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Georgia - Day 3 | Kazbegi


 Good Morning Kazbegi!

That view stole my heart and mind for a good amount of time (I just kept staring at it). Gen was so gracious to offer me some coffee and bread (mentally crying), when I told her id be heading out for breakfast. We both were to go to the Gergeti Trinity church and planned on doing so together (such good call).






We headed out and shared our information regarding the time that we’d need to hike uphill to the church. It was hilarious as to how incorrect we both were.

We discovered later on that there are 3 trails to reach Gergeti (there might be many more). Two of those are hiking trails, and the other one is by road. The one we chose was apparently the easiest hiking trail, according to a group of guys we met on our way back. Me and gen exchanged looks and  mentally recapped the effort we took to reach uphill, and just politely smiled and nodded in unison (ROFL).

The route we took is the most common route (and it isn’t EASY). Also, this is coming from a completely unfit person who does have breathing difficulties (lol). So don’t take my word for it, may be the guys were right about this being the easy way up.

We huffed and puffed our way uphill, following a track that was already there. Towards the end, we decided to be more risky and just took the shorter route (why didn’t we do this earlier). Reaching uphill was the most amazing feeling. The view was one to die for and so worth the effort we took. On one side we saw a group going to another part of the mountain, with their camping gear. On another side was the Kazbegi mountain standing tall with clouds kissing its peaks (so beautiful).




















Gergeti is under construction, and is almost just a few structures. However, the climb was so worth it. Especially the view, OMG. I’m not sure how often am I going to run short of words to express how alluring the view was in Georgia. Kazbegi had my heart. It’s one of the most beautiful places that I still had to explore, but unfortunately I didn’t plan as well as I thought I did.
We sat and soaked in the view, clicked a few pictures. But more importantly felt amazing at having reached and not giving up on the trail to the church. We had left the hostel at around 9:00 am, it was so good to have left early on.


















There were many others who had left earlier, as we did meet a lot of people on our way uphill. On our way back, we saw a group of elderly people who were hiking way better than us. Some had their walkers, some had their walking sticks as well. That view was so encouraging, I’m not sure, if I’d have that energy to hike or even travel at that age. But that group was so inspiring.
We reached back with  much ease and sat down to have lunch with some Kachapuri and Natakhtari (the latter was a favorite for my entire trip). Gen introduced me to the drink, and it was amazing. The Kachapuri was warm and cheesy and filled us up very fast, but was enough fuel to help us get back to the hostel.



I freshened up and was ready to go to Kutaisi. We bid farewell, and I headed to the bus stop, only to realize that there was no direct bus or transport to Kutaisi from Kazbegi and the only way to get there was from Tbilisi. At this point in time, I wasn’t surprised and headed back to Tbilisi.

 Read Day 1 HERE
Read Day 2 HERE
Read Day 2 - to Kazbegi  HERE

Much Love 

xoxo

Georgia - Day 2 | Mtshketa to Kazbegi


Hello Kazbegi!

Kazbegi was a long ride from Tbilsi. If I remember correctly, it was almost 5-6 hours via the local bus. The journey to Kazbegi was a sight for sore eyes. It was beautiful, soothing, and tranquil. The view didn’t make it feel like a long ride at all. It was so scenic and was poetry in motion (Not exaggerating at all).









I was staying at the White House Hostel, booked via Bookings.com (not sponsored). As mentioned earlier, I loved the flexibility it offers of no upfront payment, which makes your plans very flexible.

I reached Kazbegi, and walked towards the hostel (as per how it showed on Google map). A moment of gratitude for longer days in Georgia. I crossed a bridge and headed towards the location (it was a 3-5 minutes’ walk from the main stop).  The bridge looked had a very narrow pedestrian walkway and as I gingerly walked towards the direction of my hostel, I couldn’t not admire the gorgeous lake flowing below the bridge and it seemed to be flowing from uphill.
I saw signs for the Gergeti church (which was on my list, and was thrilled how close it was to my hostel) and made notes, while heading to my hostel. I finally reached a barren piece of land that my hostel as per the map was supposed to be on (lmao). This would have essentially sent me into a fit of panic, but oddly enough, the situation was way too hilarious to panic (Yes, I’m wired weirdly).




I called the Hostel number, but couldn’t get through. So I decided to try and find the place, by asking around.  I walked backwards, and went to the area where I was dropped off and asked around.  It didn’t work that well. However, I set off to a cafe, and explained my situation. The lady who owned the place was so helpful. She called the number, found an alternate number, and asked the Hostel lady to come and pick me up from her place (Well, she literally did shout at her).

She offered me some wine (perks of getting lost), and we had a good conversation going, till my host showed up.

The Hostel was a good distance away from where the google pin had showed (lol). But it was all so worth the hassle. The view from the window was breathtaking in the morning. And I wouldn’t mind getting lost again just for the view.

I met my roomie on my way to the hostel. As I was freshening up she came back and we exchanged pleasantries. She is an ex teacher from South Korea (Gen), who has been travelling for the past 6 months (I was left mighty impressed at the thought of how brave she was). She had bought some ‘Churchkela’  - Georgian sweet. You will see it everywhere in Georgia, and I was definitely intrigued as well. It does look really weird and hence we were a bit apprehensive to try it. Churchkela, broke the ice (we made some indecent jokes about how it looked). Post our tasting session, loads of giggles and some conversation,  I decided to explore Kazbegi  (read:dinner options).


