsin7YBPNHby6XZJ6sNrTNBtDlYzEz05ilUNI1MmU49CpbPIKfmeGow8y3gfLFsxruSKAFFEzZezzMR1HoKpH2KLx4y2ulZQoMBi6w-edSPQWFKJUHzny2t/s2000/Baku%20Military%20Park%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDrBWBrbCLSf673CHB5BMFG48YtDTED4b0NPDQK4J6r7Htu4kba2G2hILn2kfADurZItLQFsin7YBPNHby6XZJ6sNrTNBtDlYzEz05ilUNI1MmU49CpbPIKfmeGow8y3gfLFsxruSKAFFEzZezzMR1HoKpH2KLx4y2ulZQoMBi6w-edSPQWFKJUHzny2t/s320/Baku%20Military%20Park%2005.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d8t-DPuBFt6sR0H8hyxnLryrpNoM6Eoo3ZONB5y7acnPQf8T7CHrM4LcnXSCaInyjW2P9BmmytcDndJPoeAb0IWmDd6H2BYzbIhMv3NxqasOH64nb542t1B4mWWKMg_-Xd1Bo8x2Nf1aXCT50Od9Sqpb0BkAt596WJK8ANTTIBq4HhVUGsa-v51gsv5U/s1500/Baku%20Military%20Park%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d8t-DPuBFt6sR0H8hyxnLryrpNoM6Eoo3ZONB5y7acnPQf8T7CHrM4LcnXSCaInyjW2P9BmmytcDndJPoeAb0IWmDd6H2BYzbIhMv3NxqasOH64nb542t1B4mWWKMg_-Xd1Bo8x2Nf1aXCT50Od9Sqpb0BkAt596WJK8ANTTIBq4HhVUGsa-v51gsv5U/w400-h300/Baku%20Military%20Park%2006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Direct hit. Can the same be said for the park as a success?<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokGwFYJ1R2Y5U7oXoTSR7Q-hD3MhTtrLfpaSra1ALJ9JQ4qjFZAwT_GIy6BaZN6Cw-mqV6YZvpvEW3EVGCxWCd1ZALXuznGt2doPOUkzW8h0REGjxLRgpXXQLsn1ESK5Ce9jXoXd68al8fmDu3wMxF_jv9Xv0GUR-5PPFlNtQDiCi7IA9xjVgA77FRWqu/s1500/Baku%20Military%20Park%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokGwFYJ1R2Y5U7oXoTSR7Q-hD3MhTtrLfpaSra1ALJ9JQ4qjFZAwT_GIy6BaZN6Cw-mqV6YZvpvEW3EVGCxWCd1ZALXuznGt2doPOUkzW8h0REGjxLRgpXXQLsn1ESK5Ce9jXoXd68al8fmDu3wMxF_jv9Xv0GUR-5PPFlNtQDiCi7IA9xjVgA77FRWqu/s600/Baku%20Military%20Park%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-42197318096236753222024-02-29T01:30:00.032-05:002024-02-29T01:30:00.241-05:00Empty BakuBaku has done plenty of building and urban renewal to remake itself as a modern, architecturally significant world city. Sometimes your master plan starts with a big layout and then you let the buildings fill in during the next decade or so. That empty, public space can have an interesting life of its own.<p>Big promenade on the Caspian Sea.</p><p>
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Parking lot with weakly disguised construction fence. Promoting the future park. Construction. Building up.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndvAb_JuAnV3g2bK8D-6FiY36xt6vG_l4aMmcxvAKhwIk20CbdXVnPKtgwq4ThUyoWgoVV0QJs7cI8qX3mUoPhpfQjwxP_z7XZpLTd92Zeq9JkN8_MqKphMDwa2J7cW74gt-lzeoSTv6MYVh_2Qi3RKzmIAOrQYbaTuaJdxkjXUOZ38UoUYmOTs4CwYfc/s1500/Baku%20Desolate%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndvAb_JuAnV3g2bK8D-6FiY36xt6vG_l4aMmcxvAKhwIk20CbdXVnPKtgwq4ThUyoWgoVV0QJs7cI8qX3mUoPhpfQjwxP_z7XZpLTd92Zeq9JkN8_MqKphMDwa2J7cW74gt-lzeoSTv6MYVh_2Qi3RKzmIAOrQYbaTuaJdxkjXUOZ38UoUYmOTs4CwYfc/w400-h300/Baku%20Desolate%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ivDUgQWZfKvjwS7cgQTy429MUjCsHvZKtsotvMfCdQge1RvjegUyQN9aTDvXDTHEHCEA0Ob-J82yQNpJKYSAcVGQLnBxZ6yS5bC4ABdoOz88wNJA77uCT5ycENVOHUfxDvpskmkIgx5C4PJzFFpULk-oShu62r-R1gaPxWlzXG_SdWfQedN9HzvGvTlF/s2000/Baku%20Desolate%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ivDUgQWZfKvjwS7cgQTy429MUjCsHvZKtsotvMfCdQge1RvjegUyQN9aTDvXDTHEHCEA0Ob-J82yQNpJKYSAcVGQLnBxZ6yS5bC4ABdoOz88wNJA77uCT5ycENVOHUfxDvpskmkIgx5C4PJzFFpULk-oShu62r-R1gaPxWlzXG_SdWfQedN9HzvGvTlF/s320/Baku%20Desolate%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Graphic. Explosive. A picture along the fence line of an open air military equipment museum.<p></p><p>
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Approaches. To the Crystal Hall and a pier in the promenade.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkp19UmtkOrF3-hRgK3HJVc_nKbRn6gpIxZdno-Im0DshrSzon9ZwfGq9n-N4Ub8m-VKse1fPASk4oBL-8m2aKFu-emz37rhXsRezYYRxiwle25RPgGfMddWsmmo3tp_grsQyOnJs8a-W4pqghQTq-D-aGPggvkcbz9F4sX9Xsn9VuRVMTyHNnaIvcdFK/s1500/Baku%20Desolate%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkp19UmtkOrF3-hRgK3HJVc_nKbRn6gpIxZdno-Im0DshrSzon9ZwfGq9n-N4Ub8m-VKse1fPASk4oBL-8m2aKFu-emz37rhXsRezYYRxiwle25RPgGfMddWsmmo3tp_grsQyOnJs8a-W4pqghQTq-D-aGPggvkcbz9F4sX9Xsn9VuRVMTyHNnaIvcdFK/s320/Baku%20Desolate%2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1QDMaWfMK6-Ch6JfigXA33sUrkeL9DeLeO-Z1v7drowIuuXfA7SZbek8gnjf35M31f0Nn1uan6QsT8x1zmR3h_x7hiVNgFQy57HqEifzMjyiVhSwDLArIBt-QaDvwtp3VlEi0hN_3EOrWRz8a9-3ywg1gQv2hDmyXeW3KjufiTNni1Ix8uvGclC8T0_6/s1500/Baku%20Desolate%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1QDMaWfMK6-Ch6JfigXA33sUrkeL9DeLeO-Z1v7drowIuuXfA7SZbek8gnjf35M31f0Nn1uan6QsT8x1zmR3h_x7hiVNgFQy57HqEifzMjyiVhSwDLArIBt-QaDvwtp3VlEi0hN_3EOrWRz8a9-3ywg1gQv2hDmyXeW3KjufiTNni1Ix8uvGclC8T0_6/s320/Baku%20Desolate%2006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
The future meeting the distant present. The iconic Flame Towers in the background, ribbon of promenade waiting for development in the foreground. <p></p>
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James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-3354055236947984712024-02-27T01:30:00.075-05:002024-02-27T01:30:00.135-05:00Proud Plaques In BakuYour Name and Likeness here. If you were important, famous, powerful and had an apartment, after you die, the community might put up a fancy wall plaque on the outside of the building. A lasting marker to your success. We knew him when, where he got his mail, took out his garbage.<p>The plaques are elaborate, tripping into marble frieze, high relief, almost a full blown sculpture. This gentleman is identified as a famous statesman</p><p>
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Usually there are artistic hints at the person's occupation. Here's a Jewish writer, complete with fluttering papers. Mazel tov. Next, a "legendary singer." His voice was rays of bliss.<p></p><p>
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Military might. No bio, all you need to see is the fancy epaulets.<p></p><p>
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Big in biz. The oil rig in the background tells you he was a pioneer in the country's oil and gas development. Artist and composer, with requisite high collar and brooding expression. He's so creative!<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fmB6c0jXBF1iXOS4M2DowglJpt7UnCaLQ5t7Pn-td91y3nqFox2vWfqT0hemgvlcJPzVLM00gWZ66oJeTe9yiIQCOCVvMfUBX0bfxeB8kqwZcBCm2rfQYYF3uDqGgLUsvpQcjbkuwv707BxByJ2ogIWlHJ1K9HOpxDAsodGZhxZ3LI-t5PH1f9hNigtA/s2000/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fmB6c0jXBF1iXOS4M2DowglJpt7UnCaLQ5t7Pn-td91y3nqFox2vWfqT0hemgvlcJPzVLM00gWZ66oJeTe9yiIQCOCVvMfUBX0bfxeB8kqwZcBCm2rfQYYF3uDqGgLUsvpQcjbkuwv707BxByJ2ogIWlHJ1K9HOpxDAsodGZhxZ3LI-t5PH1f9hNigtA/s320/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2005.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnljQQ1EOquklfRwjXTKqNdABlKIpSoNcd76a0fGIEifFaeKQikx0c3CYpuTwovqtAITufzHYJpD_qM-ewLLQgBZEb1QmUfQyak7HVxyAZfWJPifNxZtK8FmykeS_585XkV8Bz0dPHxhom4KcO3ftHsjQ2T2c0m79hCajSIozwEyHOFgAKc25WKDQrmPv/s1500/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnljQQ1EOquklfRwjXTKqNdABlKIpSoNcd76a0fGIEifFaeKQikx0c3CYpuTwovqtAITufzHYJpD_qM-ewLLQgBZEb1QmUfQyak7HVxyAZfWJPifNxZtK8FmykeS_585XkV8Bz0dPHxhom4KcO3ftHsjQ2T2c0m79hCajSIozwEyHOFgAKc25WKDQrmPv/w400-h300/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
A famous folk poet. So important, make sure the electric wire goes around, not through him. Detour for greatness.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1nwYOggTb_hKzN_QQXflAo3bTxuYQKx-ftEVxXqV3Pt9qoc3Ux0zjjpf4BDRLKOuDjsmhnfwKXLJztlnvHRXZEOyOJ4aHTfkmxeWvChGpPyf5tLK8-JObwfhOCBkOBoVw4-dCso8_vrGPx0BVKWpHnaPZPr8sPaf_3OaD4kd493IL8XBBYcVV6rEWP1R/s1500/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1nwYOggTb_hKzN_QQXflAo3bTxuYQKx-ftEVxXqV3Pt9qoc3Ux0zjjpf4BDRLKOuDjsmhnfwKXLJztlnvHRXZEOyOJ4aHTfkmxeWvChGpPyf5tLK8-JObwfhOCBkOBoVw4-dCso8_vrGPx0BVKWpHnaPZPr8sPaf_3OaD4kd493IL8XBBYcVV6rEWP1R/s600/Baku%20Wall%20Plaque%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-16491029903654894132024-02-22T01:30:00.081-05:002024-02-22T01:30:00.136-05:00Visiting The Alley Of Honor Cemetery In BakuIf you're a big shot in Azerbaijan, you may end up in the Alley of Honor cemetery, sculpture park. The place is reserved for the leaders of yesterday, the heroes of government, design, the arts. Maybe a woman or two.<p>Starting off big, the impressive grave, monument to the third president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev. The plot comes with its own gardener.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxXVBDq7GwdqJOM8ck3r9tBBUcZq0QGi_Jno0hyD1BOe9R9PjGRkHwrHeKhezSZde6oHVsUKSEcCQvU_pXyh2Se7vk59EbpEXPEFT_U8ktWJOv1XLZKHguvsiz8cQi2Eg0R4MZkt7ZpnkJWM2EcyHE7P1nJPPi3zGUcfe3VrvnmNIG54_PpzkrGFOAUeI/s1500/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxXVBDq7GwdqJOM8ck3r9tBBUcZq0QGi_Jno0hyD1BOe9R9PjGRkHwrHeKhezSZde6oHVsUKSEcCQvU_pXyh2Se7vk59EbpEXPEFT_U8ktWJOv1XLZKHguvsiz8cQi2Eg0R4MZkt7ZpnkJWM2EcyHE7P1nJPPi3zGUcfe3VrvnmNIG54_PpzkrGFOAUeI/s600/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
The graves are not some simple affair, no basic headstone with a generic, "With Love" etching. Here's a statue of a famous mathematician and some sort of doctor, scientist. Casual, confident poses and maybe a piece of your, err, equipment helps sell your significance.<p></p><p>
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A nod to Soviet socialist style. The park was opened in 1948.<p></p><p>
