We arrived at Tbilisi Airport early in the morning and did not waste any time taking photos of landmarks and places that were indeed sights to behold.
First stop was the Bridge of Peace, a bow-shaped pedestrian bridge meant as a contemporary design for the new district and as a stark contrast to the Old Tbilisi .(It was dawn when we got there hence the photos are a bit dim).
We did not hesitate taking mini-stopovers at places that were eye-feast-worthy. The turistas in us were unleashed upon stepping into this European territory.
The streets are just awesome. Cobblestones wound in and out of roads and avenues that were fronted with buildings of impressive architectural designs. The streets are named after revered Georgian playwrights and poets whose legacies resound in their theaters, museums and opera houses.
Majority of the Georgians affirm their religious faith as Orthodox Christians. As solid believers of the ancient Church, even the central business district boasts of the Orthodox Churches and their magnificent glory.
With a little bit of persuasion imposed on our local tourist guide, Khatuna, (who apparently never tried the cable ride), we descended way up in the hill for an amazing panoramic view of the entire Tbilisi village.
For our second day, we were scheduled to visit the town outskirts with some famous destinations that featured more of the rich Georgian history. First destination was a Mtskheta Historical Monument that's also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The windy ancient ruins atop a hill overlooks the Mtskheta community, one of the oldest cities of Georgia.
Note: Wear thick and 'comfy' clothes. Apparently, we were not dressed that 'appropriately'. The winds can be your nemesis. Haha! ;)
Then there's the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Javri Monastery--premium epitomes of masterpieces and amongst the most significant Georgian Christian architecture and edifices in history. Both Historical Monuments of Mtshketa are placed under UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites.
And throughout the drive, the views were just exhilarating. We were lucky to have Yura, our guide and driver for the day, who was ever so patient to wait for us when we requested for numerous stops just to take photos of the sceneries. Nothing really beats the feel of the countryside.
Then of course we have the Georgian nights. This is how I've always imagined romantic nights in Europe would feel like. Peace and quiet on a cold, crisp night with a cup of espresso and a glass or two of the town's best wine. Afterwards, one gets to enjoy brisk-walking along the alleys and walkways in your mittens and boots.
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