Spanish linguist: "People are the main treasure of Azerbaijan"

Recently Azerbaijani minister of education Mikail Dzhabbarov said that the ministry will invite foreign experts to teach in the country's universities. "In the framework of the new state program we plan to invite foreign professors to Azerbaijan. They will not only teach but also be involved in research and in devising new curricula," Dzhabbarov said. There are already some foreign scholars in Azerbaijan. Vestnik Kavkaza talked to a Spanish linguist Emmanuel Arcon who teaches in one of Baku's universities. He shared his impressions of Azerbaijan, its people and traditions.

- Emmanuel, please tell us about yourself.

- I was born in Zaragoza in Spain and received a degree in English philology. I also studied German, French and Russian. Then I studied in London, Dresden and Moscow, then in China, then I went back to Spain where I taught in a college. Afterwards I made a break in my teaching career because I got interested in computers, for several years worked as a system administrator in one international company. And then I came to Baku.

- When did you come to Baku? For how long have you been here?

- I came to Baku to visit my friends. I liked the city a lot and decided to live here for a while. It took me just one month to find a job, so since then I have been teaching English and Spanish at the Western University. I have been working there with great pleasure so far.

- Do you like Baku?

- Yes, I like it a lot. The city center, the boulevard, the old town, the fortress and the Maiden Tower - these are all beautiful and interesting places, which everyone has to visit. But I was just stunned by the hospitality of Azerbaijani people. I found many new friends who have helped me a lot. I would not have stayed and worked here, had it not been for them. I would say that people are the main treasure of Baku and Azerbaijan.

- Did you get used to Azeri cuisine?

- It did not require an effort, it is so tasty that I immediately fell in love with it. Azeris, just like Spanish people, love to eat. I particularly love the lamb dishes here - kufta, dolma, chanakhi, kebab, I can't remember them all. And I like qutabs - it is a very fast and tasty meal, like fast-food, but from natural products. One does not have to adjust to many things in Baku. It is a democratic city, there are many foreign restaurants. I know two excellent Spanish restaurants, but also other places with good international cuisine.

- To which city would you compare Baku?

- I think Baku is quite unique - its architecture, its colors, its soul. But some places do remind me of other places I have been to. The metro in Baku resembles the one in Moscow. The seaside and the boulevard sometimes reminds me of Hong Kong  - because of its fascinating modern buildings and bright light. I like walking around Baku, to smell the sea and watch the city.

- What is the main difference between students in Azerbaijan and in Europe, in your opinion?

- Azerbaijani students behave very well and are very respectful towards their professors. One finds this rarely in many European countries. Many Azerbaijani students would be just perfect if they studied more. But of course, when you are young and there are many young people around you, it is difficult to study as much as the teacher wants.

- Do you feel that the city is preparing for the European Games?

- Yes, clearly, many people are really looking forward to them. This is not surprising, because young people here love sports. Young men like various martial arts, several among my students are practicing them. Many students do jogging. In general, sport receives a lot of attention in Azerbaijan. You notice it especially when you turn on the TV - from athletics to football, from chess to rhythmic gymnastics.  I really like the Azerbaijani team in rhythmic gymnastics. I wish all athletes to win many medals at the coming games.

- Have you been to any other cities in Azerbaijan?

- Yes, I have been to Quba and Sheki. I liked both of them. Especially I was surprised by Sheki with its Khan Palace with multicolored windows. People there make such windows to this day. And the building itself does not have single nail. I think that the locals have a great sense of humor, they make very funny jokes. And they have very tasty khalva, different from khalva in Baku, although I like that one more.  Quba is remarkable for its nature - high mountains, fast rivers. And of course, apples. The tastiest apples in Azerbaijan.

- How do you normally spend your free time?

- I have many good friends here and thanks to them I organized myself an enjoyable life in Baku. When I have free time, we eat out or drink tea and talk. And of course I like to travel. I think we will make some weekend trip with my friends very soon.