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You can take it with you! At least part of a piano and the keyboard from the movie Big. Found, a woman. Not an easy discovery among the endless guys. Her pose says, "Hmph, took you long enough."<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_U6X16QfC5yXD-TyXIipZDG_MHOxR4eGOtPZ1e9pJgVSCWxUsUG_uqRuVITa5mEs3-jespRxHQsEyb-kfH0ujwFwTxhIrQXLjkTdih1mAgRjL7Ncxox9-_x-a2OPFSyqz030rdHaJmNlyiAW6E7WaApF1BQI9qHK1Zvijz_cZ_Ggoc8iWXtq067gXEoB/s1500/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_U6X16QfC5yXD-TyXIipZDG_MHOxR4eGOtPZ1e9pJgVSCWxUsUG_uqRuVITa5mEs3-jespRxHQsEyb-kfH0ujwFwTxhIrQXLjkTdih1mAgRjL7Ncxox9-_x-a2OPFSyqz030rdHaJmNlyiAW6E7WaApF1BQI9qHK1Zvijz_cZ_Ggoc8iWXtq067gXEoB/w400-h300/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dy6s5ZO2zS1V2azqMH0ekpz6d11scmAS7ZHvv2biIBRbJu3pevWFhl4PzjXI6guJ-nf6RRL1D5ICwN4oXqep67SR9knOohEWGaUaGL3VZLLQMnQW-Zto1w4ssWVMZCpAoaU3biliqcZLFyoWl6-3JYhF8oiNA4Xv96JYnfmhMrnl4cY-jYDGhb8ejN90/s2000/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dy6s5ZO2zS1V2azqMH0ekpz6d11scmAS7ZHvv2biIBRbJu3pevWFhl4PzjXI6guJ-nf6RRL1D5ICwN4oXqep67SR9knOohEWGaUaGL3VZLLQMnQW-Zto1w4ssWVMZCpAoaU3biliqcZLFyoWl6-3JYhF8oiNA4Xv96JYnfmhMrnl4cY-jYDGhb8ejN90/s320/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
There are cute moments to be had. Father and son, forever united. "Dad, do you like my model?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb4y8D3e0SyvrbHXKqatk4lMZsmrszps0KRUfz1qycNfZ8fIn1xilfsl4SF2BU0wuv6WaHPoD1xmhT5ejU3EkWXOPee22jV7lhgnziVblkOo0W_P8XFl_nY7xYoHzNiUNDWetAvXVbIXgHCUS1MBWMZMTemfgpeQ4Q9NfNvT39UpZ2kz82kSBBxjWRDnV/s1500/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb4y8D3e0SyvrbHXKqatk4lMZsmrszps0KRUfz1qycNfZ8fIn1xilfsl4SF2BU0wuv6WaHPoD1xmhT5ejU3EkWXOPee22jV7lhgnziVblkOo0W_P8XFl_nY7xYoHzNiUNDWetAvXVbIXgHCUS1MBWMZMTemfgpeQ4Q9NfNvT39UpZ2kz82kSBBxjWRDnV/s600/Baku%20Heroes%20Park%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-42420827365261108722024-02-20T01:30:00.061-05:002024-02-21T12:20:01.790-05:00Treasures At The Palace of the ShirvanshahsThe old city section of Baku has a nice museum, housed in a former fancy pants place built by the Shirvanshahs in the early 1500s. The family ruled Shivran, the name of the ancient land that is now present day Azerbaijan.<p>Fancy fountain courtyard, the front entrance to the big pad.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCHwBo-uxkLyltyIqIAPA7hDBkq4FVtZq3bhHT6MfPm7TG-Gyj1WqaQSzJp_xrx9djDszjlwtfr39t5DaIZSBOQc9Pwux1jo10z0o-OSyW4IG7NJvGALsoPKEF3bPNCfkC_U2MDkWfzgf8H3cmH9KfPGCqvuolNB53jgyFj5UeXaEBVHJbQBbXflhb0rf/s1500/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCHwBo-uxkLyltyIqIAPA7hDBkq4FVtZq3bhHT6MfPm7TG-Gyj1WqaQSzJp_xrx9djDszjlwtfr39t5DaIZSBOQc9Pwux1jo10z0o-OSyW4IG7NJvGALsoPKEF3bPNCfkC_U2MDkWfzgf8H3cmH9KfPGCqvuolNB53jgyFj5UeXaEBVHJbQBbXflhb0rf/s600/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Inside, the palace is more museum, less rich family period rooms. Really nice red rugs. Horsey things.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmog0x0kEtPyCRu5STsinEwVxUcYysNx1cONFlADpqM0E3Hfc_yN3EPNoHJun8QHJxrbqp3MwkKfsMQxoDSvgyHqxxYjxaL9xl322NLeb9KnYdljc3_DwDn1NFEnto8B_WNlZgTxG4YO24DZ1qO4vgO9w6snqF2ktweu0iFSSkmDB31bXBA9x4SRkrAV0/s1500/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1500" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmog0x0kEtPyCRu5STsinEwVxUcYysNx1cONFlADpqM0E3Hfc_yN3EPNoHJun8QHJxrbqp3MwkKfsMQxoDSvgyHqxxYjxaL9xl322NLeb9KnYdljc3_DwDn1NFEnto8B_WNlZgTxG4YO24DZ1qO4vgO9w6snqF2ktweu0iFSSkmDB31bXBA9x4SRkrAV0/w400-h295/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFZZghEqOq0dOFI1d7UHUqQKAp7495bTHZGlMmZz2Ws4KzLB7uhDBLCM_LHwzoOMOmv6-_4pgeN-eCPjPJVahlRTf3bcSGgaKnB7_I44ryI_ZOra6FfuPp-Ood1jbQpSNMYzblDthiHr38ofCSCuZYe6X2fXioRZX4Mkvg9yo-Zloq6QlnV-b-2wF4Eih/s2000/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFZZghEqOq0dOFI1d7UHUqQKAp7495bTHZGlMmZz2Ws4KzLB7uhDBLCM_LHwzoOMOmv6-_4pgeN-eCPjPJVahlRTf3bcSGgaKnB7_I44ryI_ZOra6FfuPp-Ood1jbQpSNMYzblDthiHr38ofCSCuZYe6X2fXioRZX4Mkvg9yo-Zloq6QlnV-b-2wF4Eih/s320/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Slipper bling. The rich lounge differently from us. Us being Sarah and James. We don't know about you.<p></p><p>
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Cool octagonal sanctuary out-building.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh2jfLOAZunfEnPs4rCpuZXcyt7DcIhk3MemvEaU72oMhBfoTQEaKJzZu-7z3fbIKW7wc9jAew7qgVvsg1pHF5Yt5NzR42LfKFriwzXEIxjebnYhIbOCaqo6sZ9ZwvuaBNzx8O7wdM08vRar2kq1FBustGW9n8lN-8Wfx4zUBeGvImlZryIUd7PyF1fdH/s2000/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh2jfLOAZunfEnPs4rCpuZXcyt7DcIhk3MemvEaU72oMhBfoTQEaKJzZu-7z3fbIKW7wc9jAew7qgVvsg1pHF5Yt5NzR42LfKFriwzXEIxjebnYhIbOCaqo6sZ9ZwvuaBNzx8O7wdM08vRar2kq1FBustGW9n8lN-8Wfx4zUBeGvImlZryIUd7PyF1fdH/s320/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2005.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd4obfRkL_MDI5mQotcwOoAYnm9z3NowZZVSG-IJKIJDsOJdAoGpnYC6NTJhlNebaLOMsytjrOOqcZeq6RaONbNDmxK7iLC5gXTgiQ5qQX9-Xn7ntCA3MLu2GtkfZN2RfggHkJ-Qp3vEBXryS33fk_Du_8gsyvCc-Anxm7BdC4gvKmAwDGR0JjBljflFl/s1500/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd4obfRkL_MDI5mQotcwOoAYnm9z3NowZZVSG-IJKIJDsOJdAoGpnYC6NTJhlNebaLOMsytjrOOqcZeq6RaONbNDmxK7iLC5gXTgiQ5qQX9-Xn7ntCA3MLu2GtkfZN2RfggHkJ-Qp3vEBXryS33fk_Du_8gsyvCc-Anxm7BdC4gvKmAwDGR0JjBljflFl/w400-h300/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Around back, a jagged finish to the palace and an endless ring of old, stone tablets.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaHaEIg1okznDOmFGwCl9AojEv8_hSXf9uqpF8yEW7XU0deeXXAMyHocsYYnihpj6TJfXcZh2frtpveshPiRRM_KYa47oSgTcFbOAwGRlBoFzfvDLbA-x_RwiDdg8JDUE4eX3zCAYt92kaV5iqVrjnWBu2c5ebbX7iJE2okt-TCq2VgrorWHKl6bNpnkm/s1500/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaHaEIg1okznDOmFGwCl9AojEv8_hSXf9uqpF8yEW7XU0deeXXAMyHocsYYnihpj6TJfXcZh2frtpveshPiRRM_KYa47oSgTcFbOAwGRlBoFzfvDLbA-x_RwiDdg8JDUE4eX3zCAYt92kaV5iqVrjnWBu2c5ebbX7iJE2okt-TCq2VgrorWHKl6bNpnkm/s600/Baku%20Old%20Cty%20Palace%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-10510985918362454382024-02-15T01:30:00.065-05:002024-02-15T01:30:00.152-05:00Walking The Streets Of Old City BakuBaku likes to present itself as a cutting edge, modern metropolis on the Caspian Sea. All the new architecture says so. There still is an old, original core neighborhood, well preserved and a nice piece of history that is a refreshing diversion for visiting.<p>Imposing. The big Maiden Tower, kind of a Welcome to the Old City landmark.</p><p>
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A typical street, pedestrian sized, cobblestones, wood balcony, quaint. Another landmark, the Juma mosque.<p></p><p>
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The covered arcade of Bazar Square.<p></p><p>
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A little modern life in the old city, a giant mural. Birds and blossoms. A little ancient life, foundation remnants of a bathing complex.<p></p><p>
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On guard. Much of the old city sits within impressive, castle-like tall walls.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNdxThxQPLkssOwyxMhx0WDHNtxAqUx7f0stMoQZKQcDuDTdiYa0dvueUbfEUqFaOEHS1WjiJumvOQT92mSB_Vf_AnieviLDTmzXHbxPnhn6Lv47szC4zP09pa9DCnDigGBmMOO3K8eSsHZ2rOiNEmv2ulpqEpNX8z3yENUMqBbH84lp2rxCsTET6FCVG/s1500/Baku%20Old%20City%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNdxThxQPLkssOwyxMhx0WDHNtxAqUx7f0stMoQZKQcDuDTdiYa0dvueUbfEUqFaOEHS1WjiJumvOQT92mSB_Vf_AnieviLDTmzXHbxPnhn6Lv47szC4zP09pa9DCnDigGBmMOO3K8eSsHZ2rOiNEmv2ulpqEpNX8z3yENUMqBbH84lp2rxCsTET6FCVG/s600/Baku%20Old%20City%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-20493897082510766562024-02-13T01:30:00.071-05:002024-02-13T01:30:00.251-05:00Soaking Up The Samad Vurgun House Museum In BakuThe Soviets were big on turning your house into a museum, especially if you were famous and a loyal party member. Samad Vurgun was a poet, dramatist, public figure, academician. And a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Congratulations, comrade, your house is now a museum.<p>
Wall of fame. If someone paints your portrait, you hang it up. More paintings, more hangings.</p><p>
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Office, where the master wrote. And listend to music, maybe read, nibbled a sandwich, solved some sudoku. A case holding his hunting gear. And dombra instrument. Look, another portrait, appropriately placed near similar props.<p></p><p>
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Grand, green living room.<p></p><p>
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Various identification cards for The Party. Hey, the country was a Union shop. Pink bedroom, perhaps letting the wife win the decorating battle.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPVLiS-sYr0NzZXZ2IrFnuiC9bJXyDyRaG0ZN-ypDfAfE4ltBHbuU3Vgella47qwJqAvakpWjtoX-eTLKnq5OZhXe9p8j6wW8jV18WDL6ocnBS0xII5bqR_XNRyB6zj1NkLe8am-_EmKqRPYvzghJLTj3qsGtbwVSF6-mWZcBW7orWuKwAD7Rkypx-f0e/s1500/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPVLiS-sYr0NzZXZ2IrFnuiC9bJXyDyRaG0ZN-ypDfAfE4ltBHbuU3Vgella47qwJqAvakpWjtoX-eTLKnq5OZhXe9p8j6wW8jV18WDL6ocnBS0xII5bqR_XNRyB6zj1NkLe8am-_EmKqRPYvzghJLTj3qsGtbwVSF6-mWZcBW7orWuKwAD7Rkypx-f0e/s320/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNIf4TV7dFeV191yfGmk4EpylD3rXlbkqDc9LMmxEGcDqD8_3wiUZ-M47HqBP10YCTsIv6_OEnrX-38R9jVF7KvKfx1olXdG2i9tZczA8YYrwIdkrjiF9gPlgy88N9WupLU30IzcTyT90vc2Xhsu_I1Wkrw7w_R5lRV_wGGypgNzbZe4F8DvezfUYS78F/s1500/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNIf4TV7dFeV191yfGmk4EpylD3rXlbkqDc9LMmxEGcDqD8_3wiUZ-M47HqBP10YCTsIv6_OEnrX-38R9jVF7KvKfx1olXdG2i9tZczA8YYrwIdkrjiF9gPlgy88N9WupLU30IzcTyT90vc2Xhsu_I1Wkrw7w_R5lRV_wGGypgNzbZe4F8DvezfUYS78F/s320/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Death mask, a thing back in the communist day. Vurgun died in 1956.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KiOyuUxZwmM728EeDkm10uAQNn7I1yGr5i1Hs037fhdASSbrCerg6BN6zCBUpm3gc3knl9IqjDBvvUmSlsZF-RCoAaarZEtd5vv9rpbF5ZS6blRN2cRe_NJ_PLczodUFIUWk7quuc9VX_nHJcyLj0sQ5mhmdmtiUSuHFQGSBdNr1m2XeyudHZd3Zl1Th/s1500/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KiOyuUxZwmM728EeDkm10uAQNn7I1yGr5i1Hs037fhdASSbrCerg6BN6zCBUpm3gc3knl9IqjDBvvUmSlsZF-RCoAaarZEtd5vv9rpbF5ZS6blRN2cRe_NJ_PLczodUFIUWk7quuc9VX_nHJcyLj0sQ5mhmdmtiUSuHFQGSBdNr1m2XeyudHZd3Zl1Th/s600/Baku%20Samad%20Vurgun%20Apt%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-80741402664889409672024-02-08T01:30:00.078-05:002024-02-21T11:59:37.024-05:00Martyr's Lane Cemetery In BakuThink of the hilltop cemetery, memorial known as Martyr's Lane as a sort of Arlington National Cemetery for fallen soldiers, rebels, revolutionaries, and other arms-strapped heroes of various battles that took place in Azerbaijan. Does that sum it up?<p>Looking down the actual "lane" of the complex toward the big Shahidlar Monument. Plaques along the lane are reserved for fighters against the Soviet Army during the struggle for independence in 1990.</p><p>
