The two links at the bottom of this post relate to projects that are beginning in or will possibly occur. These are not development projects, of the sort that Peace Corps generally becomes involved with, but they are of interest, particularly to someone who has been involved in the development of the country and seen the difference between the regions and the capital.

Even in the past year that I have been here, Azerbaijan, and Baku in particular, has changed drastically. New buildings are constantly being constructed, mostly to be new stores, but also apartments, offices, and hotels. In Baku, anticipation for Eurovision is accelerating. The representative for Azerbaijan has been chosen, and search for a song is now underway. A side note, two PCVs participated in the contest to be selected to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision contest, and while they only finished 8 out of 9 in their week (of seven weeks), they brought some wonderful attention to Peace Corps.

The song that started it all: This is their first music video which launched them to international fame.

Introduction Video/In Azerbaijan: For Eurovision, they filmed this video introducing themselves and included a new video clip, which involved filming at the new cultural arts center that is under construction.

Payiz Geldi: The second night at Eurovision, all the contestants performed traditional Azeri music.

Baku Girls: The third night of the competition.

Final Night: On the final night of the competition, they were joined on stage by a whole host of other PCVs who were in town for the week for our group's mid-service conference.

As Azerbaijan barrels towards hosting the event, and endeavors to put its best foot forward, the country’s enthusiasm has grown exponentially, and the government has made bigger and grander changes and projects. Here are two proposals:

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2012/02/azerbaijan-build-one-kilometer-tall-skyscraper/1188/#.TzY33y7U--c.facebook

http://www.news.az/articles/54051

Regardless of what projects are completed in time, and which remain for the future, being here in Azerbaijan at this time is certainly interesting. While most of the changes are focused in Baku, even the regions of Azerbaijan are getting in on the building. Ismayilli has finished its Great Wall of Hiding Trash, and a new row of shops is on its way.