Hello to my fabulous viewers eagerly anticipating the wacky escapades of Day 5! So, picture this: we woke up in a hotel in Gabala (the name is as forgettable as my memory). We jumped into the shower, but the water heater had other plans, treating us to a hot-cold spa experience that felt more like a surprise party gone rogue! After our refreshing rollercoaster, we ventured out for breakfast.
Let’s just say the options were about as plentiful as a diet at a chocolate festival—so I went for the classic combo of pizza, parota, and egg. Once we made our culinary masterpiece disappear, we packed up faster than you can say “check-out time,” then struck a pose with some stunning cherry blossom-like flowers that clearly had more Instagram followers than I do!
Then, we loaded our luggage into our van, embarking on our grand adventure to Baku today. Our first stop was the Seven Beautiful Waterfalls—because why not start our tour with something that sounds like a fairy tale? The view was so stunning, I half-expected a nymph to pop out and offer us tea. We trudged to the top, making sure to awkwardly splash our hands in the running water because, let’s be honest, who can resist?
At this point, I had firmly decided to stay back, but I suddenly found myself ascending the hill like I was on a reality show challenge; I swear my feet had a mind of their own! That view was so breathtaking, I might have shed a tear—or was it just the mist? We snapped a few photos worthy of a magazine cover and then trooped back down to rejoin our group, only to realize we had all collectively just conquered the most glorified stair stepper ever.
Then we piled into our van like a bunch of excited squirrels and headed to the Gabala shooting range! I was sooo pumped for this adventure because, guess what? They had archery! Now, I don’t exactly dabble in archery myself, but I’ve read enough about it to almost qualify as a professional expert!
But first, the adults got their moment to shine, blasting away with guns and shotguns like they were in some action movie. Then it was the kids’ turn! They handed us a paper, the target looking at us like it was all too easy. I managed to get 4 to 5 bullets in the black circle, which is basically my version of scoring a winning goal!
Then it was time for Archery! I was super excited, practically bouncing off the walls. As luck would have it, I was called first—probably because they wanted to witness my imminent archery greatness (or comedic failure). I loaded my arrows like a pro and almost hit a bull’s eye! Then it was the kids’ turn, followed by some very brave adults who clearly didn’t mind risking their dignity.
After our glorious displays of skill, we plopped down in the lounge area, waiting for the uncles to finish paying for their wild off-road escapades. Just when I thought it was safe, my mom instructed me to vacate the sofa. Confused, I stood up and—surprise!—there was a cat hiding under me! I sat on a cat! Talk about a surprise guest! This gave me a minor heart attack and left me questioning my life choices!
Then we went off-road driving, which was like a roller coaster but without the safety harness! I squeezed into the front seat with my sister and dad, and we had a blast—like, literally, at one point I thought we might take off! After conquering the wild terrain, we returned to the van while the adults had a shoe-washing party for our muddy footwear, which, let’s be honest, they were more excited about than we were. Then it was full throttle to Baku!
We made a pit stop at the legendary RAJA RESTAURANT, where we dined like kings on cumin rice, naan, roti, chapati, paneer butter masala, dal tadka, and spaghetti—because, obviously, we needed an Italian twist! With our bellies bursting, we hopped back into the van. On our way, my mom decided to interview our driver about the entire history, laws, and regulations of Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, knowing we’d be starving by the time we reached the hotel, the adults ordered chicken burgers from McDonald’s online—because nothing says “cultural immersion” like fast food!
When we finally rolled into the Diamond hotel, we dashed to our rooms and devoured the chicken burgers like they were the last supper. Meanwhile, the adults, in their infinite wisdom, decided sandwiches were a better choice and promptly regretted it as they waited an eternity—I’m pretty sure the sandwich could have been a contestant on “The Amazing Race”!
While they were in the restaurant engaging in cardio by waiting, we kids hijacked a room to binge-watch TV like it was our day job. Curiously, the adults entrusted me with the prestigious title of babysitter—clearly, they had low standards. Eventually, the adults stumbled back to our rooms and crashed, dreaming of tomorrow’s grand adventures—but plot twist: tomorrow, we’re trading adventures for the UAE!
And now, folks, brace yourselves for today’s masterpiece of picture-taking! Don’t just enjoy them, revel in the pixelated glory!
See you guys tomorrow! Unless, of course, I get abducted by aliens or mistaken for a lost sock—then it might be a minute!
The End
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