Julie: The republic of Georgia is nestled between the black and Caspian seas. With turkey and Iran to the south and the once impassable Caucasus range to the north.
Mark: These Mountains form a natural divide between the continents of Asia and Europe. The country shares the same latitude as southern Italy, giving it a temperate climate and fertile growing regions. They have rains come in May and June, leading up to the hot summer months.
Julie: Georgia was once a part of the Soviet Union, but culturally, it’s always been a world apart. The Georgian people have their own language and alphabet and have never thought of themselves as Russians. In fact in 1991, Georgia became the first republic to declare its independence from the Soviet Union.
Mark: Georgia’s roots are truly ancient. Archeologists believe there are human settlements here 6,000 years ago. Artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period have been found in the capital city, Tblisi.
Warm underground springs and an abundance of wildlife made this a desirable location for early settlers and to a steady string of invaders.
Julie: The wall surrounding the city was built in the 4th century and has withstood countless assaults. It seems that Georgia have been struggling for independence for the entire span of recorded history. The proud spirit of its people is symbolized in the Mother of Georgia statue.
Female: With a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in another. So Georgians are always friendly with friends but they are ready to defend their country.
Mark: Georgians are known for their traditional hospitality to strangers. This is reflected in the eclectic mix of cultures and religions found in Tblisi.
Paul: In one part of the town, there synagogues, mosques, catholic churches, Georgian orthodox churches, all within about two blocks of each other. Which I think is probably unique in all the world. And it again points out the sort of live and let live atmosphere that you find among most Georgians and the sort of warm hospitality and love of life that you find in this country.
The architecture here is absolutely unique. If you travel around, you’ll see architecture that you see no place else in the world. This is the architectural gem.
Mark: The lodging situation in Tblisi can be tough. Many hotels were filled with refugees from the fighting that has plagued the surrounding areas for over a decade. There are only a couple of real hotels and a handful of guest houses to choose from.
Julie: After driving through the crumbling city, we were amazed to find this level of luxury in the developing country.
Upon entering the cool atrian style lobby, you are greeted by the soothing sounds of fountains and piano music. Quite a contrast to what we had seen so far. In the evening, the bars and restaurant attracts a fascinating international clientele made up of diplomats, entrepreneurs, and Georgian families. Making this the only place to see and be seen in Tblisi.
Mark: Georgians place a high value on friendship and welcome visitors in to their country.
Fred: Georgians are known for their hospitality, with good food and for the good wine. I think those are the kind of ingredients which make a good stay. It’s basically a symbol of what Georgia is all about. A country in transition. A country which is trying to find its place in the world. A country which seeks international investment. And we’ve proven here it can be done.
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