Flaming Mountain

 Sometimes when we are traveling I am reminded that we most definitely are NOT in the United States anymore.  The norms for tourist safety are non-existent in many countries.  The flaming mountain or Yanar Dag was a perfect example of this. Here we could walk right up to this 10 yard long wall of flame, continually burning.  No guard rails anywhere.  And then we could climb right up on the little hill above the flames where you could go on a donkey cart ride it you so desired!  Again no guard rails to be seen.

In the 13th century when Marco Polo visited this area, he mentioned numerous mysterious flames that could be seen.  The flames of Azerbaijan can be attributed to the enormous natural gas reserves. Local lore states that it was a shepherd that accidentally ignited this fire in the 1950s by tossing a cigarette, and that it has burnt ever since.  And I guess they haven't roasted a tourist yet!  Although it was hot enough that Katherine and I felt pretty toasted!