In spite of a rocky start, I made it to Tbilisi – name means “site of warm springs”. The best flights with the shortest layover were through Air Serbia, connecting with Turkish Airlines in Istanbul. I’m not sure how airline route-sharing works, but it gets complicated when transferring between airlines. Adding to the confusion, Air Serbia ground transportation is managed by Menzies Aviation Services. At check-in, Menzies’ computer system was down and / or their employees didn’t know how to use it – maybe both? I endured the torture they put me through with crossed fingers, hoping my luggage didn’t run amok and end up far away.
They wanted a “paper ticket,” which I didn’t have. The details needed weren’t in the confirmation email on my iPhone. The connection time in Istanbul was waaaay too tight! As I reached the boarding gate – feeling like I’d just run a mini marathon – they were announcing “last call” for my flight to Tbilisi – #!*#!
During the flight, I was assigned the dreaded middle seat – there was no online seat selection. Luckily, it was seated next to an interesting, intelligent Lebanese businessman who was part of a group motorcycling throughout Georgia, starting in Tbilisi. Starved for good conversation, I had a wonderful chat with him about the Middle East – very enlightening. It’s great hearing the insight of people who live in areas directly affected by world conflicts.
Over the years, Lebanon has suffered greatly because of Palestinian-Israeli wars. Fed-up and beyond tired of the troubling situation, they’re frustrated but powerless to change it. Really understanding the Middle East is complicated. It isn’t a situation that warrants a quick simple explanation or jumping to a conclusion about what / who is right or wrong.
Unique Country
Each country has a distinct personality, and Tbilisi Georgia is like no other place experienced in my travels. Geographically, it sets in a bowl surrounded by the Caucasus Mountain range. Consisting of mostly wilderness, mountains, and lakes, there’s a multitude of sporting activities available in Georgia, so it’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
My apartment is quiet and private in a great location – near Liberty Square. There are tons of restaurants, cafés, and shops in all directions. I’m getting acclimated, and so far, am fascinated by Tbilisi’s energy and ambiance. Since it’s a new city and country for me, it’ll take a few days to get oriented. Currently, I’m in semi-distressing “where am I now” mode… A local “orientation” tour will help me get my bearings.
Georgians seem to like Americans, so that’s a big plus! A nice young taxi driver who met me at the airport said his dream is moving to the US. He’s on a list for getting a Green Card. Several of his friends have successfully relocated to Ohio and New York, and he hopes to follow.
The US State Department keeps issuing cautionary worldwide travel alerts for Americans abroad – wish they’d stop doing that! I’m registered with the Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP), and they aren’t sending me anything specific about Tbilisi or Georgia – even with the recent flap and demonstrations against the Foreign Influence Bill. The police are out in full force, patrolling key areas.
It’s interesting (and unusual) that US citizens can spend a full year in Georgia without applying for a long-term visa! So far on this trip, I’ve visited Poland, Slovenia, Turkey, and Serbia, and there’s been something important and sometimes controversial happening in each country.
Major Attractions
Nearby attractions are briefly described below – there are many interesting places to explore in Georgia! I’ll post more as the trip progresses. I had a wonderful delicious, healthy meal last night at a nearby restaurant – Hinkali Factory. I haven’t tried khinkali yet. It’s a Georgian dumpling that originated in the mountain regions and is one of the most popular dishes in the country.
The following are among many Georgian attractions to explore:
- Narikala Fortress – 4th century Persian citadel
- National Gallery – paintings by Georgian artist Niko Pirosmanashvili
- National Museum – archaeological treasury of gold, silver, stones
- Metekhi Church – equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
- Funicular – ride up Mt. Mtatsminda for sweeping panoramic views
- Anchiskhati Basilica – built by King Gorgasali’s son Dachi 6th century
- Tsminda Sameba Cathedral – Orthodox church post-Soviet revival
- Abanotubani – Old Town neighborhood of Orbeliani sulfur baths
- Parliament Building – high-arched site of momentous events
- Open-Air Museum of Ethnography – traditional wooden houses
- Bridge of Peace – Mtkvari River btw. Metekhi & Baratashvili Bridges
- MOMA Tbilisi – work of museum founder Zurab Tsereteli
- Sioni Cathedral – built in the 6th and 7th centuries
- Project ArtBeat – leading contemporary art space
- Botanical Gardens – tree-filled, waterfall-dotted gardens
- Orbeliani Square – testament to Tbilisi history and culture
- Freedom Square – oldest central sq. with statue of St. George
- Mt. Mtatsminda – Tbilisi’s holy mountain
- Tbilisi TV Tower – visible from every point of the city
- Et al.
More later…