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Another view of the rows of plaques and a look at other graves, many decorated with ribbons, flowers. Everyone remembers.<p></p><p>
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The etching on black granite is an opportunity for everlasting remembrance. Once a beloved camcorder, always a beloved camcorder. And jean jacket.<p></p><p>
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Flowers by Shahidlar Monument. The memorial is the focus of the cemetery and it houses an eternal flame. The British are here. Their memorial marks the death of 47 soldiers from the Commonwealth during WWI.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIDoN1yMkPmWQEn7d32E7bW2y0P2_6mMIY5iUTYDY-mYoMITzWwWwIxv67WU8f6k7FJ0kP2GfePd-1259fBa5baByjujaMpGDT_9uIv0hhGKGqgM4Gm16hm3lBIgux_V8vjqnd6P_1kwlsAeJuO-sKhM6QwTGQXLTvRIbf3PL-TULuyzy_SlTrTD7-I-W/s1500/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIDoN1yMkPmWQEn7d32E7bW2y0P2_6mMIY5iUTYDY-mYoMITzWwWwIxv67WU8f6k7FJ0kP2GfePd-1259fBa5baByjujaMpGDT_9uIv0hhGKGqgM4Gm16hm3lBIgux_V8vjqnd6P_1kwlsAeJuO-sKhM6QwTGQXLTvRIbf3PL-TULuyzy_SlTrTD7-I-W/s320/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWik8PUxbjojE7WkAxnSC8RiavV_mGny49OK71qpAl_EGfHrWr4q0kCOM_wVD5f1sc92D85OooojSFiI6wktS2-addqdwnTjvBekJRVuBLwMm-0-QMKOfOzUBfZl7DHC6Gop-tzpS3uY_Q8dRMfZs_OK2OiHoHcyL4iUtdm8WJEWdqar-tubn2HzoFaENP/s1500/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWik8PUxbjojE7WkAxnSC8RiavV_mGny49OK71qpAl_EGfHrWr4q0kCOM_wVD5f1sc92D85OooojSFiI6wktS2-addqdwnTjvBekJRVuBLwMm-0-QMKOfOzUBfZl7DHC6Gop-tzpS3uY_Q8dRMfZs_OK2OiHoHcyL4iUtdm8WJEWdqar-tubn2HzoFaENP/s320/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
And so are the Turks, with their own WWI memorial. Bring the family, record history. And shoot something for your Instagram stories channel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xr9NuuaUETxX2uYmPQmRwvEmDRYWd6UJ8t6SIkla1s6qH67O1dNJDnq6s4qPIHQ-WQS9NojRASZUhVpwBcs7v0xoLaKGpwiHYw2Wns6DdKrIHzcWmfyKzFpr7Uzh-w3wOYYdRqs1YVUm2uUOsxuRfcKVEGt0A8Ug-X4xq3FSGygeQvpZLSl1Csr5eDnV/s1500/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xr9NuuaUETxX2uYmPQmRwvEmDRYWd6UJ8t6SIkla1s6qH67O1dNJDnq6s4qPIHQ-WQS9NojRASZUhVpwBcs7v0xoLaKGpwiHYw2Wns6DdKrIHzcWmfyKzFpr7Uzh-w3wOYYdRqs1YVUm2uUOsxuRfcKVEGt0A8Ug-X4xq3FSGygeQvpZLSl1Csr5eDnV/s600/Baku%20War%20Memorial%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-73284730574835278292024-02-06T01:30:00.120-05:002024-02-21T11:57:52.020-05:00Arresting Architecture In BakuPlenty of cool buildings to look at in the old city by the Caspian Sea. Baku is famous for its clash of modern, statement buildings, sprouting among the more traditional, old fabric of the city. New baubles abound, ready to soak up your gaze.<p>Let's start with a look up at the famous Flame Towers, the unofficial symbol of modern Baku. Is James Brown nearby? He used to front a group called the Famous Flames, for those peeps who somehow are not familiar with the Godfather of Soul. Shame on you.</p><p>
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The second most famous landmark, the Heydar Aliyev Centre. The curves just keep coming. Alas, those curves are not self cleaning and a crew on what looks like mini hockey rink smoothing Zamboni machines is busy doing a wet dusting.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cTmhPpRBkMFcwMkciTKSucGNrY3qHBq6vxPO1RVDo5TjqmKVa93v1JqVv5Cuvz1kzaztTHcA2SAmtCRm3g-uG-jBpRHl_r8E1x8g9hOh5FCurnlUVzssnGZtNQM17fhbJMFvVkGUj-V5g7zHJQWJoDMhpQPh1aQBfbZEStfCzHAlZOoZvbkBDELYEs_f/s2000/Baku%20Architecture%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cTmhPpRBkMFcwMkciTKSucGNrY3qHBq6vxPO1RVDo5TjqmKVa93v1JqVv5Cuvz1kzaztTHcA2SAmtCRm3g-uG-jBpRHl_r8E1x8g9hOh5FCurnlUVzssnGZtNQM17fhbJMFvVkGUj-V5g7zHJQWJoDMhpQPh1aQBfbZEStfCzHAlZOoZvbkBDELYEs_f/s320/Baku%20Architecture%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MOba4WobszzndMlGJCtWIoqrvIbT9s3kmOqR2k7eR0TpLGS-qB1Gt1LIdBbaGeobzU-0Peq6DtblAleEN6L8v-I4k2VoBWYi9SDKUXXcVqSPBoou_KW3OwAkH2QVKScZXOgha5w9Zd7pDwTGz6FRvqAtHY-8q4cT9ZNAdHa9QDczgfICgZdFn7WQFWFa/s1500/Baku%20Architecture%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MOba4WobszzndMlGJCtWIoqrvIbT9s3kmOqR2k7eR0TpLGS-qB1Gt1LIdBbaGeobzU-0Peq6DtblAleEN6L8v-I4k2VoBWYi9SDKUXXcVqSPBoou_KW3OwAkH2QVKScZXOgha5w9Zd7pDwTGz6FRvqAtHY-8q4cT9ZNAdHa9QDczgfICgZdFn7WQFWFa/w400-h300/Baku%20Architecture%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Funky funicular station. Keeping with the James Brown theme. Not that he ever sang about a funicular. Did anyone?<p></p><p>
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It's not all building from scratch. There's an arts, entertainment district that contains some nice rehab work. The Stone Chronicle Museum is in an old power plant building. A nightclub and restaurant complex took over some former warehouses.<p></p><p>
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Some giant dropped his ring. The snazzy arena, Crystal Hall.<p></p><p>
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At the end of the day, commerce has to justify the statement, right? The city's major shopping mall on the water, Deniz Mall. Big billiard balls out front are promoting the lottery. Commerce contained, all fenced off. It turns out, the iconic Flame Towers are mostly empty and closed. A hotel is open and so is an investigation into the possibility that the project is built on unstable ground. Occupy at your own risk.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw0neNrydCB4wE15tr8dL-4az82ROmyJwgNHVlWxwQoIhsG9rnjMLTLbYTzeLA95rvs6FJkWAaVEe3TlLU9uGQbEcEaOqbpYmdMxFCMHc9J0PqiU87F6nrLZSw-PVTVYqRRep_8XSCJU7817ivb9HCBdbiolhv4Fxh3axRfzjUbf8XcjAMwo-LRJqfhX6/s1500/Baku%20Architecture%2008.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw0neNrydCB4wE15tr8dL-4az82ROmyJwgNHVlWxwQoIhsG9rnjMLTLbYTzeLA95rvs6FJkWAaVEe3TlLU9uGQbEcEaOqbpYmdMxFCMHc9J0PqiU87F6nrLZSw-PVTVYqRRep_8XSCJU7817ivb9HCBdbiolhv4Fxh3axRfzjUbf8XcjAMwo-LRJqfhX6/s320/Baku%20Architecture%2008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLeYDS3y8VctpeXVg3ryf672bK5iLJgxxREvrIJOuZP4zhUx5pAHVon5OlrtGD-zVhSiok5aMESl4Vo2IeI_ra5xD9K5OhDiVqp9pa5r9iX7jv6FLt8M_gPYd7KrEPIGm8Yh3KY2dThOmb3g4dPXGj5IjXDgFIZgwEWf9Kk3FS-GAnOEUzf9OKC8Nek5U/s1500/Baku%20Architecture%2009.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLeYDS3y8VctpeXVg3ryf672bK5iLJgxxREvrIJOuZP4zhUx5pAHVon5OlrtGD-zVhSiok5aMESl4Vo2IeI_ra5xD9K5OhDiVqp9pa5r9iX7jv6FLt8M_gPYd7KrEPIGm8Yh3KY2dThOmb3g4dPXGj5IjXDgFIZgwEWf9Kk3FS-GAnOEUzf9OKC8Nek5U/s320/Baku%20Architecture%2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
The near future, the soon* to open giant Crescent Bay, the latest icon of the growing city.<p>
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*Soon is relative, original opening date was sometime in 2015.<p></p><p> </p>
James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-47490721398307367092024-02-01T01:30:00.059-05:002024-02-01T01:30:00.263-05:00Rolling Up To The Carpet Museum In BakuNo doubt, you're at the right place to revel in some rugs. The carpet museum in Baku is this building:<p>
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Let's just say, if they ever decide to repurpose the place, they're kind of limited to a museum to a Yodel (Swiss roll). As it is, it's kind of fun, silly genius to go all in on committing to your collection.<p></p><p>Inside, what you're expecting. A little weaving demo, a lot of displaying of textiles, rugs and more woven stuff.</p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFC7PwRazmBkY43zEj99axtKa848lEgkY5xA4AOeL4rGp8dyRh3fc9Zr4Voe5pWZsJJI5KDtI_VOhTXdy9TNcIlm-TXTvZ5_lH4nCWs9XkB7ZZGhyaa1nw_27vrZ1iHhzYllRO_SXsZlhupNSnQA5vxS1Yk5eKhJ4O9-0vXLfZFXxeSGxJTcUxgXrGwAL/s1500/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFC7PwRazmBkY43zEj99axtKa848lEgkY5xA4AOeL4rGp8dyRh3fc9Zr4Voe5pWZsJJI5KDtI_VOhTXdy9TNcIlm-TXTvZ5_lH4nCWs9XkB7ZZGhyaa1nw_27vrZ1iHhzYllRO_SXsZlhupNSnQA5vxS1Yk5eKhJ4O9-0vXLfZFXxeSGxJTcUxgXrGwAL/s320/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH1X_dbmJq5RSeG4n-0MFy_7Ugd-QML87uLyO5BDIUPQEpdOUv49zY2rf16E8FxIvXRPO3W4wjJE5J31YLceZVWQoxpB3PBI34WMqky9DP8pznYue-MAzNo3C0p-nF9XfxC1NGAk-wlX9citE1Gpgp-m3ghFwktl8os4qP8-XUtPJf1EGAJUSJwb5A9lL/s1500/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH1X_dbmJq5RSeG4n-0MFy_7Ugd-QML87uLyO5BDIUPQEpdOUv49zY2rf16E8FxIvXRPO3W4wjJE5J31YLceZVWQoxpB3PBI34WMqky9DP8pznYue-MAzNo3C0p-nF9XfxC1NGAk-wlX9citE1Gpgp-m3ghFwktl8os4qP8-XUtPJf1EGAJUSJwb5A9lL/s320/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Parade of carpets, enough unique details in the designs to make one dizzy.<p></p><p>
