Tbilisi

Peace Corps Volunteers can start taking vacation leave after we have been at our sites for three months.  I reached the three month mark at the end of September.  I decided that for my first trip I wanted to go to Tbilisi, the capitol of Georgia. Georgia borders Azerbaijan so I’m taking baby steps in my traveling. Many “older” PVCs suggested taking the night train. There are three options on the night train; an open car, a two person compartment or a four person compartment. There were four of us interested in going so the four person compartment sounded perfect.  My friends joining me on my first travels were; Kim, a Youth Development volunteer, Matt, a Community and Economic Development volunteer, and Olivia, a TEFL (an English teacher trainer).  Matt and Olivia are married.

On the train to Tbilisi, we weren’t able to get a compartment together. So Kim and I got the top bunks above two women who were co-workers and going to a conference. The older woman appeared to be the younger’s supervisor. The older woman, primarily spoke Russian, which is not uncommon.  Kim’s Azerbaijan is much better than mine, so we held a conversation in three languages with translations flying.  Getting to the top bunk was a challenge until we were shown ladders that pulled down from the walls.  The cars are pretty old but have been refurbished inside and were comfortable. The train goes pretty slowly so that the passengers don’t get jostled too much and get a good night’s sleep. The border crossing takes a bit of time but we arrived in Tbilisi mid-day ready to go.

A taxi ride to the hostel in Old Town where we met Matt’s cousin DJ. DJ is a marine stationed in Georgia. Then off to lunch.  I noshed on Kachapuri which is a bread topped, in my case, with meat and cheese. Not heart healthy but tasty none the less. After lunch we went off to explore on foot. There is a cable car that goes to the top of the hill overlooking Tbilisi where you can see the Old Fortress, Mother Georgia and get a great view.  We walked down to the hostel and sat on the roof deck overlooking the city.  More food. This time pork was on our minds and we shared bacon wrapped cheese.  I can’t describe how much most of us miss bacon.

Sunday we went on a walking tour.  Then off to the funicular to an amusement park that overlooks the city. It was overcast and damp day, but for a minimum of four people they would run the roller coaster.  I passed, but we had a group of six willing adults so on it went.  I held bags and took pictures. Another meal. Then a ride back down the hill and a stroll back to the hostel.  Thank evening we ate dinner at an Indian/Thai restaurant that as across the street from the hostel.  It has two tables and the proprietor is the host, waiter and chef.  Then off to sample Georgian wine.  We went to a bar with a KGB theme.

Monday we booked a tour of Davit Garenja. Davit Garenja is an area where there were 20 monasteries.  Now only one is functioning. Our tour started at the operating monastery and then we hiked the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan to see another.  A moderate climb in the mist to what on a clear day would be some marvelous views.  However, the inactive monastery was worth the walk.  The trail on the way down was very muddy and slick.  Of course, we were almost at the bottom when I slipped.  I was told that I was quite graceful in my fall. I wasn’t hurt but the poor driver of the car wasn’t too thrilled to have my muddy person get in his car.  We all took our shoes off and I sat on part of a 

Kachapuri “pizza” box.  The tour included a large lunch of Georgian dishes.  We were pretty tired after a long day, so took a cab to the Elvis Diner and ate burgers and milkshakes.  I have decided that I won’t get a great burger until I return home.

We had most of Tuesday to wander Tbilisi before catching the night train back to Azerbaijan.  We decided to split up.  I wanted to experience the hot sulfur baths and off I went for a private bath, scrub and massage. After this super relaxing experience, I ate lemon soup, walked along the river, crossed the Dry Bridge, saw the outdoor flower market, got a cup of coffee and headed back to the hostel to meet my traveling companions. 

We shared a compartment back to Baku, arriving mid-morning. A successful trip.  Tbilisi is beautiful and very friendly to tourists. It was a nice break with good friends.

Matti and Olivia

Roller coaster I passed on

Davit Garenja

Hot Sulfur Bath Video

Clock Tower Tbilisi

Kim at monastary

Mosaic at Church in Tbilisi

Tbilisi Flower Market

Davit Garenja Tour Group(before slip in mud)

Funicular in Tbilisi

“pizza” box.  The tour included a large lunch of Georgian dishes.  We were pretty tired after a long day, so took a cab to the Elvis Diner and ate burgers and milkshakes.  I have decided that I won’t get a great burger until I return home.

We had most of Tuesday to wander Tbilisi before catching the night train back to Azerbaijan.  We decided to split up.  I wanted to experience the hot sulfur baths and off I went for a private bath, scrub and massage. After this super relaxing experience, I ate lemon soup, walked along the river, crossed the Dry Bridge, saw the outdoor flower market, got a cup of coffee and headed back to the hostel to meet my traveling companions. 

We shared a compartment back to Baku, arriving mid-morning. A successful trip.  Tbilisi is beautiful and very friendly to tourists. It was a nice break with good friends.