Located in the Lankaran district of Azerbaijan, the Xanbulana lake is an enclosed water reservoir surrounded by a vast forest area. The lake is a great scenic and picnic spot for families, friends, and even couples. Anyone who wants to see and explore the hills and natural lakes of this region must visit this lake and soak in its serenity and calmness. One has to walk down many flights of steps to reach the edge of the lake, and I managed to do just that. We stopped for a while for tea and chocolate. This was served to us near the lake, and I indulged in some cake as I admired the view and the peace that it brought to my heart.
This region is also called Astara, and its mountain ranges are vast and green. I was soon tempted by Asia to take a horse ride up and down the hills of the vast forest that surrounded the lake. I jumped at the thought and was soon sitting on top of a mountain horse, being guided by the horseman. I was now moving up the mountain terrain into thick forest areas, and I was loving the adventure.
I settled well with the horse and soon was able to explore the forest more deeply. I felt like a child again, young and full of pride. I managed to get pictures of myself on the horse and even enjoyed the trek up the mountain. It was steep and upwards, and it did leave me a bit short of breath, but I was proud I walked all the way up a steep mountain from this grand lake. It was a great evening, and the lake had calmed me down a bit. I felt more sure of myself, deep into the heartland of Turkish, Jayish, and Sunni Muslim culture. Astara and Lankaran are also very significant in their strategic location. The city is next to the Iranian border and thus has to be protected and guarded. There is a long-rooted history of strong army barracks and military presence in Lankaran.
We moved on and drove further, now deep into the village and farmlands of Archivan. This is a farmland area where people farm in this part of Azerbaijan. They grow chickens, ducks, and cultivate sheep to get by. They also have cows to provide milk and dung. We were crossing deep through the countryside of Lankaran. After passing through lush green farmland and dozens of cows and flocks of sheep, we finally arrived at another fascinating place called Yanar Bulac. This place is quite fascinating. It has a pump in the middle of its courtyard that pushes jets of cold water from its taps. The only thing is that the water is methane-heavy, so if one lights a match on the gushing stream of water, it lights up into orange flames of fire. So, on one side, cold water is gushing out, and on the other, flames of fire lap up into the air. I managed to get some great pictures which I would like you to see and admire for their visual appeal.
It was crazy to see water and fire mingle together with ease as if they were one or part of the same coin, just two different sides. I moved around this rhythmic dance of water and fire as if I were a mythic or a Shaman. It was getting late but still not sunset. Usain then, on a spur, decided to take me to the Iran border and show me the fencing around the border area. It’s a preset place to get a peek into Iran and its border towns and cities. I was there in half an hour, strolling next to the Iran border, and I managed to get some great pics even through the barbed wires and fencing around the area. So sit back and enjoy the videos and some breathtaking pictures.