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Custom work. When stumped for a design, use yourself! Practical uses, a saddle bag for a horse. Pimp your equine.<p></p><p>
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In your home, once you run out of room on the floor, start the carpets up the walls.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKG-Bi2yFAqP-LM_HRei-xowWs0kQ9AOWDZNR0L5lmxXKBGpKwJOvVm906PRi6El4sIJn8d4ij4IyTKpZoUrgu7sPviJBv1heiMkM8ikhnvcBUG3ssJJlDP0GndcjcvduHzI38vb-BBf6xwUIoTeeWEVfWfObFLJIedloR_xfEcILMj4VPPPeTu9-byVW/s1500/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKG-Bi2yFAqP-LM_HRei-xowWs0kQ9AOWDZNR0L5lmxXKBGpKwJOvVm906PRi6El4sIJn8d4ij4IyTKpZoUrgu7sPviJBv1heiMkM8ikhnvcBUG3ssJJlDP0GndcjcvduHzI38vb-BBf6xwUIoTeeWEVfWfObFLJIedloR_xfEcILMj4VPPPeTu9-byVW/s600/Baku%20Carpet%20Museum%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-38312287996070965402024-01-30T01:30:00.002-05:002024-01-30T01:30:00.136-05:00Details Of Tbilisi, GeorgiaWalking and snapping, strolling and recording. What's on display, Tbilisi?<p>Lonely lookout. On the parapet wall that overlooks the city.</p><p>
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The Mother of Georgia statue, strong from the rear. Mighty foot of a socialist sculpture near the art museum. Strong from the ground.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvPJFSTl9SD21wqKcze4idmpCSlANNiGaSDPFv-rHugh6q4YqP3E5z33EnpYZS-wJos4shlJ6oG0X_-UPegjuKkw4tlUH4gv3u2U4OWHB4TuAd_OXgeFJwT_6drbgvBrN50hyphenhyphen99_0Oix8xJlDljAIS_IAM42NsRKTLgCm3hi0ap33-rE0RwZVm7sVi4Op/s1500/Tbilisi%20Details%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvPJFSTl9SD21wqKcze4idmpCSlANNiGaSDPFv-rHugh6q4YqP3E5z33EnpYZS-wJos4shlJ6oG0X_-UPegjuKkw4tlUH4gv3u2U4OWHB4TuAd_OXgeFJwT_6drbgvBrN50hyphenhyphen99_0Oix8xJlDljAIS_IAM42NsRKTLgCm3hi0ap33-rE0RwZVm7sVi4Op/s320/Tbilisi%20Details%2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4mPzUk_M79PZhHe4Y8qKJLjjNqJu3ns8JLo3hjTAfkee-DKpcjuJ_JaHCbrSA3xjVxP02NLMasL9k89VjZdwI3EwSGIWFnvufyMCYkzgh4vTDlqkkSA_Ie_ejvpJmb43sxjIj6729CEL6bctb_7bo_9m5Nup3DEngEVyKvIwAr4a06dS92wMnB64mmPA/s1500/Tbilisi%20Details%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4mPzUk_M79PZhHe4Y8qKJLjjNqJu3ns8JLo3hjTAfkee-DKpcjuJ_JaHCbrSA3xjVxP02NLMasL9k89VjZdwI3EwSGIWFnvufyMCYkzgh4vTDlqkkSA_Ie_ejvpJmb43sxjIj6729CEL6bctb_7bo_9m5Nup3DEngEVyKvIwAr4a06dS92wMnB64mmPA/s320/Tbilisi%20Details%2003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Getting schooled on an Old Town wall.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU-sWu_6FbO2fHx1bqF9KOVmK5ART1IYBvfkly1Ctx5sy6iRTS23-2snqc30xBm5uil-BpA0qVRp8Kj1uS7dxQyNPYLz2ySGGpW_LFXeqmBWUGQ3nkjGVV2YoFkyPrGteqFEqP7PRCVjyyV9rZj3i4NkHC0dcJJm7aVM-vspT_M9Sd7o8ungsvzTPp0kl/s1500/Tbilisi%20Details%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU-sWu_6FbO2fHx1bqF9KOVmK5ART1IYBvfkly1Ctx5sy6iRTS23-2snqc30xBm5uil-BpA0qVRp8Kj1uS7dxQyNPYLz2ySGGpW_LFXeqmBWUGQ3nkjGVV2YoFkyPrGteqFEqP7PRCVjyyV9rZj3i4NkHC0dcJJm7aVM-vspT_M9Sd7o8ungsvzTPp0kl/s600/Tbilisi%20Details%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Failures in photographic deception, covering a wall and a leftover attraction from a festival.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif0ajEdC61b_iry_SiaVM-A182Q_LbYpURy58LBLR4i2QHQ1K6zYe1W4iTdt20E_0AvtPbuDweMTpAxSPm3SqTYnUjj4SA-Ih6pj-cLhnWYqFIj_H1rr3oojDjHJuq9TMiWdviWjPeqjNfKwNUJQsxFS0PxqAgoBiYfHhqEOLRMv-0T2nfEhOm3jUSjQ9/s1500/Tbilisi%20Details%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif0ajEdC61b_iry_SiaVM-A182Q_LbYpURy58LBLR4i2QHQ1K6zYe1W4iTdt20E_0AvtPbuDweMTpAxSPm3SqTYnUjj4SA-Ih6pj-cLhnWYqFIj_H1rr3oojDjHJuq9TMiWdviWjPeqjNfKwNUJQsxFS0PxqAgoBiYfHhqEOLRMv-0T2nfEhOm3jUSjQ9/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Details%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbHS9qcnlwvrSI8lzyojd-dPcI40PsUM7pLgor4LX1Bh83UM-XO7L9gt1iBF-t4xZ52Mt8riszypBhS0b86oJMxouq9BPKoZEKBOImpcYIRhZnlZnrMOwcAiYhL6RlJ3Rv8hkHMQVKcX6RrW5VYMF7drBlbXtwn93aD75ygNX5A6BrLcPDpBTsgMHZu4x/s2000/Tbilisi%20Details%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbHS9qcnlwvrSI8lzyojd-dPcI40PsUM7pLgor4LX1Bh83UM-XO7L9gt1iBF-t4xZ52Mt8riszypBhS0b86oJMxouq9BPKoZEKBOImpcYIRhZnlZnrMOwcAiYhL6RlJ3Rv8hkHMQVKcX6RrW5VYMF7drBlbXtwn93aD75ygNX5A6BrLcPDpBTsgMHZu4x/s320/Tbilisi%20Details%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
The luck machine, in a passage tunnel underneath a street.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQm6rinblqyecYE3JPqAqexpJOCRyQR6_pr-Z8qt9kE_5p2xlkT40oMkZooroOjjsXYo0vypwhi654wPqYKzBINUK-0vRRCSMpJm1SUA83JD74TIAEs3pxyisv0aumt897mipV8Zayd5_ONaCeCyAyfTu9GzizJJ9HnAACgAwF-cJTTcMCJvsLRgSc0Ys/s1500/Tbilisi%20Details%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQm6rinblqyecYE3JPqAqexpJOCRyQR6_pr-Z8qt9kE_5p2xlkT40oMkZooroOjjsXYo0vypwhi654wPqYKzBINUK-0vRRCSMpJm1SUA83JD74TIAEs3pxyisv0aumt897mipV8Zayd5_ONaCeCyAyfTu9GzizJJ9HnAACgAwF-cJTTcMCJvsLRgSc0Ys/s600/Tbilisi%20Details%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-63044319643164071982024-01-25T01:30:00.066-05:002024-01-25T01:30:00.254-05:00Seeing The Old In Old Town TbilisiSometimes Ye Olde Europe is quaint, lovely and one big gelato shop. In Tbilisi, Georgia, large sections of the old town have resisted redevelopment, gentrification, touristification. What some sections have not resisted is the ravages of time and lack of upkeep. Old is just old.<p>Heading into a section of ancient housing.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVO7EQAu5Fxt0y_HimrTzCA-2hMb0rYQYjMdatA_4bwe7A0myiHjsg4hMq6E1qX95Nnxlpu-Ykg5jrHgzvQ7-e_q7Z7gonye88I-PmjAoDkMBcgxxMpaq3lYTV3FUjV8baHMjNSf4sqHC9Q5wIQ_KIly1bem-8DdWVYO5ftHU-vK_SQDMQwSahjS84hNH/s1500/Tbilisi%20Poor%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVO7EQAu5Fxt0y_HimrTzCA-2hMb0rYQYjMdatA_4bwe7A0myiHjsg4hMq6E1qX95Nnxlpu-Ykg5jrHgzvQ7-e_q7Z7gonye88I-PmjAoDkMBcgxxMpaq3lYTV3FUjV8baHMjNSf4sqHC9Q5wIQ_KIly1bem-8DdWVYO5ftHU-vK_SQDMQwSahjS84hNH/s600/Tbilisi%20Poor%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Streets are tight, masonry is crumbling. Newish building propping up old and failing.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkWtBdO4NBoq41sBLL0O2pwSxQm0T_WhMgVedkvFyxR0A_hSifKcCFbLfg5lPfvXVU6UWIWZKkPwqZ4UQCBwHhWqdvUNugxJEMacoGx4uanc3MB6ApYAbwoszkDvbB0iCkWAwpGoHcr2EduE_yynAMeLraFtqauxeUnZbnk9H77u2cOCXmHuk25GCysHm/s1500/Tbilisi%20Poor%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkWtBdO4NBoq41sBLL0O2pwSxQm0T_WhMgVedkvFyxR0A_hSifKcCFbLfg5lPfvXVU6UWIWZKkPwqZ4UQCBwHhWqdvUNugxJEMacoGx4uanc3MB6ApYAbwoszkDvbB0iCkWAwpGoHcr2EduE_yynAMeLraFtqauxeUnZbnk9H77u2cOCXmHuk25GCysHm/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Poor%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz_3xaKVMW74Lv3-DDH2owRvgO1FEo9NiSuZgRNWrcNVOjR5R1hrC0h7hnk28sAYAG9d2qENfd94Yz4H4aI3c3arP9s18UD5PnkMpwQr20lKSijpIlp0VzPYkcGUgXJqGpVgC08WdmDO29W9xYH3pv8rlYHIXqgkXfPptPOjHScBbGs3a8oAZ0SvIHSOt/s2000/Tbilisi%20Poor%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz_3xaKVMW74Lv3-DDH2owRvgO1FEo9NiSuZgRNWrcNVOjR5R1hrC0h7hnk28sAYAG9d2qENfd94Yz4H4aI3c3arP9s18UD5PnkMpwQr20lKSijpIlp0VzPYkcGUgXJqGpVgC08WdmDO29W9xYH3pv8rlYHIXqgkXfPptPOjHScBbGs3a8oAZ0SvIHSOt/s320/Tbilisi%20Poor%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Fenced in. Set for redevelopment, keeping out scavengers, delaying the inevitable collapse? Yes.<p></p><p>
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Fantastical remnant. Peeps built whatever fit into whatever irregular space was allotted. Active. Laundry still hanging, even if the host building is failing.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpYU15bTPyfPq-v-wwLSD4UqRme8AD3lq9MLKb4PI8I28TmpB_-Yx4olOcuBBY14X4Job1xp3dK45W9o3zttv2bS4BS1ZbucjuVUaV56-2eEALdmy17kXxc9OLFj7GqPt-NFXgWTt17Ds9u23Ep4U0rkB_5uA0aCS0J7qUd7cmZ8Pzup8KZUUqEKJT85R/s2000/Tbilisi%20Poor%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpYU15bTPyfPq-v-wwLSD4UqRme8AD3lq9MLKb4PI8I28TmpB_-Yx4olOcuBBY14X4Job1xp3dK45W9o3zttv2bS4BS1ZbucjuVUaV56-2eEALdmy17kXxc9OLFj7GqPt-NFXgWTt17Ds9u23Ep4U0rkB_5uA0aCS0J7qUd7cmZ8Pzup8KZUUqEKJT85R/s320/Tbilisi%20Poor%2005.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yrQtIGvwqH-AHfN_HWuiWE8XsCTZfzWZQdmn__Nn32vzY_2KJ2boHEbYeYTGuknTZjchVgWKYqmlJSwf7EwcWKc2pfFrsqYuiMwWi2S6QStFNpWkrllePXfXZyfPGhCqNobG1YCDD3X0HgOU1ks-bKyfQoG7yXZYc9dm3EO359drMM6Hf9J5L9-1a7AM/s1500/Tbilisi%20Poor%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yrQtIGvwqH-AHfN_HWuiWE8XsCTZfzWZQdmn__Nn32vzY_2KJ2boHEbYeYTGuknTZjchVgWKYqmlJSwf7EwcWKc2pfFrsqYuiMwWi2S6QStFNpWkrllePXfXZyfPGhCqNobG1YCDD3X0HgOU1ks-bKyfQoG7yXZYc9dm3EO359drMM6Hf9J5L9-1a7AM/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Poor%2006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
