Both myself and Brad had holiday time for the end of April and the beginning of May which was for Orthodox Easter. We decided to take a trip and see Georgia and Armenia. Brad in particular has wanted to explore more of Eastern Europe and those two countries have been on his list of must see places. Of course I am just excited to see/explore anywhere and everywhere. We also wanted to go somewhere that we knew would really celebrate Easter, and that we could take part in the holiday.
We arrived in Tbilisi (capital of Georgia) and spent 3 nights there. Then we took a bus to Yerevan Armenia and spent 4 nights there. We then returned to Tbilisi by bus again for another 2 nights. We stayed in the two big cities, but from there we were able to do easy day trips to the little towns and villages nearby.
On our first day in Georgia we just explored around Tbilisi, which totally was a surprise as to how wonderful the city was, and how much there was to see and explore. On day two we went to a small nearby town named Mtskheta (much harder to pronounce that it might appear), which was known for being a very cute and quaint town which has three beautiful churches. On day three we went to Gori, which is the birthplace and hometown of Stalin. Yes they do have a Stalin museum, and yes we went to it. Aside from that the town is also very beautiful and had a nice view point overlooking the city. Day four we took off to Armenia, and upon arrival to Yerevan we spent the day exploring the city. We arrived back to Tbilisi after our time in Armenia, and just spent more time in the city walking around. The last full day that we had on vacation we spent in an amazing, and totally surprising (as we were not planning on going to it) town called Sighnaghi, which has spectacular views of the caucasus mountains behind it.
Here is a very quick glimpse of our time in Georgia.
Overlooking the main church, and city of Tbilisi
By far the best food and beautiful restaurant that we went to. It was in an old house, and it was just to beautifully restored into a restaurant.
I love markets, and was happy to find one when we first arrived.
Main square in the city
I appreciated this churches creativity with their exterior painting
A nice stroll down the main street at night
One of the Churches in Mtskheta, we never actually walked up there, but it provided a great view from below.
Mtskheta Church
The town of Mtskheta has recently gone through a lot of new development, and it has because a beautiful redone town.
On the grounds of another main church, with a little mini one here in the picture.
Back in Tbilisi at the sulfur baths. The city is well known for the communal sulfur baths. We both went to them, of course men and women separate. It was an... interesting... experience. Glad I went, it's all part of the cultural experience. In the picture you can see the brick dome, the baths are located under them.
In Gori at the Stalin Museum.
We happened to be in Gori on Palm Sunday, so here is the Church and all the people swarming the outside getting their palm branches.
Back in Tbilisi. There is a gondola ride that you can take to the top of the mountain which overlooks the city. Well worth the trip up!
Us with Tbilisi in the background.
Probably the coolest clock I have even seen.
The city at night
Apparently only churches find it necessary to turn lights on at night.
Our last day in Sighnaghi. The Caucasus in the background.
Walking along the wall that originally protected the city
A lady selling her crafts. The area is known for making knitted items.
Very enthusiastic salesmen... selling snacks in the square
As we were sitting and having a coffee, this man provided some much needed entertainment as he tried to chase away all his competition.
Well that's all for Georgia. It really was a surprise at how developed the country was, and how very European of a feel that it had. Well worth the visit.
Next up: Armenia.
Serena
