Georgia an enchanting destination

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/04/2017 (3309 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I recently returned from a holiday in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. If you are comfortable with a longer-than-usual plane ride, I highly recommend you visit.

Georgia is located south of the Russian Caucasus Mountains, west of the Black Sea, east of Azerbaijan, and north of Turkey and Armenia. Geographically, it sounds like a dangerous place to visit, but Georgia, including its capital, Tbilisi, is one of the safest destinations I have been to in my two decades of world travel.

Georgia’s complicated history means the country has a fascinating heritage of architecture and arts, from ancient Orthodox cathedrals (that are still in use) to cave cities (that are no longer in use, thanks to the Mongols).

It is a unique blend of the Eurasian influences, such as the tiny cobbled streets with Persian balconies and wide, European-styled grand boulevards that also incorporate Soviet minimalism. The country claims to be the birthplace of wine and therefore you can experience her many vineyards and valleys, as well as the coastal haunts around the Black Sea and the soaring beauty of the Georgian Caucasus once you need a break from city life.

The people of Georgia are warm, generous, and patient. There are not many English speakers but any traveller will not be too inconvenienced by this. If you speak Russian (as I do), you are in luck as Russian is widely spoken.

Tbilisi is a city full of beautiful parks, amazing landscapes, and incredible buildings. Old Town is especially beautiful with its old homes, many of which are in serious disrepair. This urban decay is quite something to behold. You can get up and down the hills of Tbilisi via funicular or cable car. Once at the top, you can enjoy the view from the fourth century Narikala Fortress, walk past the Soviet-built Mother Georgia statue, and finish your urban hike at the amusement park located atop Mount Mtatsminda.

Modern architecture abounds, too, with its spectacular, contemporary buildings.

There is also a lot to explore outside of Tbilisi. We hired a private driver (which sounds luxe but it is quite usual) for three days to take us to the eastern Kakheti wine region and surrounding sites, to the northern Kazbegi region in the Caucasus, and also to Gori and her surrounding sites. I wanted to go to Gori in particular because of its museum to its (in)famous son — Josef Stalin. This museum is now described as “a museum within a museum” as the content has remained basically unchanged over the years.

Georgia is safe, uncomplicated, friendly, and affordable. You should go.

Kari Hasselriis is an equine enthusiast who lives in St. Francois Xavier. Email her at  kari@eighthorses.ca