GUBA & ONWARD
THE RED VILLAGE
I meet up with Nazrin, one of the TCT guides, in Baku and we take a taxi to Guba. I learn that while Nazrin grew up in the U.S., her family is from Azerbaijan. After college, Nazrin decided to immerse herself in her country of heritage and has relocated to Baku. She has been working for the TCT NGO to develop the Azerbaijan trails.
Nazrin and I have time to explore the Bazaar in Guba which is a smaller version of the market in Baku. Afterwards we run into her friend, Nasir. Nasir is a world class athlete who is coaching the Azerbaijan mountain climbing ski team for the Olympics! He also leads electric bike tours: @BikeToursAzerbaijan. Nazrin is part of the ski team, and they are both super fit outdoor loving adventurers.
Nazrin, Nasir and I explore Guba’s Red Village, which gets is name from the predominant red-tiled roofs and dates back to the 18th century. It was settled by Mountain Jews and they have maintained their culture and traditions, as well as a unique language.
A MINI ADVENTURE
Nasir suggests we come to his village of Gusar for dinner. Gusar is only 14 kilometers away, so we hitchhike! The first person to give us a ride was a very kind older gentleman. The second person wouldn’t give me permission to take photos and we were lucky to have survived the ride! It was an old car and one of the back doors did not close properly. We were going around curves at high speeds with all tires squealing! We were sure we were going to slide out the door or that the entire car was going to slide off the road!!
We make it to Gusar and to calm down, we go for a walk in the woods and are greeted by two characters sculpted from wood and contemplative signs along the path. Dinner is lovely, and one of the dishes we enjoy is a Lavash style bread filled with local greens (maybe some nettle too) seasoned with sumac. Nasir and I had a conversation about vodka, the only alcohol I drink on occasion. He has a friend who makes it himself. Maybe he can get me some! Definitely worth the harrowing ride and I am reminded how much I love being with people who are always up for a spontaneous adventure!
THE REST OF OUR TEAM
The next day our fellow hikers arrive. Kathryn and John, from Wales, are fun and knowledgeable plant people. Aboo, the other TCT guide, also arrives. Aboo is an independent guide who owns a hiking and biking gear shop in Baku. Aboo is a serial entrepreneur and is now developing a line of dehydrated foods for adventurers called Yo! @mountainshop.az @hikeaway.az @yummyoutdoor
Aboo and Nazrin are a dynamic guide team. Nazrin has excellent communication skills and makes all of us, including our hosts, feel so comfortable. Aboo has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share. Both know the trails and are relaxed guides. They make this trip magical!
I am excited to get to ride in a UAZ van to the trailhead. I learned about them in Armenia, where a member of the TCT team had one. It’s a cross between a VW camper van and a jeep. It’s compact, has 4-wheel drive and can go anywhere! I dream of finding a second-hand one to turn into a camper van for European adventures where I drive to trail heads for day hiking…
And off we go!