Georgia, diversity between fantastic nature and fright of war
After visiting Georgia for two weeks, I am overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. But I could also feel how the people held their breath in fright of what could happen if Russia succeeded in Ukraine.
Tbilisi, the capital with ambitions
Georgia has been invaded many times during its history, and so many cultures have left their mark on this country. However, Tbilisi is a European capital. They have their old town that, within a few meters apart, has up to five different religious buildings, which proves their tolerance for diversity. After the Soviet era and their freedom, Georgia was squeezed between two large countries, Russia and Turkey. However, they used Europe as inspiration to develop a modern city.
The mountains
The first week of my stay in Georgia was an organized trip by Hvitserk. We were 16 people going to gross the Chaukhi pass at 3.400 meters and also visit Stepantsminda with the view of Kazbegi mountain, 5.033 meters, and Gergeti Trinity Church.
In this post, I want to write an overall impression of my journey in Georgia and try to express some of the vibes I picked up in this beautiful country. In later posts, I will write more specifically about the hike with the group. And also about my adventures on my own.
The war in Georgia in 2008
I don’t think I am the only ignorant westerner regarding the Russo-Georgian war in 2008. But it has many similarities to the war going on in Ukraine at the moment. Georgia wanted to join Nato, and of course, Russia and the Russian population in Georgia did not want any of this. It ended up with two Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Russians in Georgia are still provocative and are pushing their boundaries quietly. Therefore it is very understandable that Georgians follow the war in Ukraine and give them their full support.
The Christian faith
The Georgian are very proud that they were the third county in the world to proclaim Christianity as their state religion. All over the country, you find old churches and monasteries. I visited a few of them; here, you see The Gelaty monastery on the UNESCO heritage list.
If you can, go to Georgia.
On the whole, I loved my weeks in Georgia. The food was tasty; it was plenty to taste and enjoy for those who drink wine. I’m sharing the picture above to show how cows, horses, and pigs walk free around the whole country. You see most cows in the middle of the street, lying down, ignoring the traffic altogether. I am surprised that there are few accidents.
Optimism for the future
Despite the fright of war, the people are optimistic about the future. One day they hope to join the EU, and I guess they have quite a bit of sorting out before that. I also had a long conversation with a young gay man. He was optimistic about the LGBT community. Even though Pride has been canceled because of fright of confrontations, he said the younger generation is open-minded, and it is mostly the old generation that is conservative and thinks it is the way of the westerners. I visited the Opera House in Tbilisi last night of my holiday, it rounded up a perfect trip.
