Hi
I am visiting Baku next week to meet with a prospective employer but I am looking for ideas about Baku and what it is like for families.
I have read on various government websites that Baku has various illness issues, petty crime such as pickpocketing and ocassionally muggings in dimly lit areas of the city or near expat apartments in the centre of the city.
Is it a safe environment for a female expat to walk down the street pushing a young baby without getting any hassle or trouble from local gangs of youths?
Is it safe to walk down the street using a mobile without drawing the wrong kind of interest?
What is living like and the conditions? What is the cost of living?
What are the hospitals like? I have heard some stories that hospitals are way below normal standards?
What are the stories regarding the local police / military regarding stopping you and having to pay bribes. What is this for?
What is there to do on an evening and weekends with a young daughter?
Are the beaches good and is the sea ok to swim in? I have seen something regarding oil in the Caspian Sea.
Are cars cheap or is it better to get a driver?
These are just a few questions, I am sure I will have more this week and after my visit.
Any responses would be very much appreciated, thanks in advance.
Thanks
Graham