It's one of my resolutions this year to try not to hoard my stories: whether of a travel, a gastronomic afternoon experience or the mundane activities of daily living. I still haven't outgrown procrastination at this age and I plead guilty as charge. Working in Intensive Care Unit where life and death have infinitesimal difference, surviving a 12-hour shift is a glimpse of heaven. Watching patients fading inch by inch, I always wonder how many of them realized their dreams. Delayed it. Or probably had given them up. I have high hopes that at death bed, they are fulfilled as much as regretted life's decisions. It made me think what were their thoughts, or last words, things they could have still wanted to do if not secluded within the four walls of the room which is the last parting view they could have actually had a glimpse of. With the daily eyes I've seen, both weary and enigmatic, almost suggests that there was no human emotions they hadn't recognize, or perhaps, felt this far.
As I grow in experiences (and not in waist), I am more inclined to rather see the corners of the world than to settle imagining what it looks like. I confess that my job limits me sometimes to fulfill this only vanity. But at the same time, this noble profession has taught me enormous reasons not to just live, but to truly live. And I mean it italic.
So in 2016, before my age increase and not the waist, off I went to my second travel alone.
The intriguing but gaudily less traveled place in Eastern Europe; Georgia.
I have a strong affinity to places that has weird facade at glance but has the ability to ignite in me to discover the mysteries that lies from the grotesque structures. I don't know why I am easily swept off feet by places that are different. Maybe because I'm different, and at the same time, wanting to be the same. Does it make sense? Oh well, only the weirds can relate.
And Georgia did.
I always recommend for travelers to avoid staying in a place for a brief period of time. Unless your purpose is just to feed your Instagram, better not to spend a dime and time. Travel is the optimum time to disconnect from a world of filters. It's the suiting time to meet new people, learn new language (even if it's a trying hard one), learn the ability to establish trust (foremost with yourself), and strangers that often becomes your instant map!
I settled in Georgia for 9 days for that purpose(s).
For 3 days, I stayed in a hostel and hired a driver who knows how to speak English since Georgia is dominated by Russian language. I'm glad Nicholas, my private driver, knows exactly where to bring his guests.
Ananuri Castle
The sense of equanimity is palpable as my peripheral vision takes in every drop of amazement to the first UNESCO-protected site I visited, the Ananuri Castle. Built on 13th century as a refuge for the community during war, overlooking at the Aragvi River, it seemed to remind the pilgrims of its unfazed history.
Surrounding the high walled castle are steep entrances and a subtle view of the still river that turned turquoise with the sky's reflection. I can stay all day watching it.
But just like flirting, I couldn't, for the next stop is waiting =)
Kazbegi Mountain
The main goal of my travel is to visit the Gergeti Trinity Church in the mountainous part of Georgia, the Kazbegi Mountain. Along the way, it's a big relief to see the lush sceneries that made the long drive worth every pain in the arse. The snow-capped mountain of Kazbek, which according to Nicholas, remained to be "snowy" throughout the year made the arduous and scorching heat of July's summer a little less.
The Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument is the only shaded structure along the way to Kazbek. Many tourists stop here to get a good view of the greener side of Georgia.
That's me imagining Derek Ramsay on my side saying, "we'll jump on two!", lol
And finally, after shouting "kaya ko ng mag MOVE ON", nah, just kidding, I savored the richness and greatness of God. It was a birthday wish come true to arrive safe and in one piece after the hilarious ride up to 2000 meters elevation!
Gergeti Church
The Holy Trinity Church, the symbol of Georgia stood ablaze the setting sun. It was a mixed emotion of happiness and blessedness to actually felt its 18th century walls that protected the religious relics during the time of Soviet era where it was prohibited, stepped foot on its floors and prayed fervently out of gratefulness. I forgot the mileage it took for me to traveled this far, the inconveniences along the steeped and rough roads and detours I would want to yell that I don't want to die a poor V****N! But truly, difficult roads often lead to grand destinations.
And in addition to being very lucky to meet new people (handsome people for this matter), I prayed for everyone I can remember before leaving this place melancholic and nostalgic I would want to go back to someday.
Chronicle of Georgia
Back to the city after a mountainous journey, Chronicle of Georgia is akin to The Stonehenge. This, by far, the tallest structures of monuments that depict Biblical history beyond the grasp of my gaze I felt dizzy how human beings were gifted enough to build such masterpiece that transcends through time.
