Traveling Jones

  Last full day in Tbilisi and we spent it kicking around the old town. Took a cable car to the top of the hill overlooking the city where the giant “Mother of Georgia” statue stands (shown above). Erected in 1958 to celebrate the city’s 1500th anniversary, it stands 66ft tall. A cup of wine in one hand for hospitality, a sword in the other to vanquish its enemies.  The Peace Bridge, pedestrian bridge erected in 2010 Some side streets in our travels today Sulphur Baths:  The city has been known for them for hundreds of years.  We decided to pass. For those of you that know what sulfur dioxide smells like, you’ll understand Our boat from 2 days ago View looking back at the old town Statue of King Vakhtang who founded Tbilisi around 500AD.  The Metekhi Church, built in the 13th century Discovered this very cool repurposed street car The Meidan Bazaar - underneath the main square of the old town. Cool place to shop for upscale tourist stuff Churchkhela- halved waln...

Not the best sightseeing day but we had an awesome guide. Great conversations despite hours of driving to nowhere. Above is a traditional wine jar on a wagon. They still ferment wine in these terracotta vessels. Below is an array of wines we tasted at the Giuaani vineyard. We bought 5.  Below is a storage rack at the vineyard, along with the fermenting chambers in the floor (with the terracotta jars) Street vendors selling booze, oil and honey Sighnani  “City of Love” The Bodbe church Streets of Sighnani Back street cafes in old Tbilisi Rare photo of the Queen of Tbilisi . . . .  Observation balloon over Tbilisi “Thinly sliced” prosciutto— bone-in.  Night club in Tbilisi   Some sculptures along the way The tomada (aka toastmaster) controls all toasts and drinking at a party. This was the puppet master behind all of my bad behavior?!

Great first day sightseeing around Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi. Too busy seeing more things today to describe everything but wanted to get the photos out there. I’ll loop back with the details later.