After spending four weeks in Turkey, we decided to change things up and head east to Georgia, one of the three Caucasus countries alongside Armenia and Azerbaijan. Georgia has a rich and varied history marked by both prosperity and conflict, resulting in a unique blend of influences from Turkey, Russia, Persia, Central Asia, and beyond. These influences are visible in the architecture, the appearance of the people, and the languages they speak.
People over the age of 40 in Georgia typically speak Georgian and Russian, but not English. Those who are 40 and younger generally speak Georgian and English. This language divide stems from Georgia’s history as part of the USSR during Stalin’s rule in the 1920s, when Russian was widely spoken and passed down through generations. Despite Georgia’s tumultuous past, we were fortunate to enjoy Tbilisi as it stands today. The city offers a dynamic blend of Eurasian culture, vibrant nightlife, European-style dining, and a mix of modern and historical architecture.
Our visit to Georgia was brief because we needed to head back to western Turkey in time to explore Istanbul before our flight on July 10th. Although Georgia is often overlooked by backpackers, we spent six nights in Tbilisi and absolutely loved it. It quickly became one of our favorite cities.
We spent our days exploring the city, appreciating the cafes and bars lining the sidewalks. Celebrating my birthday in Tbilisi was a treat, allowing me to swap the usual tea and kebab for beer, wine, and delicious Georgian cuisine. Nick tried a traditional dish that consisted of dough shaped like a canoe, filled with cheese, topped with an egg and a block of butter, and then baked. I chose spicy meat dumplings and a salad.
We also went wine tasting on my birthday. In one wine store, we found a table full of opened bottles of red and white wine. The owner let us taste as many as we liked, and the Georgian definition of a “taste” was equivalent to a full glass of wine. We ended up leaving a bit tipsy but didn’t purchase any wine, making it a fun and budget-friendly experience.
Tbilisi is dotted with numerous churches and cathedrals, and we visited most of them. We also explored a fort area overlooking the city, with a towering statue of “Mother Georgia” beside it, hiking up there in time for sunset one evening. A striking modern bridge connects the areas on both sides of the river.
What we loved most about Tbilisi were the narrow alleyways and back streets filled with locals going about their daily lives. We wandered aimlessly and got lost many times, but it was all part of the enjoyment.
After an incredible five days in Tbilisi, we decided to immerse ourselves in another culture. Seeking something off the beaten path, we boarded a bus and made our way to Armenia, another less-traveled destination for backpackers.