The Lada Legend: The Colonel Goes Down the Aisle - Part 2

The Colonel turned some heads that day. Some were purely congratulatory that two people were getting married, while others were flat-out incredulous that such a car would be chosen. The most common response was a chuckle, but we got a few "thumbs up" and other congratulatory words. It was only when we made it to Baku that people really started to notice.

One of the special requests made by Kyle and Leyla was that Amy drive them to the sea port. The latter, who had not been in Xachmaz, was busy getting her hair done in true local wedding style (that is to say, extensions and glitter) while we were on our way to Baku. The contradiction to local wedding transportation norms was frightening. Not only were we using a thirty year old car, but a woman was driving it. I bet that's the first time that has ever happened.

With Amy at the helm, we started the fifteen minute ride to the seaport. Traffic was surprisingly heavy, so it gave people a good chance to look at our car and see what was going on. The first incident involved two men and a woman sitting in a newer Lada. As they passed us, the two passengers immediately whipped out their cell phone cameras. The woman soon stopped because she was laughing uncontrollably. It then dawned on the driver that the guy next to him should take out his giant television camera and film what was going on. What he was doing with such a camera we will never know.

Further along, people honked and offered their congratulations. We heard the words "Nice car!" in Russian, Azerbaijani, and English multiple times. Once we hit the bulvar (the street that runs along the sea), it was gridlock. The second incident saw a driver of a big SUV laugh and then strike up a conversation with us.

"Congratulations. Where is the wedding?"
"Thanks. It's at the seaport."
"Where?"
"The seaport."
"They have weddings at the seaport?!?!"
"Yep, they do now."

Under normal circumstances, the wedding car would arrive at the wedding palace after most of the guests and would make a grand entrance. This was a bit different. Since the sea port isn't designed for such occasions, there isn't really any place to "make a grand entrance." Instead, we parked in one of the parking places, got out, took some pictures, and went inside. The Colonel was left to be admired by passersby. Later, we even noticed people stopping to take pictures with it.

The wedding itself was wonderful. Seven hours later, the Colonel fulfilled its final duty: dropping the newly married couple at their new home. A happy end to one of the Colonel's best days.