When the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy acquired a three-story, store front building to call home for the next two years while its new campus is being developed, the Mayor of Baku promised to give the neighborhood a facelift. In less than a month’s time, that’s what he’s done! 
What’s been done to this building across the street is being done all up and down the block.
My colleagues, Ambassador Pashayev included, held a farewell dinner for me Wednesday night at the very posh Crescent Beach Club on the Caspian Sea. 
Toasts were exchanged across the tables for some two hours as we dined on Beijing Duck, sturgeon in champagne sauce, and french apple pie. The sentiments expressed to me, and directed toward Roberta who visited three weeks ago, were very touching. These are special folks, and I realized how closely attached we had become in such a short period of time. I assured them that Azerbaijan now would have two ambassadors in Washington DC. My return trip, Baku-Heathrow-Dulles, begins early Saturday morning.
Jim,
I’m going to miss your blog. It’s been a treat to follow along on your adventure in Baku. But the bigger treat is going to be having you back home. It’s going to be a feast of gratitude being together again for Thanksgiving. It’s delicious to think about counting all our blessings!
Say goodbye to your wonderful ADA group, and thank them for taking such good care of you! Tell them I look forward to our paths crisscrossing again. Next time on this side of the pond?
Much much love,
Roberta