On February 8th, we landed at Vnukovo International Airport
in Moscow. As you can see in the photo, we were greeted by a freezing cold that
instantly reminded us we were far from Istanbul. The sharp air, the
snow-covered surroundings—it all set the tone for what was about to be an
unforgettable business trip.
Our first task was simple but essential: topping up our
Russian phone line and calling a taxi. These days, it’s not easy to get a new
SIM card in Russia, so we had to make do with what we already had. Once that
was sorted, we headed straight to our hotel in the city center.
We stayed at the Suschevsky Safmar Hotel, and I must say—it
was truly impressive. Comfortable, well-located, and exactly what we needed
before the busy days ahead.
That evening, our boss—who clearly knows good taste—took us
to an Azerbaijani restaurant. Having lived in Azerbaijan for years, I can honestly
say I’ve experienced authentic cuisine. But even with that background, the
flavors we tasted that night were on another level. The meat was unbelievably
delicious—so much so that it genuinely left me speechless (and, honestly,
craving more).
We started our second day with a rich breakfast at the
hotel, gathering energy for the long and exciting day ahead. With the help of
Ekaterina, one of the reception staff, I quickly got familiar with Moscow’s
metro system—a city within a city, complex yet fascinating.
Back in our room, we carefully prepared the products we would be showcasing at the exhibition. Once everything was ready, we took a taxi and headed toward the fairground.
As we approached the venue, one structure in particular
caught my attention: the concert hall named after Muslim Magomayev. Seeing his
name instantly reminded me of his grave in Baku, bringing back memories from my
years there. It was a brief but meaningful moment of nostalgia before stepping
into the fast-paced world of the exhibition.
Once inside, the atmosphere was vibrant and dynamic. We had
the opportunity to explore a wide range of brands, especially from Asian
countries and Turkey. It was inspiring to see such diversity gathered under one
roof, each stand telling its own story through products and people.
After a productive and fulfilling day, I returned to the
hotel—just as you can see in the photo—carrying bags filled with materials and
experiences from the fair. But the day wasn’t over yet.
In fact, the night was just beginning.
Hi, Lenin 👋 It's nice to see you !
We had made plans to meet friends I had met the previous
year. Our meeting point: the iconic Red Square. After sitting down together,
sharing a meal, and catching up, we wandered through the city, soaking in
Moscow’s night atmosphere. The lights, the streets, the energy—it all felt
alive.
Не имей сто рублей а имей сто друзей !
Eventually, they kindly dropped me off at the hotel,
bringing an end to a long yet unforgettable day.
By the second day of the exhibition, I started to feel much
more at ease. The initial pressure was gone, and I found my rhythm—especially
when communicating in Russian. Speaking with visitors and translating for my
manager became more natural, and with each conversation, my confidence grew.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was experiencing
the wide variety of products showcased at Prodexpo. As you can see in the
photos, I had the chance to taste many different items. But I wasn’t just
tasting them for enjoyment—I was trying to understand their ingredients, how
they were produced, and what made each one unique. It was a learning experience
as much as it was a sensory one.
Of course, we also had the opportunity to collect samples
from certain brands and engage in meaningful business discussions. Each
interaction added a new layer to the overall experience, helping us better
understand the market and potential opportunities.
After a long and productive day, I returned to the hotel.
Sitting down with a cup of coffee, I took some time to reflect and analyze the
day—what went well, what could be improved, and how we could make the most of
the remaining time at the exhibition.
It was a quiet but valuable moment, turning experience into
insight.
Final Day: A Warm Goodbye to Moscow
On my final day in Moscow, the pace slowed down, leaving
room for reflection and small, meaningful moments. Before heading back, I took
some time to buy souvenirs for my loved ones—simple gifts carrying pieces of
the city with them.
We also visited a dear friend of mine who works in Moscow.
It was a special reunion, one of those moments that reminds you how connections
built over time and across countries never truly fade.
During our visit, I had the chance to enjoy one of my
all-time favorite dishes from Azerbaijani cuisine: Yaprak Hengeli. The taste
instantly took me back to my years in Baku—familiar, comforting, and
unforgettable.
After a warm conversation and shared memories, it was time
to move on. We made our way to Vnukovo International Airport, where this
journey had first begun.
Now, it was time to return home.
As I left Moscow behind, I carried more than just luggage—I
carried experiences, new connections, and a deeper sense of growth. From the
cold arrival to the vibrant days at Prodexpo, this trip was more than a
business visit. It was a journey of learning, culture, and personal
development.
And just like that, another chapter came to an end—leaving
behind memories that will stay with me for a long time.
