There are moments when travel is not about discovering a new city, but about rediscovering yourself.
When the World Urban Forum was held in Baku, I found myself at a crossroads. Despite working within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, I felt increasingly disconnected from the urban design aspirations that first drew me into the built environment. My career was progressing, but not in the direction I had imagined.
I had originally planned to spend my annual leave attending this event and exploring opportunities. Instead, circumstances changed, plans were withdrawn, and frustration accumulated.
Yet I went to Baku anyway even the convention ended.
For four days, Baku became less of a destination and more of a place to pause, reflect, and observe.
As Kevin Lynch wrote in The Image of the City, cities leave impressions on us through their structure, legibility, and character. What struck me about Baku was not a single landmark, but the collective image the city projected.
An image of order.
An image of confidence.
An image of civic pride.