This travel was kind of mysterious everywhere I go, it always lead me to something so strong I can't escape. This is very likely to say, with my head turned upward to the Man on the Cross:
My Love for you is stronger, Kim.
Mtskheta
The oldest city of Georgia where Christianity bloomed and is another UNESCO Heritage Site, Mtsketa is Georgia's "Holy City".
Strolling around the Holy City is another century old piece, the Jvari Monastery or the Monastery of the Holy Cross. A massive overlook of the city, as most of the churches in Georgia are situated on a hill. Told yah, everywhere I go, there's always that strong force of magnet leading me to the Cross =)
(But I'm not going to be a nun for sure,lol)
Sameba Cathedral
It was a hot day when I turned 31. Usually, it drizzles everytime I celebrate my natal day. I was hopeful that I will escape the downpour since it's summer in Europe. No way for the rain to awash the streets where I'll flaunt my age,hahaha But without fail, as miraculous and mysterious it was, it rained. It gave me a prickle on the hair of my neck, believing that God is playing favorites. And I'm one of them=)
Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
I was curious right after I loaded my belly with carbs from an afternoon stroll to this little hunches at the heart of Tbilisi. Abanotubani is the "bath district" of Tbilisi.
I went inside innocently with a decent purpose of experiencing the sulfur bath. Afterall, it was a day of indulgence since I am celebrating another year of being mischievously rebellious in nature. I paid in the counter and went inside a simple tiled room, feeling the slight change in temperature. The small transparent luminous ceiling created a morbid thought. Is this a cabin of prostitutes? What if I was cheated and be the first Asian to be sold to some Russian hottie? Is this the end of my V-journey? I almost cried of fear I created for myself. The ripples of those thoughts were dismissed when the staff assigned to me smiled gracefully as if we were BFFs. She gestured that I should removed all my garments. As in all. As in everything. And I was like, "AS.IN.EVERYTHING?" Well, you can't blame me. The acts of being chaste,haha
It was the craziest act of being 31!
I enjoyed though the benefits of the sulfur bath to my skin after all the morbid thoughts I went through!=) That's how I spell V!lol
Rustaveli Avenue
If you are the type of upbeat and loves the air of "being in the city vibe", then Rustaveli Avenue is the place to go around. You will submit yourself to strict diet after you can't say no to endless resto and sweets anywhere. I sat on one of the benches, licking my gelato like a pro, watching people passing by, and how kind Georgian people are not to watch you licking...gelato I said.
Freedom Square
It's mind-boggling to me how all these structures colliding together with the old ones in the same city. Like a concoction of medieval and modern all wrapped up and then voila, it became Tbilisi Georgia!
Freedom Square, which was known before as Liberty Square, the place where Georgia was declared free from Russian Empire.
Peace Bridge
Walk among the crowd on this peace-illuminating bridge while overlooking the city transforming into colorful night lights. Perhaps, Georgia doesn't bother to explain its weirdness. Besides, that's the very reason I was attracted to unveil its every corner.
Narikala Fortress
After 3 days of staying in the hostel, I checked-in to Old Meidan Hotel for the rest of my vacation, the staffs were so friendly I received a birthday card and chocolates when I arrived at the hotel that night. And believe me, with no intention at all, my window view is a church.
Narikala Fortress, a 4th century fortress situated at the hill gazing by day and night, like a mother hen brooding her chicks for warmth and guidance.
Travel Hacks:
1. Have your money change at the airport of Tbilisi. Black market in the city has quite different exchange rate. And always bring a credit card.
2. People in Georgia are very kind. FYI: Georgia is the second safest place for females to travel alone! Who runs the world?=)
3. I booked my flight 3 months before my departure date. July is summer, and the rates of hotel and airfare are relatively high. So if you want to spend summer in Georgia, book your flight way ahead than 3 months. And bring ample sunblock!
4. Eat dumplings and grilled pork (with Georgian beer, sshhhh). No rice of any sort in Georgia. Remember, you're in Europe. The thing I didn't realize when I went there,haha
5. Go to Bread House for the authentic Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian bread with lots of cheese and top with egg. Eat it in a way you'll ripped off the crust and dip to the melting cheese! Yum!
6. If you want night life activities, stroll Gorgasali streets and you'll have enormous finds of resto and bars. I recommend Retro Cafe for pasta and Cafe Accent for best tiramisu and coffee.
There you go, my ebullient and nutso adventure!
Oh please, don't die wondering!
