Europe
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25 June 2014 – En route to Tbilisi, Georgia
Most definitely our worst, most dangerous transport day on this trip. Welcome to Georgia, where a bus ticket gets you a seat in a private minivan from hell – otherwise known as our epic 9 hour, 3 different buses commute from Mestia to Tbilisi.
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24 June 2014 – Mestia, Georgia
Another beautiful hike around Mestia, Georgia. This time we made our way up past the airport to climb atop the most unreal hill of wild flowers.
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23 June 2014 – Mestia, Georgia
Hanging out on a mountain — this time no hike, very easy and pleasant — hitched a ride to the chairlift (~8 km from Mestia) and then onwards and upwards by the mechanical wonder. The image is of mountain Ushba, which refused to part with the clouds on that day.
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22 June 2014 – Mazeri, Georgia
We’ve made it past the guard dogs, hiked up the stream, criss crossed the forest, and climbed high high above Mazeri for this little dinky lake. Oh well. Still pretty gorgeous. Another great day hiking around Mazeri.
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21 June 2014 – Mazeri, Georgia
At the top of Ushba glacier! It took us only 5.5 hours (!!) Seriously the Ushba glacier hike was the most physically demanding trek we’ve done on this trip, but how cool is it to climb up to a glacier?! pretty cool. At the top its a little windy, chilly, somewhat snowy, and a whole lot
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20 June 2014 – Mazeri, Georgia
A nature walk around the prettiest place in all of Georgia — the high Caucasus mountains of Mestia. We are outside of the small village of Mazeri where we spent blissful three days.
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19 June 2014 – Zugdidi, Georgia
Zugdidi is not among the most touristed destinations in Georgia, but if you have the time, we recommend at least half a day. We visited the Dadiani estate, which was a fascinating peak into life of Georgian nobility when the country was part of Russian empire. Aside from beautiful interior, the castle houses one of Napoleon
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18 June 2014 – Gonio, Georgia
Another day by the sea — this time at Gonio beach, maybe 20 minutes outside of Batumi by bus. The beach is very clean, if still pebbly. The sea is beautiful. There is also fascinating ruins of a Roman fortress, turn Greek settlement, turn Georgian settlement, turn Turkish garrison. Or some such. Pretty neat stuff, highly
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17 June 2014 – Batumi, Georgia
Try #2 for Adjar Khachapuri — this time in proper region of Adjara, Georgia. If you want to taste a proper adjarian khachapuri then look no further than Retro cafe in Batumi — locals confirm its the real deal. This one was definitely as tasty as the first one, if not more. However, if only
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15 June 2014 – Tbilisi, Georgia
First try of Adjar Khatchapuri — the pride and joy of Georgia’s national cuisine: a cheesy pie with cheese and egg and butter. Welcome, heart attack – nice to meet you. Location: Turtle Lake, Tbilisi.
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14 June 2014 – Tbilisi, Georgia
A peak at cafe sitting in Tbilisi. Our favorite spot was Book Corner Cafe off the leafy Rustaveli Ave. Lovely homemade wine, wifi, and perfect ambiance to get some work done and skype with home.
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13 June 2014 – Tbilisi, Georgia
After our adventures in the high mountains of Tusheti and lovely wine country of Khakhetia, it was high time for us to take advantage of the famous Tbilisi sulphur baths. We booked our own private room with a hot pool for an hour — here is a little preview of how it all went down.