THE DISPUTED SERIES, DAY 1&2
GEORGIA
Wine at Georgian Immigration. After a terrible flight schedule (no blame as I booked it all) I landed in Georgia via Bucharest for a few hours. Setting off for an 11am flight that arrives at 5:30am isn’t the best schedule.
THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER GAVE ME A BOTTLE OF RED WINE!
I got the biggest shock at Tbilisi Airport. The immigration lady took my passport, looked at me, and handed it back with a bottle of wine. “Have a nice trip,” she said with a smile on her face. It was clear she was getting off on the shock I had just displayed on my face, I would too.
WHERE IS GEORGIA?
STILL AS BEAUTIFUL AS BEFORE
I got the 10pence airport bus and had eventually arrived in Tbilisi. It was dark but it was as stunning as I remember from visiting here in 2017 when it took me completely by surprise. At night all the city’s landmarks are lit up and as it is fairly small can be seen from pretty much anywhere.
ENVOY HOSTEL
Like last time, I’m staying at Envoy Hostel. It’s close to Narikala Fortress and costs only £8/night with breakfast. I was 10 hours early for check-in, so I chilled until sunrise and went out for food with an American who arrived yesterday. He was planning on staying here for a year because it’s super cheap. He’s studying and gets a veteran allowance from back home. With online courses, he can study anywhere affordable without working.
FIGHTING THE URGE TO SLEEP
After eating at the same place I visited in 2017, I decided against a nap and walked around to explore. I had to make the most of today as I was going to Abkhazia tomorrow, a disputed region just north of Georgia.
The city really is stunning and I would recommend anyone to go but can be hard to get direct flights if not from any of the major cities in Europe.
THE GONDOLA
I took the gondola up to the fortress for the best views of Tbilisi and to stay awake. You get attention from younger locals here, like the Azerbaijani who bumped into me. He was traveling for his flight to France and walked the rest of the city with me. Locals are friendly and curious about tourists. Someone asked if I’m a tourist and wanted to talk all day, which you don’t get at home.
NARIKALA FORTRESS
My memory from 2017 returned as I saw all of Georgia’s highlights from the viewpoint. Georgia’s architecture is a pro, similar to French colonial styles seen in New Orleans.
NEW TOWN
My walk took me out of the old town and into the city centre and then to the public service hall which if I’m being frank wasn’t worth checking out. The real beauty and character was in the old town and it had it in abundance
LEGVTAKHEVI WATERFALL
After visiting King Vakhtang’s statue, I used my drone before nightfall and walked to Legvtakhevi Waterfall, though ‘waterfall’ is an overstatement!
The gorge is impressive, and it’s crazy how Georgians use every bit of real estate.
Looking forward to some sleep for the first time in a few days
FINAL THOUGHTS
Its good to be back after being very impressed and surprised by Georgia the first time round.
NEXT UP
12 months early for a tour to Abkhazia! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
138/229
This is episode 1 of The Disputed Series. Click here to see all episodes
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
