I have been asked by family and friends why I went to Azerbaijan and how in the world I got a job there. I also get a lot of questions of what it is like here. So, I will do my best to tell about my past and present here.

Some people take a stuffed animal or a Flat Stanley with them when they travel to photograph in various places. Recently a friend of mine gave me a stuffed thingamajig whom I have named Socko. These are his adventures.

This is not meant to be a pity party or a way to garnish sympathy for myself. Save that for someone who needs it. If you ever had an excuse for not traveling or doing something that deep inside you knew you wanted to do, maybe this blog can serve as an inspiration.

Funny how all over the world many companies think that an English name is a good name. They really should hire better translators.

I am currently attempting to scan all of my old photos into my computer. They took up too much space in my suitcases when I moved from Naxcivan to Baku. As I might be making another international move in the next year, I really need the extra space. Most of my photos were from my travels. I will post those that I am not too ashamed of.

I just decided to string this trip together at the last minute. I kind of like the feeling I get of flying by the seat of my pants.

While far from anyone's dream destination, this is the place I called home for the first 18 years of my life and about a year when I was 22. Funny how much I wanted to leave there when I was younger, but now I can look back and appreciate how it made me into the person I am today.

I had to get a multi-entry Turkish visa as precaution while living in Naxcivan. I never got the chance to use it until March, 2007. I wish I was able to spend time in Turkey.