Wonders of Georgia (Guest Series: 20)

Seven Days across Georgia

I will always remember 27th of December as the day we fulfilled yet another travel dream. Years of waiting, hunting for affordable plane tickets and five hours on the bus and we were finally there-the heart of Georgia -Tbilisi. 

We have left our backpacks at our flat and started strolling through the city. First impressions-mad drivers, amazing architecture and our first 'SUPRA'( dinner ). By accident we have found a small, inconspicuous looking restaurant, owned by an older Georgian Couple. Using first, English (not a word was useful), German, body language and finally Polish we have managed to order something to eat. What we did not know at that time was that this place would become our second home during our stay. The food, the ambiance and charm of its owners created something that I would call an ultimate dining experience. 

Where to eat, what to eat and most def try

CAFE NIKOLAZI, ANTON KATALIKOSI ST.34, TBILISI 0105, GEORGIA

*Khachapuri -bread with cheese 

*Khachapuri agjariak- bread with cheese and eggs

 *Kharcho soup- kind of like barley soup 

*Lobio soup- made with Georgian spices and beans

*Odjachuri- roasted potatoes with veg and meat and many ,many more.....

Tbilisi Old Town

What to see.... GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH

Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the world’s most stunning churches with its picturesque setting. Getting there can be slightly trouble some, especially at winter time, but this challenging experience is definitely worth doing. At 4 am we have jumped on a marshrutka, A Georgian mini bus which is the cheapest way to get to Kazbegi.- a small townlet, where you can start your hiking experience. As The Georgian Military Road is the only route , you have to check beforehand if the road will be open, as sometimes (due to the weather conditions) you can find yourself being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Driving through, as the locals would say, ‘the war road’ we had an unforgettable Georgian driving experience. Overtaking five cars on this mountain road and moving at the high speed seemed like something quite usual to do but something I would not be happy to repeat any time soon. The road stretches up the Valley of the Terek and passes through Darial Gorge, where you can stop to take some photos. Arriving in Kazbegi, you have two options- rent a 4x4 car with a driver or start climbing. Because of the snow, we decided to go with the car one way and climbed down on our way back. After a bit of 4x4 experience up the hill, we could finally enjoy the view of this astonishing, ancient church, which stands at an elevation of 2170. What can I say?.... I couldn’t have been more happier than at that very moment. The vast landscape and peaks surrounding the church was so breathtaking that my heart stopped in an awe. That was until the minute, we got acquainted with our new friends- Dogs!!!Many of them, which did not help my fear of those four legged creatures. The Georgian shepherds also known as Georgian mountain dogs are huge, and this is not an exaggeration. They had been walking with us all the time, quite, well behaved but hey you never know. We walked around the church for some time and started hiking down towards the town. The road was quite slippery, covered with snow and ice and so my suggestion is to get yourself a pair of snow hiking boots with a good grip.

DAWID GAREJA AND KAKHETI REGION

The last day of 2019 was spent in an amazing Dawid Gareja Monastery and a half desert which were laying on the borders of Georgia and Azerbaijan and could simply be described as the most perfect way to end 2019! The history of the monastery hides many secrets and exciting moments that have had a significant impact on the history and life of this country. The monastery owns its name to one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers- Dawid Gareja, who settled in a cave around the first half of the 6th century. The monastery itself is surrounded by a nature made landscape of colorful geological sand formations which are drawing people from all over the world. When you also add to this, the fact that Kakheti region is famous for wine making, this destination will most likely become your favourite spot. Whilst travelling across this part of Georgia, you should definitely try a traditional dry white wine and the red one called Saperavi with its exquisite taste.

TIBILISI TO KUTAISI BY A TRAIN 

The last stop of our journey was Kutaisi and we decide to go there by train. Departing from Tbilisi Railway Station twice a day, the travel takes up to five hours and despite of it not being the quickest or even the most comfortable way, I would definitely recommend this way of travelling to get a feel of the Caucasian culture from a different perspective. As Georgia has recently become very popular amongst travellers, the best way is to book your train ticket in advance as the spaces are taken quickly by both locals and visitors. When buying tickets or bordering the train, you have to have some sort of ID documents to show, passport for example, otherwise they might not allow you to travel. After going through this ‘procedure’ you can start enjoying the travel in this moving sauna. 

There are no other words to describe it! I did not expect that??? or anything like that, but was hoping to at least be able to open one window. Well, we have been told real fast by the very, very strict Lady conductor in a uniform. She kept shouting ‘zakrywajta’ which means, well’ shut the window’. Of course, you had a choice either to slowly suffocate or break the rules and keep opening the windows , even for 5 minutes, which all passengers did at some point. This small hiccup, did not stop us from having the best time ever. The time to talk, time to play games and meet other passengers was really great. 

SHORT SUMMARY 

To finish off this bit of my own insight into this country, I have to say that Georgia has stolen my heart and left me wanting to explore even more. Its quirky and charming, not to mention incredible nature, food and the fact that it is very easy and still cheap to travel in. And finally, if you add the welcoming nature of the Georgians, you will find yourself finding the most fascinating travel destination.

By:Poulina Matykiewicz |  Country: Poland

Teacher