Art, Travel & Life!

Georgia 2016

From the Caucasus to the Black Sea to the Desert

This summer I finally had the privilege of traveling around the wonderful country of Georgia. It is a country so rich in physical variation, local cuisine and hospitality that I was pleasantly surprised everywhere I went. It was a gentler adventure than India, but a a new and exciting adventure nonetheless that I am very thankful I had the chance to experience.

TIBILISI
Tbilisi is an amazing capital. Easy to navigate on foot or by metro or bus, it feel more like a small town. It is beautiful, clean, artsy, traditional and modern at the same time. There are many outdoor cafes, churches, restaurants, museums...and trees!

The cathedral on the left bank is so beautiful and the singing truly heavenly.

Tbilisi Old Town at night

These are not candles or sausages..they are stringed walnuts and hazelnuts dipped in a sweet wine coating..the locals call them 'Georgian Snickers"!

UDABNO
Udabno is a beautiful southern village in Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. My destination in this desert area were the ancient David Gareji Monastery Caves. But first to check into a funky little Polish run hostel in Udabno village. The hostel was the brightest building in the village so it wasn't hard to spot!

Local excitement in Udabno

A lovely hostel full of desert breezes..well needed!

Had quite an adventure on a horse trek with crazy Frenchman Florent, turned local, who took us on probably the most challenging ride of my life...But I am thankful to him for pushing us all on like that as it really was, as he said, "more funny!"

On Florent's "barn"

The beautiful 15 km road on the way to David Gareji...the wildflowers gave off such a sweet perfume. Hitchhiking was easy...when there were cars...

David Gareji Monastery Cave Complex is a rock-hewn monastery complex located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareji. Built in the 6th century, the complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. They still hold animal sacrifices here (not for tourists).