A small sign of care, a steel buttress, holding back collapse, waiting for a restoration to save the property. Crossing fingers. <p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJel_lCd3bIIWPmAAiECY66uljhegRfNFIE4zs3jnrV8vAhAQQbJeSXeCYMYiSLuZF4yAkhDlPAuU3PxhB0mEzr00wbxnno6di7EgVdUBF-0XB9zhS4d8QplQwc9LmWehTb7ey2eVYyI4Wn1qHzKPBhO7VedDdVf3jPyeCzgAOYlM6FXNPLPJajx4AIETr/s1500/Tbilisi%20Poor%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJel_lCd3bIIWPmAAiECY66uljhegRfNFIE4zs3jnrV8vAhAQQbJeSXeCYMYiSLuZF4yAkhDlPAuU3PxhB0mEzr00wbxnno6di7EgVdUBF-0XB9zhS4d8QplQwc9LmWehTb7ey2eVYyI4Wn1qHzKPBhO7VedDdVf3jPyeCzgAOYlM6FXNPLPJajx4AIETr/s600/Tbilisi%20Poor%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-447656409184652722024-01-23T01:30:00.076-05:002024-02-21T11:54:01.082-05:00Appreciating The Art Museum In TbilisiThe National Gallery art museum in Tbilisi has some nice national treasures. Time to gaze.<p>Classic exterior, good wrapping for some goodies inside.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSFcfUwjugc3RLQ8RS4yezZPaMX6bH1CfwdZi8vAo1tTdoszGHD-x_rRS-0qVfMlgKQ0mUhZJzFKWGK1rNFfdkUZrTgYj9gpBQCy-Y9a3xtXFxVomi_XgHNEl7LeQQvgvcGxUmBD_WP6z6k9AbC5mVjQmJ_o1TKL6tdKd8lOzEcWVijeEcSZv5fB_4a5y/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSFcfUwjugc3RLQ8RS4yezZPaMX6bH1CfwdZi8vAo1tTdoszGHD-x_rRS-0qVfMlgKQ0mUhZJzFKWGK1rNFfdkUZrTgYj9gpBQCy-Y9a3xtXFxVomi_XgHNEl7LeQQvgvcGxUmBD_WP6z6k9AbC5mVjQmJ_o1TKL6tdKd8lOzEcWVijeEcSZv5fB_4a5y/s600/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
There's a nice park next to the museum and one of the more impressive statues in the space is a grand socialist sculpture holdover from Soviet times. Topless women kicked ass. Labor strife, 1970s style. The bell bottom revolution.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqoB1FkI26mzy3QmwSTHCFIjNxQqZqdPpQaw-RME0obzBXlr8hetRrMUug1t94-Ms24siSJT0NVzgxB9X35Q6g0og26JKcQt8f_t8d17qjeXRXTGR6q1GBTxNo91FJtGuV0_MTnvWvE51sv6nNsK2_2eEjsb_jGCBz5w2CMP1KHI5Pv_vn7v-fCMmj_D8/s2000/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqoB1FkI26mzy3QmwSTHCFIjNxQqZqdPpQaw-RME0obzBXlr8hetRrMUug1t94-Ms24siSJT0NVzgxB9X35Q6g0og26JKcQt8f_t8d17qjeXRXTGR6q1GBTxNo91FJtGuV0_MTnvWvE51sv6nNsK2_2eEjsb_jGCBz5w2CMP1KHI5Pv_vn7v-fCMmj_D8/s320/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzO0Cux-AJH5lRUdyHfQ4y6EUU37uhWKa1xLlfu9-h-Tf2ZAnTZ7cgvzlmoFjsR0tWNudBL3Yk7OgTL1rTzIULclVQD79r3y593czPJAaD3xxrgHKshhRZDa3qUOL9afazPBW7n81YcK9IszDUgwPmxokLdUd7M0bLzXcfo6QeDPlBcd0kSW9Ew3HmGCR/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1500" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzO0Cux-AJH5lRUdyHfQ4y6EUU37uhWKa1xLlfu9-h-Tf2ZAnTZ7cgvzlmoFjsR0tWNudBL3Yk7OgTL1rTzIULclVQD79r3y593czPJAaD3xxrgHKshhRZDa3qUOL9afazPBW7n81YcK9IszDUgwPmxokLdUd7M0bLzXcfo6QeDPlBcd0kSW9Ew3HmGCR/w400-h354/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
A large gallery room is devoted to the works of Georgia's most beloved painter, Nikoláy Aslánovich Pirosmanashvíli. He worked during the late 1800s, received little recognition while alive, and led a poor life filled with odd jobs. His outsider, folksy depictions of everyday life are now considered iconic, preserving a period of Georgian culture, time, identity.<p></p><p>Here is a small selection of his paintings. Picnic. Display, don't play with your food!</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI9VMeknNeJm_aCeRanw_0MAE1WiNWuCPCtEpPObW40wqZdVVVc9nANdeBknp9vXRVAv6QAJM2-zDmmzuerFNrqu7iKamLA9G1IIqOrNuDB7dSWLPqboFNUd7Uuf8xjvuzSpspR0NP1ZGCCb8ovAnAzEKqj-PNLk6ZZZfeWLqjMv5bCo8oCqlVV6qTSwN/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI9VMeknNeJm_aCeRanw_0MAE1WiNWuCPCtEpPObW40wqZdVVVc9nANdeBknp9vXRVAv6QAJM2-zDmmzuerFNrqu7iKamLA9G1IIqOrNuDB7dSWLPqboFNUd7Uuf8xjvuzSpspR0NP1ZGCCb8ovAnAzEKqj-PNLk6ZZZfeWLqjMv5bCo8oCqlVV6qTSwN/s600/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Heroic domestic animals.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH65oJ9HqPMgRL4-ApZlSanS44hiPc0VUGUQFrZ9S67iRlXiL5MDHpR4rBB151N2yLRarKXZ7S_ZcrJGAGLmyDqOkf-n8XLlZfGqYVFPGe-7vAGt0WIsBMOep2e6o-7JOJwD4Z6O7Wy0ENUfRda6JA4Pgx6h0PLEWTriT7pddUCe7_2qp1rrb5oFEJQHqT/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH65oJ9HqPMgRL4-ApZlSanS44hiPc0VUGUQFrZ9S67iRlXiL5MDHpR4rBB151N2yLRarKXZ7S_ZcrJGAGLmyDqOkf-n8XLlZfGqYVFPGe-7vAGt0WIsBMOep2e6o-7JOJwD4Z6O7Wy0ENUfRda6JA4Pgx6h0PLEWTriT7pddUCe7_2qp1rrb5oFEJQHqT/s320/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n9UyEjE347_cyM4ELM7lfrRACsqZYV6UVw1w2luK7DikFWrz5in86iWKZvsOys3TZcll6YiZ6nGUVvZQFUYw1DQNrfy3s7xzTGT9RsSQLudYoMFbW2q9IL7cF6PDI2DcIb0F2xS33V9oRLM8olFiL55Skq442BKSL77ICNkKeA6UBfphQbcnaBkob5KO/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n9UyEjE347_cyM4ELM7lfrRACsqZYV6UVw1w2luK7DikFWrz5in86iWKZvsOys3TZcll6YiZ6nGUVvZQFUYw1DQNrfy3s7xzTGT9RsSQLudYoMFbW2q9IL7cF6PDI2DcIb0F2xS33V9oRLM8olFiL55Skq442BKSL77ICNkKeA6UBfphQbcnaBkob5KO/s320/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Threshing. Dogs and kids stay in the tent.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieez_1m9nvEylPzBW92afJvSq-WuZzrqyYllVwQciMAVrtyCEz09U3jscfQvUu88t8oOdCXN87BzaB3nUNHYZP77qCRK8kXl7haIlGvRhANfzD9AJNaDgr2ROkOgLKNaytOtwaS8OAiFHCq1xTghJ1KhunT1DTwLe4sD8dLMDnRYLOYKvJlzu3R1wWVe02/s1500/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieez_1m9nvEylPzBW92afJvSq-WuZzrqyYllVwQciMAVrtyCEz09U3jscfQvUu88t8oOdCXN87BzaB3nUNHYZP77qCRK8kXl7haIlGvRhANfzD9AJNaDgr2ROkOgLKNaytOtwaS8OAiFHCq1xTghJ1KhunT1DTwLe4sD8dLMDnRYLOYKvJlzu3R1wWVe02/s600/Tbilisi%20Art%20Museum%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-84315118809006857652024-01-18T01:30:00.005-05:002024-01-20T03:13:09.179-05:00Gosha's Great Art Around TbilisiWalk around old Tbilisi in any direction for over a block or so and you're bound to run into a great piece of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goshaart/" target="_blank">Goshaart</a>. His work is everywhere; utility boxes, construction fences, any vertical surface that's a blank canvas. Clever, colorful, now iconic.<p>Funny mashup. The monster from the original Alien movie, gazing lovingly as a baby alien sprouts from the national food of Georgia, the khinkali dumpling.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3tEvQQCK99LUuJtLMAO08IKVZ9JcYS1537MDBn0eKpwUAYG59qhPYPKyuy8s3y44zwKf5XchBKnECRdpvjbCIYNN3ZlDgXTBvc8gPDLyddTPi8gZtuwdJfux9L7EnWxtbe54jS5_e7wv3-c4AbVnoETnnUN6n8ZoaRlZVpFG7BBhtQQFm43H8vGJCWi1/s1500/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3tEvQQCK99LUuJtLMAO08IKVZ9JcYS1537MDBn0eKpwUAYG59qhPYPKyuy8s3y44zwKf5XchBKnECRdpvjbCIYNN3ZlDgXTBvc8gPDLyddTPi8gZtuwdJfux9L7EnWxtbe54jS5_e7wv3-c4AbVnoETnnUN6n8ZoaRlZVpFG7BBhtQQFm43H8vGJCWi1/s600/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Utility boxes. Tough black rabbit and a Dr. Who police box.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPNgGakU2XBmGa6FjVxx5Xn84bmmJA7mulhRGOX6bCiKUxvYXjsznVSgAZPLEjpAsrBS5tN_JaiJ7b0DZOr_5nGVwBhWK_cCtxp3haMKZx5-RH5yBFcjTO0Xww2E_3cp27Mu4CKyhPZzT6iRrGcMfRqeQRnwexlMjxe9aC-fqCWgbFqk35UUjAo2GiEgD/s2250/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPNgGakU2XBmGa6FjVxx5Xn84bmmJA7mulhRGOX6bCiKUxvYXjsznVSgAZPLEjpAsrBS5tN_JaiJ7b0DZOr_5nGVwBhWK_cCtxp3haMKZx5-RH5yBFcjTO0Xww2E_3cp27Mu4CKyhPZzT6iRrGcMfRqeQRnwexlMjxe9aC-fqCWgbFqk35UUjAo2GiEgD/s400/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q3HUSg5b-HGNeMMEC4gU5rz8rOGqCbh1iJUAmD8N3krxHddBFrW1octNhY7Xuo03f3dIoHGQ-FEPLIzvx9o5Cpr36mOauMfnxeu_fcQcL8hnKsj2DGXwOPeWGVU0Y7SsjRkN_ZwcKQ5Wca-fgrv9GVUeH8Zva8oHLCdoldShFBVG8z3LD9ratj0i9gt/s2250/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q3HUSg5b-HGNeMMEC4gU5rz8rOGqCbh1iJUAmD8N3krxHddBFrW1octNhY7Xuo03f3dIoHGQ-FEPLIzvx9o5Cpr36mOauMfnxeu_fcQcL8hnKsj2DGXwOPeWGVU0Y7SsjRkN_ZwcKQ5Wca-fgrv9GVUeH8Zva8oHLCdoldShFBVG8z3LD9ratj0i9gt/s400/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
More utility boxes, custom adjusted to the existing power gauge windows. Science is so cool!<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z3KuCnOo-94rvQOO7ASILJAChyjfd37zQvdyjrSfDxEsZzJARSWTvyJbWeE_ogGLMcxhh9M58bJ629_5kSZTGfLTY-FaxoSZy3VrSGSFacebJDd7pbsf0cCDFVaVAeMUeDjbm9F_kh0zoH6sNXnlouYrlFQDd_P-zENiZvtbjo8r6jSCCYT-AGqsKsEx/s1500/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z3KuCnOo-94rvQOO7ASILJAChyjfd37zQvdyjrSfDxEsZzJARSWTvyJbWeE_ogGLMcxhh9M58bJ629_5kSZTGfLTY-FaxoSZy3VrSGSFacebJDd7pbsf0cCDFVaVAeMUeDjbm9F_kh0zoH6sNXnlouYrlFQDd_P-zENiZvtbjo8r6jSCCYT-AGqsKsEx/s600/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Still more utility boxes. The boy likes their ubiquity. Delicate ballerina and a return of the Alien monster. The boy likes aliens.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_0RgbZLb_7867Yk1P_O5eIAn2DZKWZE2tzQnYVun-mgd_b7nH3LuYAgJoSMo1nU6qV7oX2nHvwa9ORhu2myMY7-eQ5bIRgw7XD2cxDrpPkYjwJ-QzZG_kW-SOGjLspN7GG2YElm5yeM13u0o2tcIecsb8hJ17YPFUNnNYKUl3U1mcDvpqT1KX5MQsDBm/s2250/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_0RgbZLb_7867Yk1P_O5eIAn2DZKWZE2tzQnYVun-mgd_b7nH3LuYAgJoSMo1nU6qV7oX2nHvwa9ORhu2myMY7-eQ5bIRgw7XD2cxDrpPkYjwJ-QzZG_kW-SOGjLspN7GG2YElm5yeM13u0o2tcIecsb8hJ17YPFUNnNYKUl3U1mcDvpqT1KX5MQsDBm/s400/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2005.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H0Y0zwcsOImeejexT9Q0-HQAv9Owe8G-wPh1W_sUlHWp_6SH0ibrSWyR0TfBWJ3ZF2TNGEZOX8LxLE1pCcsYdTyXj1jCSsn54RrDzBRSEjOTPVjzgUyxyvkyPeWsPBq5fc1eQ0ik2x6GoGXLjg-pVZusJVhBiMKGf8RFOp4kA2rtjcgvshcM55UW-vHd/s2250/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H0Y0zwcsOImeejexT9Q0-HQAv9Owe8G-wPh1W_sUlHWp_6SH0ibrSWyR0TfBWJ3ZF2TNGEZOX8LxLE1pCcsYdTyXj1jCSsn54RrDzBRSEjOTPVjzgUyxyvkyPeWsPBq5fc1eQ0ik2x6GoGXLjg-pVZusJVhBiMKGf8RFOp4kA2rtjcgvshcM55UW-vHd/s400/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Creative construction mural. The various poses are a tribute to Michael Jackson signature dance moves. Can't beat it.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUiCLI8lU668ymk7KJvJa8wxSfL0nqL3sdnJrzmWa7o8rKHzdELt18ttY1RG2Ac4WAs98QxR_MeQX8DkxIrS29pdjsR9D6_7GLc6gz13IGNFVfE6uLDrZKM2SbLbcEV4HuV2JoNq9n8DU4mMgeFiXX2K3hceImDrhSoO5_9PhpaX_gKOIQd0DKG0i2eDw/s1500/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUiCLI8lU668ymk7KJvJa8wxSfL0nqL3sdnJrzmWa7o8rKHzdELt18ttY1RG2Ac4WAs98QxR_MeQX8DkxIrS29pdjsR9D6_7GLc6gz13IGNFVfE6uLDrZKM2SbLbcEV4HuV2JoNq9n8DU4mMgeFiXX2K3hceImDrhSoO5_9PhpaX_gKOIQd0DKG0i2eDw/s600/Tbilisi%20GoshaArt%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-76541915370938995792024-01-16T01:30:00.003-05:002024-01-16T01:30:00.135-05:00The Great Synagogue Of TbilisiThe main synagogue in Tbilisi gets the nice moniker of Great and it was built by Akhalsikhe Jews from 1895 to 1903. The building stands out for its impressive size and Georgian red brick style.