Working for Offsideplus Media, it has been a routine to attend at least one game on every matchday. It affords me the opportunity to meet a lot of people in the football circle. Nice and accommodative colleagues and football administrators I must add.

A few days ago, I decided to break from the routine. My wish to see other parts of Azerbaijan came alive, so Gabala was the idle choice. Gabala is a city in northern Azerbaijan and a popular tourist destination. It also attracted my attention because it is the ancestral home of Azerbaijan Premier League side Gabala Sport Club and my compatriot James Adeniyi plays there.

To make my journey and stay in Gabala easier, I contacted the press secretary of Gabala SC Anar Haciyev. He was helpful and confirmed that the club will accommodate me.

Gabala was billed to host Sabail Professional Football Club in the matchday 19 encounter of the premier league on Tuesday, but I left for Gabala on Monday morning. The journey lasted approximately four hours and it’s one I will not forget in a hurry.

When I got to the International Bus Terminal, I found out that there was no bus going to Gabala. It was a public holiday to commemorate International Women’s Day. There were other taxis in the vicinity. On seeing me, a number of drivers rushed towards me. Some wanted to exploit me. One of the drivers said it will cost me 100 menat to Gabala. I heard others mention 70, 60 menat. From my earlier inquiries, the fare ranges from 10 to 15 menat. At last, I found a taxi which was heading to Gabala and it had three passengers already. I joined as the fourth person and we took off. I paid 20 menat.

The city of Gabala has some beautiful scenery and landscapes that remind one of the weights of nature. On getting to Gabala, I was lodged at Gabala Hotel.

That evening, despite the fact it was snowing and cold, I went to a restaurant in the city center to have a taste of some local cuisine. It was a nice time as I met some indigenes who were pleased to see me. My Azerbaijani is bad, their English is bad but we communicated, laughed, and drank beer.

The next morning, I had breakfast and took a stroll around the city. The highlight of the afternoon was my visit to Gabala Shooting Club. It was an experience I had been waiting for. I bought some bullets and went up the mountain for a shooting exercise. I shot a few bullets with a Kalashnikov also known as an AK-47. After the shooting, I stayed back for a while to enjoy the overview.

At this point, I noticed I had caught a cold. It was -1 °C. I decided to go to the stadium earlier than planned so that I can get some warmth. I was lucky to be offered tea by Anar who was already at the stadium getting set for the game.

All through the game which ended in a 1-1 draw, I was sick and couldn't even concentrate. I drank cups of hot tea but there was little improvement as the weather got colder.

After the game, I went for the press conference and afterward met James Adeniyi for a quick chat.

The Team Manager of Gabala took me to the terminal where I got a cab heading to Baku. This time there was no drama and negotiations. I paid 15 menat for the normal fare. The journey back to Baku was not funny because I had a terrible cold. I was shivering. As soon as we got to Baku, I got some drugs, ate at a Cafe around 20 January Metro Station before going home.

In all, my trip to Gabala was worth it.