Mtskheta

Mtskheta was capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC – 5th century AD. It was the site of early Christian activity, and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia in 317.
It is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi. You can easy get there by minibus ("marshrutka") from the bus station at the subway ("metro") station Didube . And I did just that on my second day in Tbilisi. I do not know how it happened but I missed stop where I had to get off. "No problem," - said driver, turned around and dropped me at the proper place. Such kindness and readiness to help is very common in Georgia. It is just normal way to treat people.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral







To Jvary monastery I walked. Firstly up the stream along Aragvi river, passed the small pedestrian bridge,  crossed highway on the left bank of Aragvi and continued up the mountain by the trail through a forest and meadow.



Jvari Monastery



View of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Tbilisi. Walking in the streets

New church built in 2004 in traditional Georgian style:



Georgian lion:



View from the mountain:





Old Narikala Fortress:



Thunderstorm and heavy rain started but two brave Georgian girls did not pay attention to the weather:



Mosque in the Old town:



Ancient sulphur baths:



Still raining...



At that Orthodox church...



I found true Muslim washing place. Either there was mosque in old times or first Christians took hygiene more seriously.



Rain was powerless against that lamp-lighter,...



musician...



and joyful dancers.



Three more pictures of Tbilisi:










Next post will be about Mtskheta and Open-air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi.

Georgia is A Winner

My this year travel took me to Georgia. I spent there 15 days in July. Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Zugdidi - Svaneti - Vardzia - Sighnaghi (Alazani valley) - Kazbegi. It is so wonderful country. Mountains, sea, valleys, sun, air, rivers, wine, chacha, kindness, hospitality, joy...
Photos are coming soon. Now I just wish to express the most important observation of that travel.
GEORGIA HAS WON CONFRONTATION WITH RUSSIA AND 2008 WAR.
Russia is developing xenophobia and paranoia. Russia closed borders with Georgia and cancelled all transport connections. People are arrested for their skin colour, shape of eyes and foreign language.
Fear and suspicion are feelings of the looser.
Georgia is full of hospitality and kindness. Georgia is open to everybody including Russians. Georgians speak Russian much and enjoy it. Georgians sympathize with Russians and not otherwise. Yes, they sympathize and sorry for Russians because of present Russian regime.
Kindness and generosity are feelings of the winner.
Thanks a lot to Georgia and Georgians. Madloba! I hope I'll visit your beautiful country again.