There are many reasons to come to Tbilisi, Georgia. It is difficult to single out four main ones. The small country at the junction of sea and mountains boasts a mild climate and beautiful nature, rich history and unique architecture, excellent cuisine and wines. But its greatest asset is, of course, its people, famous for their extraordinary hospitality and artistry.
The Nature
Georgia’s nature is amazingly diverse: green valleys spread between snow-capped peaks, lush subtropical vegetation gives way to rocky massifs with clear mountain lakes and turbulent rivers. Here you can not only enjoy beautiful landscapes, but also improve your health in numerous thermal resorts: Borjomi, Kodjori, Utsera, Batumi, Tsagveri, etc. There are also all the achievements of civilization: ski resorts with modern equipment, manicured beaches of several kilometers, cable cars and modern hotels.
History and Architecture
Georgia’s history is more than 2 millennia old, and its oldest monasteries are about the same age. The ancient architecture blends organically with the lush and austere nature. It was one of the first countries to embrace Christianity. The Georgian “place of power” is ancient Mtskheta, the first capital of the state of Iberia. Here is the cathedral patriarchal temple Svetitskhoveli, monasteries of Jvari and Samtavro with many shrines.
Cuisine and wines
The Georgian feast is legendary. Up to four dozen different dishes can be served in one evening, washed down with excellent Georgian wine and Borjomi mineral water. The hosts make sure that the plate is not empty and that the guest tastes all the dishes. And it is impossible to resist – their names alone cause active salivation: lobio, khinkali, pkhali…. There are many types of khachapuri: Imereti, Adjara, etc. Each village and family has its own unique recipe for cooking meat and fish, with a variety of aromatic spices, seasonings and sauces. And what is worth churchkhela made of nuts and grape juice. There are also
countless varieties of Georgian cheese.
Wine has been produced in Georgia for 8 millennia – it is not surprising that local winemakers have achieved excellent results for such a long period of time. Tsinandali, Kakheti, Akhasheni, Khvanchkara, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli and Alazan Valley are world famous. Each owner prepares for sale wonderful homemade wines with unique individual taste.
The People
There is no language barrier in Georgia – everyone speaks English or Russian to a greater or lesser extent. Georgians are friendly and approachable. The art of toasting for hours on end is especially appreciated here, so no one gets bored. Lavish feasts are usually accompanied by Georgian polyphony, with both men and women singing, often with live accompaniment. Georgian national culture is alive: young people enjoy dancing vivacious Georgian dances. This is a country where past and present, tradition and modernity are woven into an intricate national ornament that is impossible to take your eyes off.