<p>The big boy. Or girl. Probably, now a they.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEj8BvRxWswsAChYmJyr4iveISTa1hX0G7VulmXQ8MlMvskaxJEeNBDb7VN1uziFaHZRqU0c_ed9wwWJ__z-llAiVdL7reqNHVjweYS55LyPrQX3aObRZNs9WP5uXcO9E_qDMUmjeYtNI_8Sy78051rCuT3rOuEWNe0dNeSPE73W0yHEmhH1MmDXIIp43/s1500/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEj8BvRxWswsAChYmJyr4iveISTa1hX0G7VulmXQ8MlMvskaxJEeNBDb7VN1uziFaHZRqU0c_ed9wwWJ__z-llAiVdL7reqNHVjweYS55LyPrQX3aObRZNs9WP5uXcO9E_qDMUmjeYtNI_8Sy78051rCuT3rOuEWNe0dNeSPE73W0yHEmhH1MmDXIIp43/s600/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>Jewish details. A silver mezuzah at the front gate. Over the entrance door, tablets.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kszXsRM3UT_FdOysOrLPc9_xebLZNoDxQJR6E6K9vKLle4VO46zNtsMwM98kKMbIFrsxMRDwgOnrzh1fyorKFVf32O7rtBiKDNpod65WmPy0GFd8VPwoISXohWr3k_JmT-pAczhtrcIAM1F30RHewzAMZmvftETNzS-Au4Zc5VXp42kkiYQaz5USfaRa/s2000/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kszXsRM3UT_FdOysOrLPc9_xebLZNoDxQJR6E6K9vKLle4VO46zNtsMwM98kKMbIFrsxMRDwgOnrzh1fyorKFVf32O7rtBiKDNpod65WmPy0GFd8VPwoISXohWr3k_JmT-pAczhtrcIAM1F30RHewzAMZmvftETNzS-Au4Zc5VXp42kkiYQaz5USfaRa/s320/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JYDSJVD3I1HKQWNKFsror0ZegSaqo_QSmm-b6s_jgNUalABvhTx2ngEqeea9pOpay5e7GtGjW1vU-_F5qT6GOb8_EJknkBHM2HINkWs9mr9b0TFPA1ZGWjpey0KcWp_fEM2q02piywEtqkbz2K410pbMfc8pQj9gWAkdnzsfaXh5wD-6Fz_768gex1un/s1500/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JYDSJVD3I1HKQWNKFsror0ZegSaqo_QSmm-b6s_jgNUalABvhTx2ngEqeea9pOpay5e7GtGjW1vU-_F5qT6GOb8_EJknkBHM2HINkWs9mr9b0TFPA1ZGWjpey0KcWp_fEM2q02piywEtqkbz2K410pbMfc8pQj9gWAkdnzsfaXh5wD-6Fz_768gex1un/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
The colorful, intimate interior of the synagogue.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzS2p4lzvUpfoDUBd-6Dn9LKYxq9AUudCnyg6Nlin_3m-MwLEf9vymAOOak9evaXk-Gy3kfGGuPkXMjjlAXP739eFIUiOPkuYIpCla-BBjJcHFjKJgoLoqNeXogkGpO4vGazItE2lJt9QE6IWDIbu4EtCZNMQh23CkIlDV0TBrUsgelLvSCW4XY49RuAk/s1500/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzS2p4lzvUpfoDUBd-6Dn9LKYxq9AUudCnyg6Nlin_3m-MwLEf9vymAOOak9evaXk-Gy3kfGGuPkXMjjlAXP739eFIUiOPkuYIpCla-BBjJcHFjKJgoLoqNeXogkGpO4vGazItE2lJt9QE6IWDIbu4EtCZNMQh23CkIlDV0TBrUsgelLvSCW4XY49RuAk/s600/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
The usual temple detritus, shelves crammed with religious books and piles of prayer shawls, tallit. Outside, a sort of Wall of Fame lineup of past rabbis and other important holy guys. Looking a bit like playing cards or mug shots.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFYn8_q4ie67CFIMANE-891RVyJ5OMNZuOutpDTq4R35IXb_3izw-4xBqYhD4vzxUQnRf4pLCjEcjHbiIyK2Lmgeo0dEkkBUcj2ZteHEKsrcpQq61A_zy2Rtr-gnzEG6bFac9YjNmsBve2-VYDms3bXfxrzGQxfEs7KL6HnH2K82sD1TVCuSgHGnXgj7R/s1500/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFYn8_q4ie67CFIMANE-891RVyJ5OMNZuOutpDTq4R35IXb_3izw-4xBqYhD4vzxUQnRf4pLCjEcjHbiIyK2Lmgeo0dEkkBUcj2ZteHEKsrcpQq61A_zy2Rtr-gnzEG6bFac9YjNmsBve2-VYDms3bXfxrzGQxfEs7KL6HnH2K82sD1TVCuSgHGnXgj7R/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCSxUEC_3Pr4qxSCrIicPJQeiIZkluJGb6Hj-R6kQJoDG0dQZC3ywgDUoiUhcZ0PwSdlQd67HFJALDgUPS1Vfgo8DCoHJZDsP6ndrjaYmxqQClx8Ppi0Ts4um7LIxvoIIQ_KRogjZI33G-nXm-9Bmxjg7NhmrU5ez-b-LDtLgw4bgy87dxWFPy-o4QGB2/s2000/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCSxUEC_3Pr4qxSCrIicPJQeiIZkluJGb6Hj-R6kQJoDG0dQZC3ywgDUoiUhcZ0PwSdlQd67HFJALDgUPS1Vfgo8DCoHJZDsP6ndrjaYmxqQClx8Ppi0Ts4um7LIxvoIIQ_KRogjZI33G-nXm-9Bmxjg7NhmrU5ez-b-LDtLgw4bgy87dxWFPy-o4QGB2/s320/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Also outside, a large photo billboard of old Jerusalem, a view of the sacred Western Wall. Eyes on the holy prize.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3zfa2OZDJYa7MtQQkMKJgFf5-Xatqpgq4QQ39rax9ttxWZWuD17KIbo2TjCMLkkD8VMn_xUu3_1p1QHCmTbT6AMgsZBrLe1_ZnPE1cmSxq3pbg0b26a99-2j8xjkJq9MHpsYZno7NRgBaaDJv7uPxSkT8mvGOj1RiaJogMnOXXuA91OyFPgM_pT9F8Mv/s1500/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3zfa2OZDJYa7MtQQkMKJgFf5-Xatqpgq4QQ39rax9ttxWZWuD17KIbo2TjCMLkkD8VMn_xUu3_1p1QHCmTbT6AMgsZBrLe1_ZnPE1cmSxq3pbg0b26a99-2j8xjkJq9MHpsYZno7NRgBaaDJv7uPxSkT8mvGOj1RiaJogMnOXXuA91OyFPgM_pT9F8Mv/s600/Tbilisi%20Great%20Synagogue%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-24033535122800199812024-01-11T01:30:00.052-05:002024-01-11T01:30:00.152-05:00The Mighty Zion Cathedral Of TbilisiOne of the landmarks of Tbilisi is the Zion Cathedral and it's easy to see why it's famous. The place is a medieval masterpiece, all imposing, symmetrical and full of good art and gobs of gold leaf inside.<p>Exterior view. Not too big, not too small, just right.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnuLz2x23MTXm-BhXhiv4GjgLtBl5JPeN27x17dGaKLHQCb2vyGyINiNDhEwHQG_MGwYCAo5yYjA7H6cCRWO4NjKXS9Jcaxp-dHispntPGtwGju975FPcoSxa0YRyZ_C63K6cbNNOPzrxekXf0Zta0U_XId4w5jctlKh4VRvglvhdb_wQkI8vsj1f4Sxs/s1500/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnuLz2x23MTXm-BhXhiv4GjgLtBl5JPeN27x17dGaKLHQCb2vyGyINiNDhEwHQG_MGwYCAo5yYjA7H6cCRWO4NjKXS9Jcaxp-dHispntPGtwGju975FPcoSxa0YRyZ_C63K6cbNNOPzrxekXf0Zta0U_XId4w5jctlKh4VRvglvhdb_wQkI8vsj1f4Sxs/s600/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Inside, gold bling reigns.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBkcnMsotL5vDNOjJYpJ2ZkXa4BvK0FtVSzVswrOfyHCtPJ8p7Xbc8rwpZnKZYcPIbnyFDgGeAlXcuywcI3orMn15yhxfIE7YKSNJlmtMFYqgmip1OJkJbKRSVOGzpES319PC7Zdn0ZWrY_HUWSN5cykd9m99aFjCUmYfWk_Q1hnYKI3IEgGDWaCCVVm7/s2000/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBkcnMsotL5vDNOjJYpJ2ZkXa4BvK0FtVSzVswrOfyHCtPJ8p7Xbc8rwpZnKZYcPIbnyFDgGeAlXcuywcI3orMn15yhxfIE7YKSNJlmtMFYqgmip1OJkJbKRSVOGzpES319PC7Zdn0ZWrY_HUWSN5cykd9m99aFjCUmYfWk_Q1hnYKI3IEgGDWaCCVVm7/s320/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaNLK-XJxWHV1Wg286OQm16SJyuak9jvmC9HlsL3jb2mcLaPnul4GKfi_mJUghS0uwWDY_Kt1WbdZVhm_3MeVrswCukxzn3fZAHCJOosDAG5-_JEA2bO_IUnprFDY7zW8qV0OZVab2wwlTha0jmXSHx4J1AjS263R7mZkxAiSXJHiYH1dDq7adYl9R2-5/s1500/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaNLK-XJxWHV1Wg286OQm16SJyuak9jvmC9HlsL3jb2mcLaPnul4GKfi_mJUghS0uwWDY_Kt1WbdZVhm_3MeVrswCukxzn3fZAHCJOosDAG5-_JEA2bO_IUnprFDY7zW8qV0OZVab2wwlTha0jmXSHx4J1AjS263R7mZkxAiSXJHiYH1dDq7adYl9R2-5/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Jesus, hanging out. A bit of an artwork sleight of hand. A freestanding painting, not a sculpture. Enlightened.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8b8h1VWaxuo1hhoQ_XLS6V79uIkS6hvf4TWInj1OeqF1z6Db6zEP1_XrMevoV-MpDCwuWZfzMrrgsD54ton1BtUE2gUqPR21B9g_Lb2ySSK0LIRNNnQ0A-PRc6MZZACq-njcpSFgei08d6GIGGyL8ZGO6EFsSDA3iP4UAEcVbSL1AcSjK_dKXSugLFBP/s2250/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8b8h1VWaxuo1hhoQ_XLS6V79uIkS6hvf4TWInj1OeqF1z6Db6zEP1_XrMevoV-MpDCwuWZfzMrrgsD54ton1BtUE2gUqPR21B9g_Lb2ySSK0LIRNNnQ0A-PRc6MZZACq-njcpSFgei08d6GIGGyL8ZGO6EFsSDA3iP4UAEcVbSL1AcSjK_dKXSugLFBP/s600/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2004.jpg" /></a></div>
More paintings, mysterious monks, serious men in charge.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_A-Tb1XCXRDAlkGdyeq9U1yiCUr7wxcxnR38dAIT-MqFm7m4rahegz8qMccAlHWCWa-b0DKpDsKsRtqmp-FMsgDKEKUQPrgVlh0HeGsm0_sbocXJpl_tQ3SADoDNXfan13Y8y0dGQxamVmqYNlXCC7k6PGanHwDyNWvC3YMnHF6hyphenhyphenIXDudRaYAIHAs15/s1500/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_A-Tb1XCXRDAlkGdyeq9U1yiCUr7wxcxnR38dAIT-MqFm7m4rahegz8qMccAlHWCWa-b0DKpDsKsRtqmp-FMsgDKEKUQPrgVlh0HeGsm0_sbocXJpl_tQ3SADoDNXfan13Y8y0dGQxamVmqYNlXCC7k6PGanHwDyNWvC3YMnHF6hyphenhyphenIXDudRaYAIHAs15/w400-h300/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SwmsdqMVX020USxbJkJ6_qHJioQ0lzwsDfGrKR8u0Qr0P6BqEIA7mJ96vHFoRp4brP5Kg__5337dUI5cHrDKUEF8CXGCMfO2jws4lReJwCNgRiaPefw0GcBgX5Hls16jn8uezvo5vGzFTBJZEVCtInEHOLxUPiKJGARze9da85k93jTtAP34kJy_JfKR/s2000/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SwmsdqMVX020USxbJkJ6_qHJioQ0lzwsDfGrKR8u0Qr0P6BqEIA7mJ96vHFoRp4brP5Kg__5337dUI5cHrDKUEF8CXGCMfO2jws4lReJwCNgRiaPefw0GcBgX5Hls16jn8uezvo5vGzFTBJZEVCtInEHOLxUPiKJGARze9da85k93jTtAP34kJy_JfKR/s320/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
