Saturday, 26 April 2008 |
Today the players had a break after their 5th round. Some of them decided to relax, and some of them have enjoyed the beautiful city of Baku. First stop was a carpet house in the centre. Let us join them and see what our stars were doing...
The journey started with a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/free_day_carpet_company3.JPG)
A view on the entrance of the carpet house.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/free_day_carpet_company1.JPG)
Women are weaving a carpet - not an easy job!
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/free_day_carpet_company2.JPG)
And our stars are watching.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/free_day_carpet_company4.JPG)
It is time to see examples of products that are finished.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/free_day_carpet_company5.JPG)
FIDE President Assistant Berik Balgabaev is writing his impression in the guest book.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/sehitlik1.JPG)
Next stop is the martyrdom of Baku. Besides many graves of civil people who died on 20 January 1990, the park has a fantastic view of Baku Bay and the hills.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/sehitlik2.JPG)
Here the chess players walk along the graves and are clearly impressed.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/sehitlik3.JPG)
Elisabeth Polihroniade, Deputy Arbiter, puts a red flower on a grave.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/sehitlikaniti.JPG)
The war monument with inside an eternal flame.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/sehitlikatesi.JPG)
The flame probably symbolises the eternal memories of living people, who will never forget about their citizens.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/viewofbaku.JPG)
Baku, pearl of the Khazar Sea!
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/nationalassembly.JPG)
The National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, just next to the martyrdom.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/lunch_in_kervansaray.JPG)
A delicous traditional Azeri lunch - wouldn't you like to be in Baku?
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/familyphoto2.JPG)
A family photo in front of the restaurant, named 'Karvan Sara' which means Caravan Palace
Football Match at 18:00
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch1.JPG)
A footbal match is a tradition during chess tournaments. Azeri players and organisers unified a team versus guest stars, seconds and officers. In other words: a true Azerbaijan - Rest of the World match!
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch2.JPG)
We were told that Berik Balgabaev is very promising football player.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch4.JPG)
On the right, GM Vugar Gashimov is watching the developments at the middle field; on his left Sasha Girschuk is checking the possibilities in this situation.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch5.JPG)
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch6.JPG)
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_910.JPG)
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch7.JPG)
The banner behind says: 'Beden terbiyesi ve idman ümümxalq harekatına çevrilmelidir. Haydar Aliyev' Emminent leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev says that 'Sports and physical exercise should be transformed to general people movement'
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatchsvidler1.JPG)
Svidler, an excellent goal keeper!
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_aliyev_words.JPG)
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_9_penalties1.JPG)
Because the match finished 7-7, penalties are going to decided the match. Here Gashimov is shooting.
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_9_penalties_Grischuk.JPG)
Sasha shooting, sure to score!
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_grischuk.JPG)
Looking to the score board, or listening to the referee?
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_subsitutues.JPG)
Berik Balgabaev, Peter Doggers, Etienne Bacrot, relaxing...
![Image Image](http://baku2008.fide.com/images/stories/freeday_photos/futballmatch_whiteteam_wins.JPG)
The guest team won, so good hospitality on this field too!
|