Lasīt tālāk
31.May
FOURTEENTH DAY: VALLEYS AND LOCAL DELICATESES
30 May
- 2015 -
Author
Andis Pikāns
On the way from Kutaisi to Tbilisi we are surprised by construction of impressive highway. Georgians are very serious with building works. We notice that they are using German autobahn building technologies – concrete is used in the process.
We also meet Austrian Werne with the new adventurer. He is traveling tranzite through Turkey and Armenia, complaining about the last because police is demanding money.
Road signs limit the speed to 110 km/h, but seldom does anyone obeys these reules. In Stepatsmind, which is located at the bottom of the Kazbegi mountain and Gergeti monastery, we arrive at the noon. Steep uphill road that leads us in the direction of monastery is hard and complicated. Also we need to respect the condition of Normund’s ankle. When we arrive at our destination we hastily capture the beautiful view of Kazbegi mountain and Gergeti monastery. We have a rare chance to enjoy clear and sunny weather.
The monastery was built in the 14th century. Its location on the top of the cliff and spectacular landscapes around has made it the symbol of Georgia. Local writer of 18th century Batonishvili wrote that during the wars and dark times the artifacts (including the Nino cross) were taken up here for safekeeping.
After successful return to the city we easily find guest house and head for local tavern, which, as we get to know later, is owned by the Tamaz Odishvili, the famous Olympic disc thrower from the seventies. Former athlete, triple champion of the USSR, tells us about the time he spent training in Latvia’s Dinamo camp at the coast of Ķīšezers and also about Jānis Lūsis, with whom he participated in World championships and Olympic games.
