Lasīt tālāk
26.May
NINTH DAY: SVANETIAN TRADITIONS AND LIFESTYLE
25 May
- 2015 -
Author
Andis Pikāns
From Zugdidi we have a chance to see a beautiful view – the stunning Svanetian mountains where we are heading. There is no traffic on the roads. Only one thing – the livestock shall never be forgotten.
30 km away from Zugdidi we witness the huge building of Enguri hydroelectric station – the second highest in the formes USSR (height of the walls 271 m). As the station is located on the border of Georgia-Abkhazia, after the military conflict the power is divided – 60% go to Georgians, but 40% go to Abkhazs.
Right after HES we continue on the mountain serpentine, which gives us tremendous chance to enjoy our voyage and admire the wild beauty of Caucasus mountains. 50 km away from Mestia, at the roadside diner, we meet Polish cyclists, who are heading to China. For the exchange of experience and emotions more than hours are spent. Owners of the diner put wine on the tables and call toasts. Polish guys and us are not in a position to decline. Right there in the simple kitchen masterclass of cooking the Svan national bread Kupdari takes place. Dough and meat are the main ingredients.
We would love to stay longer, but we have to go, because Svans have unlimited wine resources. At the Lengeri village we are greeted by local Nano Gulebani. She has made nice rooms for tourists in 12th century’s building.
