Azerbaijan > Stuck on the Caspian Sea

Last night, the ferry did not move. We are still lying off the coast of Azerbaijan. Completely still. Once again, the truck drivers suggest that it might happen this afternoon, but no one really seems to know. We also don’t know for sure whether we are waiting for better weather or if it’s a matter of Turkmen formalities. The latter seems most likely, although the drivers point to the choppy water. Morning turns into afternoon. Afternoon turns into evening. Nothing happens. For two days now, we have been motionless on the Caspian Sea. No idea when the ferry will start moving. We use the time to check Brutus. We top up the oil level under the car and check the fluid levels under the hood.

Azerbaijan - The rescue boat of the Berkarar ferry

All reservoirs are still full. We set up our own little table again and prepare several instant meals with hot water. These meals still seem better than what is being prepared in the ship’s kitchen. Everyone seems to be settling in for another night in this spot. In the evening, I get into conversation with the ship’s loaders. Ali speaks a little English. He proudly tells me that he is getting married in July. I show him and his friends our travel route. They insist that I drink tea with them. I also talk with Drako, the only other Western tourist on board. He comes from Croatia. Because of the delay, his onward trip through Turkmenistan is at risk. His total journey is only twelve days. Hopefully, for him and for us, we will start sailing soon. Ali hopes we will depart tomorrow morning. I’ve heard so many different times by now that I don’t expect anything, as I crawl into my cabin for the third night in a row.