First trip to Baku — Day Four

Yesterday was a busy “business” day. Lots of listening to the consultant talk about Banner functionality and not much else. We have had lunch each day in the student cafeteria, mainly because it has been raining so much and it’s only a short dash to the next building. This food is a blend of hot and cold foods and includes pizza and french fries if you want. I also found my first Coke Zero there! Yay…I was really needing something different.

Sleep has been pretty random. Waking up at midnight and then not falling back asleep for a couple of hours at least. I will probably just be adjusted to this and then be on the return trip home!

I must say there is lots of confusion, lots of energy and some anxiety among the participants here. Very much like my experience years ago when we implemented Banner at ODU. The system is very sophisticated and what staff have used here is a much simpler system. I think there are engaged people, but their technical skills seem somewhat limited. (Banner speak here, but tables and how they are maintained has been quite a topic.)

The photos below: Raven, a surprisingly large bird that is the symbol of ADA University, the School of Business Building, Student Center and Library. This is a small campus, but the buildings are beautiful and beautifully furnished and equipped. Modern everywhere!

Dinner tonight is to be in a traditional Turkish/Azerbaijani restaurant. I’ll see what that will bring and let you know!