Discovering Tbilisi
When you start planning a trip, the most common destinations are the most famous and, unfortunately, the most touristy. Georgia is certainly not one of them: too close to Russia, too many hours away by plane, and not so easily accessible in terms of language. Believe me when I say that after 9 days in this country you should book a flight to Georgia as soon as possible!
My Georgian adventure had to start in Tbilisi, the capital of the country. Tbilisi is a big city, developed along the river Mtkvari, where everyone can find his favourite place among all the different places. In the southern part there are the historical buildings and churches of the Old Town, while in the northern part there are the political buildings and the entertainment district. Tbilisi is easy to explore on foot, but you can also take a cab for a few euros, which is cheap and efficient (the price for a 15-minute ride is 10 GEL = €3.48). In Tbilisi there are also two elevated areas, both accessible on foot or by cable car: the southern one with the botanical garden and the statue of Mother Georgia, and the northern one with Luna Park.
A walk through the old town will take you through the endless streets full of restaurants and stores well stocked with local products and food. The main attractions are the various churches, but the most important is definitely the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which you can't miss! The golden dome can be seen from all over the city. You'll find yourself in a park on a hill surrounded by old brick walls. The golden reflections of the dome and the cross on it make the sunset a magical experience you won't soon forget.
On the opposite side of the city, I found myself in a Tbilisi that was more concrete and pragmatic, but less chaotic and touristy. The political buildings still bear the marks of Soviet influence despite independence. The main street begins with Freedom Square and the golden statue of St. George. Walking uphill, one finds the Opera House, the National Museum and a not so secret bazaar in an open square.
If you walk up the hill from Rustaveli Avenue, you'll find a cable car that will take you to Luna Park. You could even walk all the way up, but in high summer and 35 degrees, it's best to avoid that. It's mainly a tourist attraction, but the view from up there is definitely worth the price of the ticket.
The southern area on the hill is definitely more interesting. The statue of Mother Georgia stands above everything, holding a cup of wine and a sword in her hands, ready to greet everyone in the right way. On the back side of the hill is the Botanical Garden: 4 GEL (1,39€) is a great bargain for what you see. The Botanical Garden covers a large area with different themed areas: There is a Japanese garden, a cypress path, and a beautiful waterfall.
This is the end of the first chapter of my Georgian adventure. Soon more pictures and tales will follow.
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