One of the faithful flock paying a visit.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fEInWbns-T7jw5eDSXPirZA7xfRpRG4Jf3MB-jRrnSU5zTnAnrR7RWcoTmiTO9qCPFv4M3dZeT1UZSCuuN6ArFmpkpQE7zs0M61Tmg3WZZvXEU58eZ8a66ReIvAzpIjGw-82fvFcAC3MymV_rnYwgg32PScNsdwxsMoVQJxoqmEuKkGZw5BXoROgyupE/s1500/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fEInWbns-T7jw5eDSXPirZA7xfRpRG4Jf3MB-jRrnSU5zTnAnrR7RWcoTmiTO9qCPFv4M3dZeT1UZSCuuN6ArFmpkpQE7zs0M61Tmg3WZZvXEU58eZ8a66ReIvAzpIjGw-82fvFcAC3MymV_rnYwgg32PScNsdwxsMoVQJxoqmEuKkGZw5BXoROgyupE/s600/Tbilisi%20Zion%20Church%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-85672815935629210352024-01-09T01:30:00.049-05:002024-01-09T01:30:00.128-05:00Trapping Tourists In TurkistanWhat do you do if you've got one amazing Silk Road era site and not much else? To keep the crowds beyond an hour? Build a modern tourist extravaganza! The folks in Turkistan just completed a meandering canal complex, lined with shops, hotels, performance halls, attractions, a museum, whatever keeps 'em coming and staying.<p>The centerpiece of the place is a giant, man-made lake, complete with a ruined sort of pirate ship fountain. Splashy.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBtMwLLrjNfU03Wqcsz_yF7FSb_sedYtpPgcJK8YXwChI5q7gj2hZdAeFRCjU_sk3DHtPNUvFqSEmZykEAWfukwgIVp5m7ABhoH1SWFV80OkAsb3EWAd1BX-cqCV332MaP0_Do51CBOCppi9SEGmm6Dbg6GYt6WW9INq-tsJHRnPbTTEBw3acSi5bL7bH/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBtMwLLrjNfU03Wqcsz_yF7FSb_sedYtpPgcJK8YXwChI5q7gj2hZdAeFRCjU_sk3DHtPNUvFqSEmZykEAWfukwgIVp5m7ABhoH1SWFV80OkAsb3EWAd1BX-cqCV332MaP0_Do51CBOCppi9SEGmm6Dbg6GYt6WW9INq-tsJHRnPbTTEBw3acSi5bL7bH/s600/Turk%20Mall%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Big halls with distinct architectural features. Drama, performance, convention. For rent.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK-vjFF-iH6Tee4Dk4GsqEEWeFV-XEWM1m7hHvj1ttoy3Ore4LXMQmX9bVnirYDVmqjlBRwnsBbFoO9LwJRbws_icOKhS_2QrmuSF0ttzI49CFUwy6bdoI4w1W9JlEHyrQscxWNze8fx6z-4g3Y74F962bkUe2DX2hfNnS6CCAyEc9YFTj4qAW_rPRaD3/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK-vjFF-iH6Tee4Dk4GsqEEWeFV-XEWM1m7hHvj1ttoy3Ore4LXMQmX9bVnirYDVmqjlBRwnsBbFoO9LwJRbws_icOKhS_2QrmuSF0ttzI49CFUwy6bdoI4w1W9JlEHyrQscxWNze8fx6z-4g3Y74F962bkUe2DX2hfNnS6CCAyEc9YFTj4qAW_rPRaD3/s320/Turk%20Mall%2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02O9ShtfCktbns6qEBXJxLOYZWurWT0QceA1WL50s_8lD45nPnq-yy2KYevogBoD2G4LtVXIdKWfQQcTOQ5AFRsX6trfzF6mK4EwSBXdCuam73ka79zY3slSPN0uMYIbxQn99iDvXDrHlrG4I42R9hylrHFEl29jHDJAMPTeTYi3ZTROGDOmdXQtkDIHD/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02O9ShtfCktbns6qEBXJxLOYZWurWT0QceA1WL50s_8lD45nPnq-yy2KYevogBoD2G4LtVXIdKWfQQcTOQ5AFRsX6trfzF6mK4EwSBXdCuam73ka79zY3slSPN0uMYIbxQn99iDvXDrHlrG4I42R9hylrHFEl29jHDJAMPTeTYi3ZTROGDOmdXQtkDIHD/s320/Turk%20Mall%2003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Looking down the main pedestrian plaza, path. Busy planting welcoming flowers in the new garden bed.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTzwWqo9XfDYxCJYaoJoLnPz37lWxMwRrdFEUq9776Z9F-9SBRHqJ8aTtB2kNO0QpQvmfGv-s0ZSyuIwdWNtvV7QgB338DinJf5naA5kedmbR3ouIghxqLgITXzEIaTC3y2Xx4dxx0sd9d5iyRFw0cfsVf4u7oe5glcuMn-YjsMkWq8Ega6VwpamO_gIN/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTzwWqo9XfDYxCJYaoJoLnPz37lWxMwRrdFEUq9776Z9F-9SBRHqJ8aTtB2kNO0QpQvmfGv-s0ZSyuIwdWNtvV7QgB338DinJf5naA5kedmbR3ouIghxqLgITXzEIaTC3y2Xx4dxx0sd9d5iyRFw0cfsVf4u7oe5glcuMn-YjsMkWq8Ega6VwpamO_gIN/s600/Turk%20Mall%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
New, old icons. Some sort of immersive theater in the shape of a giant, golden egg in a nest and a sculpture of the big bird of Kazakhstan, a falcon. Egg, nest detail. The big lay.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrUExeKe1Xx2uQRr_M7KtWHCQm4w8sRZNgkNV1uGF0krI3Ky0xSxCjjwaIobS7E-RAGdAzNy28-49LHGnYUvGmI9UwcFXFnGrUbLfOyGRJKMRmhu-mfFD0wMFijp70fWKnqbE-Tn_ZQCyvrkECv0GiqQSmhOpAtkLIAWpVa0tw-6K2zvcVSs4JR4rg7XS/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrUExeKe1Xx2uQRr_M7KtWHCQm4w8sRZNgkNV1uGF0krI3Ky0xSxCjjwaIobS7E-RAGdAzNy28-49LHGnYUvGmI9UwcFXFnGrUbLfOyGRJKMRmhu-mfFD0wMFijp70fWKnqbE-Tn_ZQCyvrkECv0GiqQSmhOpAtkLIAWpVa0tw-6K2zvcVSs4JR4rg7XS/w400-h300/Turk%20Mall%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtAUFpZCXch2hKxePMfj3vZ73w9LOFpHWZukWhozbnyAEgEBmw-jZo_O5EEln5VzLqxBpy3_0q2kzzKfkR4gcPVQoDi3SGFnPSfeAVKs9d3p7oHqmdHn8z3xdmnCit4f0w84UugO1m6LMBAaNQsvyqcGf-UlW2RPP-kjpdZSLHFZ4FNQs2TYuwqOR1JlO/s2000/Turk%20Mall%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtAUFpZCXch2hKxePMfj3vZ73w9LOFpHWZukWhozbnyAEgEBmw-jZo_O5EEln5VzLqxBpy3_0q2kzzKfkR4gcPVQoDi3SGFnPSfeAVKs9d3p7oHqmdHn8z3xdmnCit4f0w84UugO1m6LMBAaNQsvyqcGf-UlW2RPP-kjpdZSLHFZ4FNQs2TYuwqOR1JlO/s320/Turk%20Mall%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
The canal runs a few blocks, several bridge crossings, better to get you to the Nike store or coffee cafe.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnh7dbyFhwkHwuGcKg2cVgiRch7DA6kFATF9LmoP9jjiN6aZP-4tyDXrdpjlTAKpn_0OW5GyjYwxE2_QJ5R5owhFGGf7OuRWSGa63sV-aHcJdyd6vupBFAkHJ4btmIrgW4xWveaEgYYgoNM-_e38c4M_bjjy6kQnbYi6Le3mVP46U6aZIRjCm2ehiPHGJ/s1500/Turk%20Mall%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnh7dbyFhwkHwuGcKg2cVgiRch7DA6kFATF9LmoP9jjiN6aZP-4tyDXrdpjlTAKpn_0OW5GyjYwxE2_QJ5R5owhFGGf7OuRWSGa63sV-aHcJdyd6vupBFAkHJ4btmIrgW4xWveaEgYYgoNM-_e38c4M_bjjy6kQnbYi6Le3mVP46U6aZIRjCm2ehiPHGJ/s600/Turk%20Mall%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-22245549333413295562024-01-04T01:30:00.000-05:002024-01-04T01:30:00.129-05:00The Underground Mosque In Turkistan<p>It gets hot in Turkistan, so hot during the summer that the only civilized place to pray is underground. When in doubt, dig.</p><p>Mosque entrance. Nothing significant above ground, except souvenir stalls disguising the place.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OQ07o4ixotz2fqo87Y2uTDQuejf5ApZVaypt00DuhmViI0zAUICzv54Dzt0JYBnS-5hAqZyxW6O46V9Aia8fWdfYmEqjMiGVs0aB_H2Qm1Fdo9H6dj-nYuIffOR6RT-Ph5jkQoimoVSpfMwLiT6GDfdzhZt6l24VrUrRx7ulCN-RNSJ0Q54kFuCM2884/s1500/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OQ07o4ixotz2fqo87Y2uTDQuejf5ApZVaypt00DuhmViI0zAUICzv54Dzt0JYBnS-5hAqZyxW6O46V9Aia8fWdfYmEqjMiGVs0aB_H2Qm1Fdo9H6dj-nYuIffOR6RT-Ph5jkQoimoVSpfMwLiT6GDfdzhZt6l24VrUrRx7ulCN-RNSJ0Q54kFuCM2884/s600/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Heading down. Prayer hall area. The mosque is an active archeological dig.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Q7kS-lHRI2A6f0UfGofAL2hGvBm-hYdipjCyTzeDgdt2AYgmHKO21mVTY7BSUsGYq-77-avySg7RSduBzioyEjHdc47-87pZHFk-wUIPBeEqKEuSLNt8y3hDXDH8g2NcsPbl9XwCnT6KxFIy_9AgmvfXNSkvgGPrnH9dD-peeomP_5PIdEDd79RO0Jw/s2000/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Q7kS-lHRI2A6f0UfGofAL2hGvBm-hYdipjCyTzeDgdt2AYgmHKO21mVTY7BSUsGYq-77-avySg7RSduBzioyEjHdc47-87pZHFk-wUIPBeEqKEuSLNt8y3hDXDH8g2NcsPbl9XwCnT6KxFIy_9AgmvfXNSkvgGPrnH9dD-peeomP_5PIdEDd79RO0Jw/s320/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2002.jpg" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ytlYBBapDbCibBYM5ihTYs3G_6LuT8fampWB4BbUV6ZI1B8Rjhyphenhyphen-Dvn9eChbXk6cXUpNrugpSaC1JKkySfl93Po0WV-9orOykY_Xj2jNqIP-h4Bq3LUMSo2j2aFNe2PuTe9rvHS8Bt8qbmEW1z3ybOd8yn6AJtLMpG5Zp8iTDvKZcQk4fdNRh8abtUaG/s1500/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ytlYBBapDbCibBYM5ihTYs3G_6LuT8fampWB4BbUV6ZI1B8Rjhyphenhyphen-Dvn9eChbXk6cXUpNrugpSaC1JKkySfl93Po0WV-9orOykY_Xj2jNqIP-h4Bq3LUMSo2j2aFNe2PuTe9rvHS8Bt8qbmEW1z3ybOd8yn6AJtLMpG5Zp8iTDvKZcQk4fdNRh8abtUaG/w400-h300/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Another section of the mosque, restored and now a museum.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBjlHxvVGF0gKgGifGhOPhmvysXJxfkWIkKSNOxn7WxV_twnNehMZjZXtVwNU7xEHtyyzhYBF2vu_J7eBeyRe1JU8HwnG5aE_s9Dect7bulDFEh1tB7RIdw1xRVB0rudtsM2n53upoDkw8disxkoLgnb-zFBrfDSQSxWqO2TwtxPhhul2TWAO89DAH03f/s1500/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBjlHxvVGF0gKgGifGhOPhmvysXJxfkWIkKSNOxn7WxV_twnNehMZjZXtVwNU7xEHtyyzhYBF2vu_J7eBeyRe1JU8HwnG5aE_s9Dect7bulDFEh1tB7RIdw1xRVB0rudtsM2n53upoDkw8disxkoLgnb-zFBrfDSQSxWqO2TwtxPhhul2TWAO89DAH03f/s600/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Ancient artifacts. Old book, old robes.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJxIyXx-MD5aq0ROpAIXALxwNV4HIa-oonkSkwT2_3DgDt8iKf6OQFPgKhWeKv_LLWzpjtng9bWlY3UcFdQx12oWfe5qX0z8Skvik1jg9n8CL3GICPf9sPnhJ9aMvBF0cMkWTIz3tIVmqBMssrYCa7-tQwTo4qBsPAqy2VBRfC67VqmgEdJ1EHRLnVO2q/s1500/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJxIyXx-MD5aq0ROpAIXALxwNV4HIa-oonkSkwT2_3DgDt8iKf6OQFPgKhWeKv_LLWzpjtng9bWlY3UcFdQx12oWfe5qX0z8Skvik1jg9n8CL3GICPf9sPnhJ9aMvBF0cMkWTIz3tIVmqBMssrYCa7-tQwTo4qBsPAqy2VBRfC67VqmgEdJ1EHRLnVO2q/w400-h300/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dEFVSvQ8rbxYotgVRbnW9Vn42BIonju1lKFqnPueS7hYPeZwxOBDFg4uLOfaeAKM8-NGOHoSGIpTJh83r-D0MoGbTXkvMtYXppqA2ALsVGw9X3WLK7o-41eLVOnvtzNgnLK4ubjqIKwDgcBDJ7nOMZffzeZEss_LhPTttDqHeyZXuMc-WZRt-eI36k_J/s2000/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dEFVSvQ8rbxYotgVRbnW9Vn42BIonju1lKFqnPueS7hYPeZwxOBDFg4uLOfaeAKM8-NGOHoSGIpTJh83r-D0MoGbTXkvMtYXppqA2ALsVGw9X3WLK7o-41eLVOnvtzNgnLK4ubjqIKwDgcBDJ7nOMZffzeZEss_LhPTttDqHeyZXuMc-WZRt-eI36k_J/s320/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Detail of a diorama that depicts the place as a teaching madrasa. Study up!<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk5ZHZPDWJ4UaqFsrLvYk8SaLOqgaOJ_zNkBtD_cCoujICG7jLrGLsgUQ5tMDZWhv28prTRx3jEc_Mcq17Fx4iTRXtzX7RIX8_NwAIQSHSWS1xvumJ98aylFg4nzHQPcG9DUYnsYS6A4bSzCR_XTd5YapdflYYLreKiqn40xr-jmHaHg-uEud4wnOWPQ_/s1500/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk5ZHZPDWJ4UaqFsrLvYk8SaLOqgaOJ_zNkBtD_cCoujICG7jLrGLsgUQ5tMDZWhv28prTRx3jEc_Mcq17Fx4iTRXtzX7RIX8_NwAIQSHSWS1xvumJ98aylFg4nzHQPcG9DUYnsYS6A4bSzCR_XTd5YapdflYYLreKiqn40xr-jmHaHg-uEud4wnOWPQ_/s600/Turk%20UngrdMsqe%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-69749993264331255202024-01-02T01:30:00.032-05:002024-01-02T01:30:00.136-05:00Seeing The Sites In TurkistanThere are other ancient sites to see in Turkistan, Kazakhstan beyond the main, amazing site, the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Time to take a little wander.<p>
The delicate, simple, Juma mosque. A traditional design of whitewashed walls and a portico of wood carved columns.</p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQx2BoYoLYofebSmYAg6ly5qxja1V8tXL6xwwHGJMXHUPLmSMvvkAWLp-nsMc1eXTRAhNinssR6K-KwCd8EssLItuiO8vPXRs-bKwzl8KP5JykhIrRrChgIGuwt1DI97KJmZC35msQlrJrwDADLFQHolZ5-WBXnXGeegfsaZI1o2FiPi4r3BHQdkau0qs/s1500/Turk%20Misc%20Sites%2001.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQx2BoYoLYofebSmYAg6ly5qxja1V8tXL6xwwHGJMXHUPLmSMvvkAWLp-nsMc1eXTRAhNinssR6K-KwCd8EssLItuiO8vPXRs-bKwzl8KP5JykhIrRrChgIGuwt1DI97KJmZC35msQlrJrwDADLFQHolZ5-WBXnXGeegfsaZI1o2FiPi4r3BHQdkau0qs/s600/Turk%20Misc%20Sites%2001.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Kahn's mosque. Small courtyard, nicely restored plaster interior.<p></p><p>
