‘Georgia in Eastern Europe The Tale of Four Cities”

• June 1, 2021
• By Daryl
• 4 Comments

Driving in this town is a test of abilities and patience with impatient drivers behind, trying to get around and pass the cautious driver. The streets are very narrow and many are cobblestone with very limited parking spots.

The Kura River cuts through the center of the city with similarities of the Seine River in Paris. Balconies are centered on most brick buildings throughout the city, giving an old-world European city feel. All the old buildings have the stucco falling away exposing the brick layer. The decades of Soviet control left few dollars available for maintenance of buildings. The massive trees that arch across the streets, touching the apposing side, keep a cool shade and pleasant atmosphere.

On a whirl wind tour of the city we saw so much. We found a parking spot behind the famous clock tower landmark. Walking past a construction sight past slanted beams holding back a compromised brick building, the courtyard opened up to the object of our intent. A magical clock tower at a puppet theater. We arrived with perfect timing at the top of the noon hour. An Angel floated out with a square hammer and strikes the bell toll; twelve times. A curved door opens up as colorful figures swirled past the opening. A crowd has amasses and we are all taking videos and photos. Soon, a man approached me with a boat ride on the river, which pass many of the top attractions, just feet away.

We walked across a fanciful bridge with a ballon ride in view just beyond the river. A short walk to the docks, and we were off. After a short ride six more people stood at the docks, so we returned to pick them up.

We see space-age looking museums and domed hotels. Old churches and statues filled our senses, past bridges with thin brass characters, posing amidst the middle of bridges, sparking keen interest and a flurry of photos by Bunny. A castle catches our eyes with a tram ride. After the boat ride, we hurry across the street like kids heading to an amusement park. Across the bridge we go up to the Mother of Georgia statue, towering over the city, and the remains of a castle with a refurbished Monastery behind the walls. Portions of the city walls frame the old parts of the city. We finish the day with an open electric tour bus around the city and back to our car. Our tired dogs took us back to a well deserved rest in our hotel.

Our next day was for pampering, as we head to the oldest Turkish or Roman style bath; a Georgian Bath. We did not have to wait at the bath, and we got a huge private hot and cold bath with a dry sauna. One hour of pleasure and scrubbing, a bubble massage, and finished off with a cold shower, as the hot water is all natural sulfa. For hours, a tingling sensation consumed our skin, as we made our way to two camera stores that did not exist anymore.

Time for dinner, for the most tender pork ribs with mashed potatoes. We had the same thing the night before, it is hard to improve on perfection.

The next day, we headed to an isolated Stoned-Hewed Monastery. The small cave rooms, carved into the malleable sandstone rock, were home to the Monks. As we walk around and checked out the Monastery, the crowds grew with a few tourist and locals, viewing the historic sight. Just past the ridge is the border of Azerbaijan. We did pass through a small area into that country, as we drove off-road across the plains, so we have one more country visit to add to our ongoing list, though short, but true. We made our way back off-road on dirt, grass, gravel and stone roads. The paved road was in such bad shape, with potholes so big, missing them all, was impossible.

We head to our next location with a stop for the night in a $16.20-a-night hotel. A large room with clean new sheets, a comfortable bed and a big bathroom. McDonald’s supplied us with dinner as we fought the gusty winds, outside only, under COVID regulations. (enforced till June).

The next day, we continue our route, to the Black Sea town, traveling down a long beautiful canyon, with a very wide river. Green fields with cattle and sheep, happily eat amongst yellow, red, and purple flowers. We see several remnants of Castle walls, crumbling over the test of time. We find a cable bridge with questionable timber’s, but well tested by herds of cattle. We still felt unsure about walking too far across the huge bridge. Another bridge came along with another Castle perched atop a stone precipice; a well defended riverside, indeed.

We finally came to the town we chose to stay in, after many hours driving. We found a beautiful hotel that worked with us to fit into our budget. A delicious dinner was made for us with traditional Georgian foods and homemade fruit juice.

*****

After breakfast the next day, we headed to the restructured castle. The Fortress was on the highest hill overlooking the town. This fine looking stone structure has a Mosque, a Christian Church and a Synagogue. We felt all the stairs we climbed, later in the day. It was so much fun exploring all the levels and turrets with empty rooms all over the Fortress. They had many shops and restaurants to pass the time and rest up. Outside the Fortress were some buildings and flat areas, which surely held the Surfs homes and shops.

We drove around the neighborhoods close by and found a very interesting village with rustic homes and some farm animals in their yards. We greeted some of the locals and took photos. We had a pleasurable afternoon and felt grateful for having each in this life of travel.