The Armchair Traveler

Last year due to Covid19 I had to cancel a long trip I had planned to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; the South Caucus. As a second best I decided to read Thomas de Waal's book "The Caucasus. An Introduction" and I am so glad that I did. Well written and engaging, we get a vivid and clear minded explanation of the complex history of this region. But it is much more than that. We get to understand the richness and diversity of the different cultures and their development, from Yerevan, the Armenian capital where time seems to be standing still, to Azerbaijan benefiting from its oil boom, and where Baku jazz has a long traditions. It reads in part almost like a serious 'study' of these countries with the amount of political detail provided, but it is well balanced by other interesting items and lesser known facts that draw the reader in. I can't wait to buy my air tickets and finally get to taste some real Georgian wine.