The Caucasus Mountains and Day Devoted to Oil

By Adele Gallogly:

On Sunday, July 13^th we explored and had a fascinating excursion in the Caucuses mountains. We had a chance to discover the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex. This visit offered us the chance to learn more about the history of Azerbaijan. In addition, we had a chance to discover the Caucuses mountains.

The mountains are incredibly beautiful. It was amazing to take an excursion in a gondola which brought us to the top of one of the mountains which led us to get a spectacular view of the mountains. It was also very nice to have a chance to view the towns and countryside as we traveled to our destination. I greatly enjoyed my experience discovering the Caucuses mountains.

I was greatly looking forward to hearing Dr. Brenda Shaffer speak on Monday, July 14^th . I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear her speak at American University regarding the future of Oil and Energy and looked forward to hearing her in Baku. The presentation was excellent and offered us the opportunity to learn more about energy security and the energy politics of major powers. It was very interesting to learn more about global trends in terms of the use of oil and natural gas. I also very much enjoyed having the opportunity to hear from Mr. Shamar Movsumov, regarding (SOFAZ) the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan.  I am very much looking forward to the program tomorrow on the International Politics of Energy.

Focus on the Environment and Trip to Mud Volcanoes

By Adele Gallogly:

On July 11^th, 2014, we had an opportunity to take a tour of a Waste to Energy Plant. It was very interesting to discover the plant and learn more about it’s operations. 

We then met as a group for lunch. Following the lunch we had the opportunity to attend a very interesting session on the effects of Global Climate Change on the Caspian Basin. It was a great experience having the chance to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and on how the Caspian region has been impacted by climate change over the years. In the evening, we had the chance to gather as a group and discover a historic pub in the city of Baku. The following day we had an excursion to Gobustan. It was very interesting to discover the museum of Gobustan as well as discover the mud volcanoes. It was an amazing experience getting the chance to view the rock engravings which can be viewed in Gobustan.  It was an incredibly beautiful excursion and a wonderful opportunity to visit the surrounding areas.    

Baku Summer Energy School: The first few days

By Adele Gallogly:

The first few days of the course have been a fascinating experience. Upon arriving at ADA University, I was very excited for the class to begin and loved getting the chance to discover the campus of ADA University. We have had a chance to hear from multiple excellent speakers on a range of topics. On Monday, July 7^th, 2014 we heard from Dr. Manfred Hafner regarding the geological aspects of oil and natural gas production as well as from the Vice President of SOCAR on Geology, Geophysics, and Field Development. On Tuesday, July 8^th, we had a chance to hear from the Deputy General Director of OGPC as well as guest speaker Ambassador Steven Mann. On Wednesday, July 9^th a group of us had a chance to discover the Sangachal Oil Terminal and BTC pipeline. We had a fascinating experience getting a chance to visit the museum and view the source of major pipelines in the region.

On returning to the hotel we prepared for a reception where we had a chance to meet diplomats posted in Azerbaijan. It was great to meet representatives from different countries around the world and to hear more about their experiences in the country. We had a chance to try various delicious dishes. It was also very nice to get a chance to discover more of downtown Baku. On Thursday, July 10^th, 2014 we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Stephen Dow regarding the legal frameworks which are of significant importance in the exploration and production of energy resources. I am very much looking forward to the program of Friday, July 11^th, on Energy and the Environment!

First Weekend and Field Trips

By Adele Gallogly:

The first weekend of my arrival in Baku was a wonderful experience. On the second day of our trip we were given a tour of the Old City of Baku. We had a chance to learn more about the fascinating history of Baku and the Oil Barons. The architecture is very beautiful in the city and it has been very interesting to learn more about both Baku and Tbilisi and the changes that the cities have experienced over the years.

On the day of our tour we also had a chance to try a traditional meal in the Old Town of Baku. The meal offered us the opportunity to try all these delicious dishes from Azerbaijan. I also had a chance to hear more about the backgrounds and experiences of my fellow classmates who have had very interesting experiences in the U.S. and around the world. Following this meal, we were given a tour of the Bibi-Heybat oil fields and mosque. It was very interesting to view all the pump jacks, as well as enter the beautiful mosque. At the end of the day, a group of us had the opportunity to explore the hotel where we had arrived and try a meal from a beautiful restaurant which overlooks the Caspian Sea.

Arrival in Baku

By Adele Gallogly:

Arriving in Baku, on July 4^th, 2014 was a very exciting experience. After having spent a wonderful time in Tbilisi, Georgia, I was very much looking forward to further discovering the Caucasus region and to discovering Azerbaijan. In the internship position, which I held with Transparency International Georgia, I had the opportunity to learn more about and contribute to the projects of the organization. I had a chance to assist during local elections with the monitoring of election activities on June 15^th, 2014. It was an incredible experience having the opportunity to live in Georgia during the elections and to assist the organization during this period. 

While in Tbilisi, I had a chance to meet and work with colleagues from Georgia and around the world. I had a chance to discover the beautiful Old Town of Tbilisi and Narikala Fortress with my fellow interns.  I also learned from my Georgian colleagues more about the traditional food and culture. I had a chance to try fantastic dishes such as khachapuri and also really enjoyed working with my colleagues and learning more about the work of Transparency International Georgia.

It was very interesting arriving in Baku after my time spent in Georgia. On the evening of our welcome reception, I had an opportunity to meet so many wonderful people from countries around the world.  I had a chance to try fantastic cuisine from Azerbaijan. It was great to have a chance to meet my fellow classmates and to hear more about their experiences prior to arriving in Baku.