Gaumarjos, Georgia!

Gaumarjos, Georgia!

I went to Georgia September 2016 (this post is long overdue). I’m trying to remember everything in detail — thanks to my trusty travel notebook, I’m going to narrate everything that transpired during my trip to Georgia.

Why Georgia?

I’ve been in a tough relationship and I suddenly felt the need to breathe. I wanted to get away for a while and so when I spotted this cheap travel deal, I went for it! I thought, yeah, why not?

First misconception about Georgia is that it’s a part of Europe. Technically, it’s not a part of Europe. It’s an Asian country bordered by the great Caucasus mountain (divides Europe and Asia). Georgians speak Russian. Their features resemble that of typical Caucasian.

Tbilisi

I came during September and it’s the perfect time of the year to go to Georgia. Perfect temperature at 25 degrees C during the day, but it gets cold during the night at 15 degrees C. Our hotel is located in the capital, Tbilisi. We stayed in a humble hotel about 10 min drive from Rustaveli Avenue (pictured above); and 20 min drive from the airport. The European influence is reflected in the type of architecture. I’m a huge fan of old things and art. This is a good diversion from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.

I’ve read about the places to go but definitely not ready for the weather. I met up with some Filipinos who also stayed in the same hotel. Maybe one of the cons of being a solo traveller is shouldering all the expenses alone. I joined them for breakfast at this restaurant (see snap below) just across the Freedom Square. It has that homey vibe until a drunk guy came bothering other people. It was perfectly normal to consume alcohol or get wine-drunk at this time of the day — BREAKFAST! Nonetheless, I just love how life in Georgia is so slow-paced. No one is in a hurry. Georgians like to take time in the pleasures of life. #1 is Dining.

On my last day, I decided to indulge myself with an early morning stroll in Rustaveli. I had to enjoy a sip of hot coffee and bread at a local coffee shop called Coffeesta. The weather was so good I decided to have it outside and enjoy the view of people just walking by. This view of Rustaveli made me fall in love with the city.

Night life

Whenever I travel, I always look for two things: Culture & Food. I want to immerse myself on how locals live their life. For Georgia, it is food and wine. The country is also known for it’s local-made beer. It’s on the list of the top things to try in Georgia.

Mtshketa (The Old Tbilisi)

The old city of Dubai has its charm none of the others have. Streets paved with cobble stones, this is the ancient city of Tbilisi which also used to be the capital. Fortresses, Orthodox Churches, and much more can be found here.

It’s a place for tourists, and this is the first time I tried traditional street food. Fruits are the main ingredient of street food in Georgia. Yum!

You need to climb a hill to the Jvari Monastery

Street Food in Georgia is made of nuts dipped in caramelized fruit juice

Kakheti (Wine Region)

On Day 2, we set off on a journey to Kakheti. Georgia’s wine making tradition dates back in the ancient times. We visited the Tsinindali Palace- home of the Ambassador which houses some of the region’s most precious wines. I bought a ticket with wine tasting — it’s where I tasted some Georgian wine.

A glimpse of the palace — you will be greeted by a huge garden

Welcome to the Palace — I see it’s an Andalucian type of structure

Grape farm just at the backyard of a local wine dealer

Food

They say the best way to enjoy Georgian food is to have it cooked by local people in their house. We had our lunch in a humble abode — hosted by a Georgian family. This authentic experience is truly something I will never forget.

I don’t normally believe that every moment should be taken with a photo but this meal is particularly one I have enjoyed — so here you go with the photos!