Wotae: 27.06.2021
It has been a month since we arrived here in Tbilisi (Tiflis), the capital of Georgia in the heart of the Caucasus.
The culture here is incomparable to what we experienced in Mexico, for example. At first glance, the people seem very closed off and grim. But upon closer inspection, you get to know an incredibly hospitable people. The locals are proud of their country and talk a lot about its past, for example, Georgia was the first country to produce wine 8,000 years ago. Europeans, especially Germans, are very welcome here. Since the end of the Cold War, there has been an extreme rejection of the neighboring country of Russia, which is also noticeable in everyday life.
We decided to come to Georgia mainly for two reasons - firstly, because of the rugged and untouched landscape, especially in the north of the country, and secondly, because of the extremely low cost of living. Without any problems, you can enjoy a three-course meal including drinks for less than €15 euros for two people.
For the first month, we mostly stayed in the capital, as our focus was mainly on work in the past few weeks.
Nevertheless, we experienced and saw a lot. We visited the botanical garden, the green lung of the city, several times. It is the perfect place to relax in the cool shade for a few hours and just let your soul dangle. We also completely indulged in the vegan cuisine of the city - as it is actually cheaper to eat out than to cook at home here.
Our highlight this month was the trip to the Russian border in an area near Mount Kazbegi, which is 5,000 meters high. We drove half a day on mountain passes towards the north. The road is the only connection road between Russia and Armenia and is barely passable in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Just before the border, we took a short hike to a beautiful waterfall and visited the Gergeti Trinity Church with a breathtaking view of the Mkinvartsveri mountain range.
The month in the capital, and especially the time before in Barcelona, has shown us that we are absolutely not city people. We need water, trees, and nature in front of our doorstep. That's why we decided to take a road trip to the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti National Park in the next two weeks.
We also want to spend a few days at the Black Sea and then go offline for a few days in an Eco Camp in another national park.
Many pictures and reports will follow!
So see you soon!
Bianca & Michael