Tbilisi and Georgia.
I haven't been to Georgia since childhood. Since then, of course, much has changed in the country, but goodwill and hospitality have remained. In Georgia, I have classmates who studied with me in Russia. I have been invited to visit for a long time, but the visa regime and the politics between our countries stopped me. Since 2012, visas to Georgia have been canceled for all Russians (for information), so I decided to go on New Year's Russian holidays in 2013 to Georgia. Before the trip, I read a lot of reviews about Georgia, sights, hotels. Went prepared. She flew from Yekaterinburg via Moscow to Tbilisi, a round-trip ticket cost 44.000 rubles. There are flights through third countries, but they did not suit me, because of the long wait (up to 20 hours) at airports. I stopped at the Beaumond Hotel 3 * so as not to embarrass my friends. I have written about this hotel before. The hotel is located in the center of Tbilisi, near Rustaveli Avenue. Georgia met me with bright sun and warmth of +6 in January. There was no snow at all in Tbilisi during my entire stay. On Christmas Day (Christmas Eve) there was a heavy downpour!!! I will be brief, only facts and impressions. Passport control passed in 10 minutes. , everything is clear. The airport is large, comfortable, called Novoalekseevka. Friends met me and showed me local sights all week, treated me to Georgian cuisine, wine!!!! She herself walked along Rustaveli Avenue, took pictures. For a week we visited Mtskheta, Borjomi, then drove to Bakuriani. Borjomi and Bakuriani are in the mountains, so it was already colder there and there was snow. Bakuriani is a ski resort where I met a lot of Russians. We climbed the mountain to the Narikala fortress, from there a beautiful view of Tbilisi opens from above. Mount Mtsatminda rises in the center of the city, a beautiful park with attractions is open on the mountain, from there you can see the whole city from a height. In Tbilisi, many streets, especially in the old city, either run sharply down or up. The skill of the drivers can only be envied. There are many museums, modern shops, boutiques on Rustaveli Avenue. I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of Lukoil gas stations, Beeline is also mastering the market. A lot of Russian products in stores, imported through 3 countries. Wine in stores from 8 to 25 GEL per bottle, "Borjomi" 1 GEL. The exchange rate is 1 lari for January: 1 dollar = 1.65 lari. At Christmas we were in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity - "Sameba" - impressive !!! During her stay, she visited the zoo, Turtle Lake (the turtles hid for the winter), rode around Tbilisi and its environs. Cafe in Georgia for any budget, you can dine for 10 GEL, you can also for 50 GEL / person. The attitude towards the Russians is excellent, do not listen to our media. Everywhere you can hear Russian speech, as tourists from other countries of the former USSR also speak Russian with Georgians. The beauty of the mountains, nature is difficult to describe, you need to see it yourself. I wish you all a wonderful holiday and travel. Maybe my review will help someone.
