Purchased our ticket for the ferry crossing from Viktoriya. The instruction was given to go to the port immediately because the ferry would take three hours to load. Once the freight was loaded we could load our bikes and we would be allocated a cabin.
Down we went to the port as instructed. Reported to the police check point - our ferry had not even arrived at the port so there would be a wait. We parked our bikes and commenced the wait under a Mulberry tree.
We had to wait ten hours before we could get onto the ferry and in the meantime we got to watch how the port of Baku operated. There was plenty going on and it seemed all so disorganised and chaotic. 
Old diesel locomotives loading cargo ships with railway carriages loaded with oil tanks. Ancient trucks spewing diesel fumes coming and going.
Women operating a cottage industry drying and sorting wool clippings. Their home located between two railway tracks.
While we were waiting a young Frenchman turned up to wait for the Kazakhstan ferry. He was riding a Ural with sidecar. He spoke six languages amongst them Russian. The issue of his motorcycle permit being issued for three days only came up. He was rejected and told to go to Head Quarters to pay the fine. Does this happen to every tourist with a motorcycle.
When it came time for us to load our bikes and ourselves we had to go through immigration, customs and police checks all over again. Police were fine - they simply entered our details into a register. Customs was a problem only because of the individual involved. A fat older man apparently not happy with life treated us with disdain. Not happy that we didn't speak Russian amongst other things. At one stage he yelled at Jim to stand to attention - please get real - big hat syndrome.
The Immigration official was a gentleman in contrast. He provided a professional and courteous service.
Oh by the way before you load your bike there is a "bridge fee" to pay in US dollars. Yeah OK I am starting to get the drift.
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