Autumn Years Summer 2024

The ancient district of Tbilisi, Georgia.

Georgia Crossing the border into Georgia was not difficult. Cars line up and an official quickly reviews passports. The trunk is opened for a cursory check, and then you are on your way. The landscape is identi cal on this side of the border as we head toward the capital city of Tbilisi. After a few hours’ drive, we arrived and began our search for our hotel, which was a lot harder than you would think. There is New Tbilisi and Old Tbilisi. Lots of traf fic and little signage. Our hotel was the Solo. However, no one ever told our driv er there were two Solo hotels. One in New and the other in Old Tbilisi. After going to the wrong one, the driver headed into Old Tbilisi where streets are narrow, one way and winding. It took us over an hour to find the hotel as the street was recently renamed and the numbering changed.

Georgia is much the same as Arme nia. It is filled with ancient historic sites. However, the spoken language is entirely different, and the alphabet bears little re semblance to the Armenian. Georgians are fiercely loyal to their independence and refuse to be confused with their neighbors on the other side of the Lesser Caucasus. The day after our arrival, we began our touring. Our first stop was Ujarma Fortress. The ruins of this 3rd century fort sit on the slopes of the Gom bori Mountains. A long walk up a gravel road takes you to the walls and tower of the original fortification. The next stop was at the Monastery of Alaverdi, which was built as early as the 6th century, and then to the village of

On a bridge overlooking the Kura River in the heart of Tbilisi.

Tsinandali renowned for its mansion and gardens that belonged to a noble family. Tsinandali is the location of Georgia’s oldest and largest winery where Euro pean and centuries-old Georgian wine making traditions are employed. The last stop for the day was Telavi where an ancient fortress stands in the center of a most picturesque village. Standing atop the walls is a large bronze

56 AUTUMN YEARS I SUMMER 2024