Georgia has been an absolute delight, not just because we've had a great time travelling with ' the boys ' but because the place itself is beautiful. Tbilisi is a crazy place, busy but with a certain rustic, european charm, described by someone in the hostel as Paris 50 years ago. But the countryside has been spectacular. Kazbegi and then for the last few days Svaneti ( Bandit Country ) have been an experience i'll never forget.
We've been treated so well during our stays, we were living in people's homes, paying 8 pounds a night and having bed, breakfast and dinner included...can't go wrong. The hosts were both great, always trying to help and make us feel welcome. There was something about being in the mountains, washing your own clothes in their fresh spring water, and hanging it to dry that made me feel so clean!
Svaneti was totally different though. Whereas Kazbegi was more tourist orientated, it took an overnight train and a 6 hour bus ride through roadless mountain passes to get to Mestia the provincial capital. We thought we would get off in town and look around for somewhere to stay but actually to bus driver took us to his own homestay ( should have guessed that one ) and we ended up staying there.
The pine forest covered valleys were covered in fog trails in the morning and early evening. The sun shines off the peaks of the overlooking snow-capped mountains, it's a tough place to live for sure, but an amazing place to visit. We did the mandatory walk to the glacier...you wouldn't believe it but i took my shirt off for 20 mins and almost got 3rd degree burns. typical.
The accomodation was great, again we had food delivered twice a day and i kid you not, THE comfiest beds ever made. We've made some great friends in Asaf, Kovi and Nick, it's been a pleasure travelling with them and we're both really glad we are spending Armenia with them too. I only hope that we are able to head to Isreal someday and see them at home.
Well the trip back to Tbilisi was slightly less fun, 10 hours in a minibus is never fun, but Asaf, Kovi and myself decided that instead of going for a 7 hour walk on our last day in Svaneti, we would simply buy 3, 2 litre bottles of beer and spend the day drinking. Great fun, until I woke up at 4 am to get the bus on that very same road that has a rather non-existant surface.
But we're here now, stayed in a great homestay last night and met a real travel writer! woo hoo! was great to chat to him about his travels he's done some amazing journeys and has so much to talk about, gave us some good tips for s e asia too!
Well i'm 37% through the last lot of my turkey photos, my flickr name is ' Settled Nomad' for those who want to see mine as well as Nat's photos, and i guess once i get to armenia I'll start uploading the Georgia ones...yeah i'm rubbish i know.
Right going to make a dash, grab some food and come back to see who's wone the grand prix. Hope you're all well and the next time we write we'll be in armenia somwhere!
Lots of love,
Nick
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