The Market at Telavi, Kakheti

Kakheti Villagers

Gardners at the Villa.



Unemployment at the side of the road.



Braiding onions.

Wine Tasting Tour, Kakheti

We returned to Georgia, to the picturesque region of Kakheti, where wine was invented. We took a day trip and explored some of the local wineries. By noon we were trashed.


Shumi Winery



G&G Winery



Tsinandali Villa

We Hiked and Got Lost, Tsminda Sameba Church

We laced up our boots and tried our luck at another hike from the town up the mountain to the famous Tsminda Sameba Church. Being us, we got curious and followed a group of locals and their horses up the steepest side! The horses ascended as we were left panting at halfway, wondering what went wrong (and why we hadn't helicoptered up). After much perspiration and fighting we reached the magnificent church.

It was worth it !

Nunu's Homestay, Kazbegi

We arrived in Kazbegi, a small town on the Georgian Military Highway towards the Russian border, and were immediately picked up by Nunu Maisuradze. She quickly dragged us to her home and introduced us to her cow!

We tried to milk it rather unsuccessfully and Nunu had to finish the job!

The view from the balcony where we were served many delicious meals including yogurt and cheese from the above cow.

The Bread House, Tbilisi

For an excellent traditional Georgian meal don't miss the Bread House. It has incredibly fresh Georgian dishes and its own old fashion stove. The chef is willing to give cooking classes if you inquire. A real Georgian treat sans "lively band" (thank God!).

http://www.mgroup.ge/

What They Wore... Variety of Women, Tbilisi

The Travel Agent.



The European Tourist.



The Crazy.

Around Tbilisi

What They Wore... All Black, Mtskheta

What They Wore... Color At Mass, Mtskheta

Georgian Moment of the Week

Georgian Domino: an addictive pastime usually played after/during large consumptions of alcohol. Giorgi showed us how it was done and introduced us to some of his favorite music ("We are the Champions" in Japanese!).

We Went Church Hopping.

We witnessed proper church behavior.

How to gossip with the girls...

How to flirt with the alter boy...

What They Wore... Red at the Chapel, Tbilisi

Georgian Orthodox has never been so fine!

Tibilisi!

Giorgi's Homestay, Kutaisi

In Kutaisi we stayed with Giorgi and Family. We drank their homemade wine which was surprisingly good! The spaces of their large house were gorgeous, very shabby chic. We recommend!

Nino Ratiani's Guesthouse, Mestia

While in Mestia we were taken care of in a most motherly fashion by Nino. She fed us the local Svan cuisine, did our laundry, drove us around and called the police when we were caught in the storm.


This is her organic garden from which she cooks. She also makes her own yogurt and cheese.

This is Nino on the far right, with friends.

Nino Ratiani's Guesthouse in Mestia, Georgia
www.svanetighouse.com
ninoratiani@gmail.com

What They Wore... At The Airport, Mestia

Army chic.

Leaving Svaneti or The Royals in Peril II

It's very easy to leave Svaneti on a Tuesday. One just has to hop to the local "airport" (a field of wild flowers) and board an airplane to Kutaisi. It went like this:


We checked in and waited for the plane.



The check-in desk, complete with water resistant fruit patten tablecloth.

The plane arrived.


Mandatory cigarette break before take off. That's our pilot in the camouflage uniform.


And we took off... not before many silent prayers.