My Love Affair with the South of France

“Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.” ― Isabelle Eberhardt

I must finally admit to my ongoing love affair with the South of France.

I'm in love with it's colors, its fragrance, its allure.
I long for it, miss it, dream of it.

I long for the colors, the air, the sound of the language, the food, the outdoor cafes, and the beautiful people.
But most of all, I long for the sea.
La Mer.

Azer-By-Where?

Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan

With just two days to decide before leaving for Europe last August, I accepted this 3 month teaching job in Azerbaijan. When I tell people where I was, it usually doesn't register.  So here's a map.  Surrounded by Russia, Georgia, Armenia (with whom they have an ongoing conflict), Turkey, and Iran, and bordered on the East by the Caspian Sea.

http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/early-temples-and-monuments-alban-people-ancient-azerbaijan-002593

The government of Azerbaijan has invested a great deal of money into building a modern city capable of attracting tourists and businesses.  Besides the Heyday Aliyev building shown above which was designed by Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid, and which spells out the name of the former president when viewed from above). My other favorite in Baku are the Flame Towers, a set of three towering structures designed to resemble flames.  These towers are made to light up at night as if aflame.  Baku, the city of fire.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ourEyrXDrg

Last, but not least, was my job in Baku.  Working with teachers and students from Khazar University.  

Some of my lovely teachers/students at Khazar University
http://www.khazar.org