The Sweetness of Surami

As I embarked on the Old Tbilisi & Mtskheta Tour, I found myself in the quaint town of Surami, a place that seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the stories it could tell. The air was thick with the aroma of “Nazuki,” a sweet bread that seemed to encapsulate the essence of the town itself. I took a bite, and the flavors danced on my tongue, a symphony of sweetness that spoke of tradition and time. It was a moment of simple pleasure, a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can hold the greatest significance.

Surami was a gentle introduction to the journey ahead, a place where laughter and history intertwined. Our guide, Jemal, was a storyteller at heart, weaving tales of the past with a humor that lightened the soul. As we left Surami, I felt a sense of warmth, a connection to a place that was both foreign and familiar.

Mtskheta: The Cradle of Faith

The road to Mtskheta was a journey through time, a passage that led us to the cradle of Christianity in Georgia. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stood as a testament to faith and resilience, its walls whispering stories of centuries past. I wandered through its halls, feeling the weight of history pressing down, a reminder of the enduring nature of belief.

Jemal’s voice echoed in the sacred space, his knowledge of the place profound and moving. He spoke of the Jvari Church, a masterpiece of early Christian architecture, and as we stood before it, the view of the confluence of two rivers was breathtaking. It was a moment of reflection, a pause in the journey to consider the paths we choose and the rivers that shape them.

Tbilisi: A City of Contrasts

Tbilisi was a city of contrasts, a place where the old and new danced in a delicate balance. The streets of Old Tbilisi were alive with history, each corner a chapter in the city’s story. We took a cable car to the Narikala fortress, the city sprawling below us, a tapestry of life and color.

The Bridge of Peace stood as a symbol of modernity, a stark contrast to the ancient stones of the Metekhi church. As we wandered through the Abanotubani sulfur bath district, Jemal shared the legend of Tbilisi’s name, a tale that added depth to the city’s vibrant tapestry.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the journey, the laughter and learning that had filled the hours. Georgia had opened its heart to me, and in return, I had found a piece of myself in its landscapes and stories. The Old Tbilisi & Mtskheta Tour was more than a journey through a country; it was a journey through time, a dance with history that left me changed.