Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
Today was my final day in Georgia before another overnight sleeper train to Baku Azerbaijan. I slept in and left my bags in the apartment storage room as I checked out. Today I was going to explore the east side of the river which I hadnt. The big landmark is the St Trinity Church
After crossing the river behind the metro it was a local street market. Vendors were selling breads and they spoke english to explain the fillings. One was bean which I had ate previously but thought it might have been meat. It was only 1.50 GEL (.75 cents) so a light breakfast.
Heading to the big cathedral there was a funeral taking place in one of the outer buildings. The large main building was very impressive. I found stairways down to a lower level which was closed off but you can look down. This shows you the scale of the place and how large crowds can be at events.
Aside from beggars outside were lots of stray dogs. A pack began circling me sensing food and wouldnt leave me alone.
I followed the main gate out which led me to a different side I didnt plan on coming from. This led past the Presidential Palace which is all closed off back down eventually to the river.
I needed to circle back to the metro to find two more sights. First was Queen Darejans Palace. You can see the terrace from down below but it's hard navigating the streets trying to figure out where it is.
You have to find a small church at the end of a street and its just behind. Coming out I ended up buying two rugs for 50 GEL ($25) from one of the shops. I couldnt buy rugs in Armenia due to border problems with Azerbaijan if you try to bring goods.
Next I wanted to find the Porakishvili Ethnography house. Aside from a marker on google maps there was no signage and nobody had heard of it. One hotel said to go down the street. The next hotel said they will open it for me.
Entrance is free but there is no signage. The only way to get in is to ask in the adjacent hotel. I put more descriptions in my video blog explaining where this house is and the name of the hotel as well as how to get to Queen Darejan Palace. Key is to look for the bakery on the corner.
See vlog - https://youtu.be/uEbiQ-xUENY
Next is another landmark church overlooking the river.
Finally I made my way down to the ropeway in the Peace Park. Luckily the rains had finally cleared out and I left all my pictures till today. It only costs 2.5 GEL ($1.25) and you pay for it with your metro card for the subway.
The views were nice but the ride is quick.
At the top is very touristy with vendors. I'd come partially on my first day to explore the fortress but cut it short due to rains.
There is a Mother of Georgia Statue (similar to Mother of Armenia, and Mother of Ukraine in each of those countries). However on a clifftop facing down you cant face it or take pics beside it.
I took the stairs down which kept twisting and providing different views of the city. After another church I went thru a renovation district before finding my way back to the main street.
After a shawarma for lunch I made my way back to the Sulfur Baths. My first one two nights back had not been that great. I found a nicer touristy one that was only 5 GEL ($2.50) for the public baths instead of booking a room.
You can see images of the inside from the tv screens in the lobby.
Similar to Japanese and Korean baths, after the public communal showers there are different pools to soak in. Then there is a steam room you take turns going into, then back to the showers and for a dip in the pools. There is a separate section for women so both sexes can attend.
Finally after collecting my bags from the apartment I made my way on the metro back to the central station for my overnight train. Georgia was nice, too bad about the rains that seem to hang over me on many trips.
2025-05-22