THE DISPUTED SERIES, DAY 1&2
GEORGIA
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 a flight at 11am that doesn’t arrive in until 5:30am isn’t the great schedule I’ve booked.
THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER GAVE ME A BOTTLE OF RED WINE!
I got the biggest shock in Tbilisi Airport. At the immigration desk the lady took my passport, had a quick look at me before handing it back along with a bottle of red 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, super close to the Narikala Fortress and only £8/night including breakfast so you can’t complain. As I was 10hours early for check in, yes 10hours, I chilled until sunrise and ventured out for some food with an American who arrived yesterday. He was planning on staying here for a year because it’s super cheap. He’s studying but gets a veteran allowance from back home so with the online course can pretty much study anywhere if it’s affordable and not have to work.
FIGHTING THE URGE TO SLEEP
After a bite to eat at the same place I went to in 2017 I decided against a nap and took a walk around to see what I could find. 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 decided to get the gondola up to the fortress as it has the best views of Tbilisi and the best chance of keeping me awake. You get a bit of attention in this part of the world especially from younger locals. Like the Azerbaijani who bumped into me. He who was travelling through for his flight to France and pretty much walked the rest of the city with me. Locals can be super friendly and many seem really curious about tourists. Having someone come up to me and ask if I’m a tourist and then want to hang around and talk all day, you certainly don’t get that at home.
NARIKALA FORTRESS
My memory was soon returning to me from my 2017 trip as I could see all of Georgia’s highlights from the viewpoint. Another one of Georgia’s pros is the architecture, similar to French colonial and what you would see 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 the statue of King Vakhtang at the bridge I decided to risk the use of my drone before nightfall and then take a walk to the Legvtakhevi Waterfall, although the word Waterfall would be the overstatement of the trip!
The gorge however is pretty impressive and its crazy to see how the Georgians make use of 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.