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Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum. Octagonal, domed, strong.<p></p><p>
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Inside the Begum mausoleum, a group of gravestones. Sometimes all that is left are foundations. The Khan Ordasy complex.<p></p><p>
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Ancient meets modern meets fake ancient. The old Silk Road era fortress walls with a modern sculpture in front of it. The sculpture imitates a typical old caravan of traders and camels.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKYfCVBA-YThcN8owj0_Jd6THidvDdxNh4Q5Va6OMMc4nwuG5Y1oiXUk5F6i_QESM3mnIT_K9q1R4JawBBrbBFnnAJp6PyqmKTLLwTXDSQh32HXBN5clAnmooUYuUX4lSH_MKD85p6DnBKAsiTJZ1UDeUjHl5p5t-OcjPho6AGuvWqKUpNo9K1Lxn0NA9/s1500/Turk%20Misc%20Sites%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKYfCVBA-YThcN8owj0_Jd6THidvDdxNh4Q5Va6OMMc4nwuG5Y1oiXUk5F6i_QESM3mnIT_K9q1R4JawBBrbBFnnAJp6PyqmKTLLwTXDSQh32HXBN5clAnmooUYuUX4lSH_MKD85p6DnBKAsiTJZ1UDeUjHl5p5t-OcjPho6AGuvWqKUpNo9K1Lxn0NA9/s600/Turk%20Misc%20Sites%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p></p>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-77406530235201231832023-12-28T01:30:00.030-05:002023-12-28T21:13:54.003-05:00Christmas Trees In TashkentIt's the season and the fuzzy cones are out and about in Tashkent. Sort of. Celebrating Christmas in a post-Soviet, Muslim country is a muted affair and the green tree is more associated with a New Year's blowout. Capitalism creep means the tree is back for Christmas or, might as well let it preen for both holidays, the whole season.<p>Ho hum. Just stake a tree, zero decoration, benign neglect. "Hello? It's the holiday season? I hadn't noticed."</p><p>
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Putting the little in a little cheer with a tiny fake tree at a street vendor spread. Upcycling? A restaurant knows how to whet customers' thirst with its bottle tree. Needs a little filling in at the bottom. Drink up!<p></p><p>
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Another undecorated tree, this time with Santa sporting clown shoes and mittens, pushing coca-cola.<p></p><p>
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Government, corporate minimum requirement decorating. "We have zero budget this year, just do something!"<p></p><p>
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The metro stations get trees. And dwarf Santas, a lot creepy.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrT5B56hbELf1uNoNXJ3xKYNF7Io2cC_PK-RbBJ02pZNbMmyUTKr8gFQegaPz639G07ux69l8xfVqxdUEqRmK0QB9YFeSaGEOJng7c4s7s2NTbSw9U2ZVg77fdgMpBquf7yCixBzLGAb2tZ2RMy4FXWhI4rUE7SAM1znOAU4iXSsvW6DoQs1xZBgqAXRG/s1500/ChristmasTrees-7.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrT5B56hbELf1uNoNXJ3xKYNF7Io2cC_PK-RbBJ02pZNbMmyUTKr8gFQegaPz639G07ux69l8xfVqxdUEqRmK0QB9YFeSaGEOJng7c4s7s2NTbSw9U2ZVg77fdgMpBquf7yCixBzLGAb2tZ2RMy4FXWhI4rUE7SAM1znOAU4iXSsvW6DoQs1xZBgqAXRG/s600/ChristmasTrees-7.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-28475649236351159022023-12-25T00:01:00.011-05:002023-12-25T00:01:00.138-05:00Greeting Cards From Soviet Holidays Past<p>One can find all sorts of old stuff in Tashkent, plenty of relics, detritus from the Soviet era. For this holiday season, time to look back at how Christmas and New Year's were celebrated in greeting/postcards during Soviet times. Happy Holidays, comrade.</p><p>The Kremlin wishes you a Happy New Year. Officially. What, you didn't think that giant communist operations put out corporate greeting cards as if they were IBM?</p><p>
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More of a traditional card, all decked out in folksy design cues. Santa partying with the animals. Tea for him, a carrot for the rabbit. Slurp it down and chomp it up.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFgdwyobQLzuNP2CFjVksUFLupOH1JUl5ERGz3ksk9DaxEyI6Jn6Y7c8MDUz3n_JYqHUzCthkVK9ay9rzK9-raUdhAefUlZHSVeC5ipfyR059w1705jVfX8VGhR05AP0r9YpF-FelSJeE-Klff-0AYlcmvKZy_fW560-BDDtHG8DarTxAxhYnl4IUhnIj/s1500/Christmas%202023%2002.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1500" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFgdwyobQLzuNP2CFjVksUFLupOH1JUl5ERGz3ksk9DaxEyI6Jn6Y7c8MDUz3n_JYqHUzCthkVK9ay9rzK9-raUdhAefUlZHSVeC5ipfyR059w1705jVfX8VGhR05AP0r9YpF-FelSJeE-Klff-0AYlcmvKZy_fW560-BDDtHG8DarTxAxhYnl4IUhnIj/w400-h281/Christmas%202023%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCILUZVBR64qD-pFaNSU-S9k1BdrSZwMGEcsCs1QtghH17MDXTMZUGyFpa0rpo8tkhxErOKEJV0mvTrApQl_YEe5bZOXzXIiVsCOEjWEjeiNZJNfk5PhMdjtXPaPZu9WB2_-mo1YiDkGvRsWTrZKhEshmJ2KtGjiJyzyEw2jHBZ6Bqr5VEkyhvP9PqdnPs/s2125/Christmas%202023%2003.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCILUZVBR64qD-pFaNSU-S9k1BdrSZwMGEcsCs1QtghH17MDXTMZUGyFpa0rpo8tkhxErOKEJV0mvTrApQl_YEe5bZOXzXIiVsCOEjWEjeiNZJNfk5PhMdjtXPaPZu9WB2_-mo1YiDkGvRsWTrZKhEshmJ2KtGjiJyzyEw2jHBZ6Bqr5VEkyhvP9PqdnPs/s320/Christmas%202023%2003.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Good thing that rabbit has been fed. Forget reindeer, go with a juiced-up bunny.<p></p><p>
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Rabbits suddenly not available? No problem, Santa can take a rocket ship or even a snowmobile, whatever was hip that year.<p></p><p>
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Getting back to nature with white birch trees from way up north.<p></p><p>
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Going with the 1960s-1970s stop motion block look. Giving mad props to local, Uzbek symbols, places. Notice the cotton bud filigree and the center clock graphic featuring the Lenin Museum and the adjacent clock tower on an office building. Cotton is the country's biggest crop and the buildings can still be found in downtown Tashkent.<p></p><p>
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The space race, planting a tree on the moon. Staked!<p>
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Happy Holidays to everyone! It's Sarah's and James' last year in Uzbekistan. Next summer, they will move to Canberra, Australia for three years. A new adventure and new holiday traditions to explore. <p></p>
James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398664335225321995.post-39236602382793850192023-12-21T01:30:00.033-05:002023-12-21T01:30:00.143-05:00Turkistan At NightLet's light it up!<p>Desert bling. Looking at the new outdoor mall shopping area, golden nest egg theater on the right.</p><p>
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A sign of celebration in front of the timeless Silk Road site, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Nayryz is a huge Kazakh New Year celebration, starting March 21. Modern mosque, the Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi.<p></p><p>
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Glitzy fountains, funky mushroom lighting and a new museum in the new development area.<p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jVEmIA_WncRdpahoGdEuTTAUaOoj1j7GoGCWoSWozokI9hosnQXOP_MWzN_ApNyutq9rPk8etKuG2xs3oCdd8nuaWruIlN1u7MfXjTJ2jG9iT13vsH4Cyf8Ci4LOE7Uvj1FqBQwL3ugbw5sTXAqZPvAv336Y0f8u6SaIwJq_7hYjcJhgXHX-Dztj1s0k/s1500/Turk%20Night%2004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jVEmIA_WncRdpahoGdEuTTAUaOoj1j7GoGCWoSWozokI9hosnQXOP_MWzN_ApNyutq9rPk8etKuG2xs3oCdd8nuaWruIlN1u7MfXjTJ2jG9iT13vsH4Cyf8Ci4LOE7Uvj1FqBQwL3ugbw5sTXAqZPvAv336Y0f8u6SaIwJq_7hYjcJhgXHX-Dztj1s0k/s600/Turk%20Night%2004.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
Preening park attractions, a welcoming gate and a memorial to past Khans.<p></p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDNVPbhIynMBgQdNmo3e3SNDoJLPczvSN63Mwfifb1BjM7v0lef0II42K7HhcAE4awpEUaKEyv6PYX8_dPpboXQfi1Kn7h4IYJC-AL7oJwNUnXzEDLIoezgR2g2A6YUbqpVFoAxXfvJvWiAnC60cz2RqX8QZSyv2oGN_CqRrt7khgKHWWVvTMWkmHz9-9/s1500/Turk%20Night%2005.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDNVPbhIynMBgQdNmo3e3SNDoJLPczvSN63Mwfifb1BjM7v0lef0II42K7HhcAE4awpEUaKEyv6PYX8_dPpboXQfi1Kn7h4IYJC-AL7oJwNUnXzEDLIoezgR2g2A6YUbqpVFoAxXfvJvWiAnC60cz2RqX8QZSyv2oGN_CqRrt7khgKHWWVvTMWkmHz9-9/w400-h300/Turk%20Night%2005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHosxcbBRg1LIJEfE62Awt3H-kr_Tce2UG8BaKNLi0fJo5TS8pePugzXtY0Y4wLNGrkjKUWg61T5BLEcjmSEVNf8ukMO0pDOejT5_8LI9MYK5Uv558KIpKibEhUKraNGnkjCrv6ERE1Sdjz8COvq0ON8JTcQ139NnCfhKAQO0qtNHVW37P8W0x9HVTOK0e/s2000/Turk%20Night%2006.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHosxcbBRg1LIJEfE62Awt3H-kr_Tce2UG8BaKNLi0fJo5TS8pePugzXtY0Y4wLNGrkjKUWg61T5BLEcjmSEVNf8ukMO0pDOejT5_8LI9MYK5Uv558KIpKibEhUKraNGnkjCrv6ERE1Sdjz8COvq0ON8JTcQ139NnCfhKAQO0qtNHVW37P8W0x9HVTOK0e/s320/Turk%20Night%2006.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
It all comes back to the heavy of Turkistan, the iconic attraction, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Glowing.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmL8djiQBusJUr5NU4-Pv4iMe0ldOKol6b5mzRUrqcZ02yt6XQnTOm2AW5SSkJf9vK8315QLw1rBnCv0ST5qSoAmSS9q4LAPYvQE4Fs1taale7VSWDFYakwFe5sGbR9O1kk0BPloJjukLwWjkeAZKEmEtTmB4zdPc-dn80dGO3tvftYGOTgAJWl1HUa_7/s1500/Turk%20Night%2007.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmL8djiQBusJUr5NU4-Pv4iMe0ldOKol6b5mzRUrqcZ02yt6XQnTOm2AW5SSkJf9vK8315QLw1rBnCv0ST5qSoAmSS9q4LAPYvQE4Fs1taale7VSWDFYakwFe5sGbR9O1kk0BPloJjukLwWjkeAZKEmEtTmB4zdPc-dn80dGO3tvftYGOTgAJWl1HUa_7/s600/Turk%20Night%2007.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>James and Sarah Talalayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02968528939919645220noreply@blogger.com0