I went looking for cafe 5047m, as I read a lot of review of the place. It’s located right in the center (where the bus drops you off), but getting into the place was a bit tricky, as it has a very small entrance you might definitely miss. Don’t expect amazing service, as the place is usually packed (and also they are generally laid back). I ordered for wine and Khinkali, and waited for a really long time, and reminded them (almost hangry here) 2-3 times. It was getting really cold and they went around offering blankets (that’s when I stopped mentally complaining). The cafe has a beautiful view to watch the sunset. My khinkali’s tasted like heaven along with the wine and I savored in the moment of incredible tranquility.

I left the cafe at around 10:30 sh and jeez was it a dark (2 glasses of wine and lack of direction was not a good choice). I walked towards my hostel in pitch dark, maybe it was the wine but I didn’t really panic. Luckily, I managed to find my way back to the Hostel, and called it a night.

Much Love,

xoxo
Read Day 1 HERE
Read Day 2 HERE


“All you need to know is that it’s possible.” – Wolf, an Appalachian Trail Hiker

Georgia - DAY 1 | TBILISI

So in my hurry to book my ticket, I ended up booking one that landed Tbilisi at around 23:45 (Yep, silly me) So I reminded myself to get a sim card from the airport before I left from Dubai. But the flight delay(from Dubai), and the rude Immigration officer, along with the fact that I reached late in the night messed my cognitive skills (I panicked)
Didn't get my Sim card, neither did I take the bus to the hostel. As is with all airports, you do have Taxi drivers wanting to get that extra cut. I was followed by one Taxi guy (harmless) and finally agreed on a price (BARGAIN, BARGAIN). I jumped into his cab, because there were two locals who were trying to help, and the Indian in me did a huge flip (I was scared and couldn't comprehend why two strangers wanted to help me)

The cab driver dropped me right outside my hostel, however since I was new to  the place it was difficult to figure out where to go. I saw 26 Rustaveli, but there was no indication of a hostel.

The cab driver, tried calling the number of the hostel, but couldn't get through (panicked again). Here is when I realized how deep in shit I actually was and that I may have to sleep on the street (ROFL). As I was trying to convince the Taxi driver to call the hostel again, a cop car pulled up and I almost did a slo-mo run towards them (i write dramatic stories, but I panic pooped). 

 The panic pooped person aka me repeated the whole story to both the cops, and literally shoved my Hostel print out in their face (nope, I didn't). I requested (pleaded) them to help me find my hostel (damn you hostel) and they were ever so kind and not only did they find my hostel, they dropped me right till the door (gentlemen). One of them gave me his number, and insisted I call him if i need any assistance when in Georgia (that was the beginning of meeting amazing people and having beautiful experiences in Georgia).

 My Day 1 Itinerary (Check here) was all planned and I didn't anticipate that Tbilisi doesn't wake up at 7:00 a.m. (silly me! Also, i wake up early and I was also very excited).

 (P:S - I walked a lot today, a lot)

 Luckily my roommate was up, and we had an amazing conversation over coffee and our love for coffee. Post that, I went to Fabrika for breakfast (not many choices, but it was fresh and filling). I waited for the alternate tour to start and since I thought as per my itinerary i was to leave for Mtshketa, I carried my backpack along with me (Hello back pain).

But before that I did get a sim for GEL 30 (silly me, would have got it for free at the airport). Since, i did have time to kill till my breakfast I did some walking around myself. 










I had an amazing walking tour around many hidden and not so hidden spots in Tbilisi, with a fun group of people (More info on walking tour HERE) We walked in and around Tbilisi, making notes, exchanging information and eating Georgian food. The best part was inspiring stories from all those amazing people I met - getting to know their cultures, their life back home all made it seem so worthwhile. The walking tour was more of a eye-opener tour for me. Many experiences shared, made my 'problems' seem so insignificant. The more you listen, themore you realise how blessed you are, and how grateful you should be. 

We visited a few churches (They are beautiful) museums, wine making shops (tasted a lot of wine too). But above all that, as mentioned earlier - the idea of meeting new people and walking with complete strangers in the same direction was overwhelming. 































We finished the tour and ended up gorging on some more Georgian food. Since everyone spoke so much about Adjarian Khachapuri, i opted for that and was mighty surprised to see a huge carb bowl loaded with cheese placed in front of me. Boy, that was a tough one to finish, but so delish.

I was to leave for Mtshketa the same day post the walking tour. However, post speaking with the tour guide (can't remember her name). She advised to go the next  morning, and I took her advice. I went back to my Hostel and went looking for a bar or lounge to chill in the evening (spoiler alert). The bars were claustrophobic around Rustavelli and really compact. None of the 'bars' had anything 'bar-like' about them (Well of course, It's Georgia). I searched my next best option (Thank you Google) and headed to old Tbilisi and went to the 'Drunk Owl Cafe'.

 I met a few locals on my way to the cafe and they I joined them for a fun evening session of chacha (uggghh) and wine (my rescue hero) and endless conversations about culture, food, food and more food. Georgians are amazing hosts, they love to feed you. I was fed like there was no tomorrow. The group of locals, also helped me with my further plans and dropped me back to the hostel. (My battery conked off, and hence don't have much images to share)

And the moment I hit the bed, I was a happy puppy in dream world, excited for Day 2 of Mtshketa. 

 Day 1, was fabulous. I feel eternally blessed and grateful for the memories and people I met. 
Much Love 

xoxo


The more you move forward, the more you realise why you need to only move ahead.






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