Georgian Military Highway, Georgia (September 2019)

Our tour to Georgia began from the east side of the country, Kakheti Region, crossing the border from Azerbaijan. Then, we went to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia located at the center of Georgia, and stayed there for three nights. With Tbilisi as the base, we traveled out to the north first, passing through Georgian Military Highway all the way to Gergeti Trinity Church. Then, we traveled to the west to Gori and on the final day we traveled to the south to cross the border to Armenia.

Georgian Military Highway was in fact a scenic highway passing through panoramic mountain range. It was named as such because it was the only pathway from Georgia to Russia and used primarily for the military purpose. Now, there are numerous trailer trucks carrying merchandise to and from Georgia. The road was crossing the valleys, climbing the mountains and at times piercing through the mountains through several tunnels. The view was breath-taking and otherworldly. On the way, we passed through the most incredible scenery. From remote villages, to castles and other sights that are steeped in history.

We passed through Gudauri, a ski resort town where we could find beautiful and idyllic houses on the hillsides. I saw a billboard that was promoting condominiums of which the prices start from $25,000. Hmmm... I can guess that it is a tiny studio, probably with a 10 square meter space.

While we were passing through the Jvari Pass, we saw many tunnels that operate only during the winter time when the snow frequently covers the open roads.

It was the idyllic Alps without the Swiss price. Apparently, a Korean TV program had a coverage of this country and now I expect the Korean tourists to flood this nation, at least for a while.
 
We stopped at the historically significant Ananuri Fortress Complex, built by the Aragyi River in the late Feudal times of the 13th century. It was a castle and seat of the eristayis (Duke) of Aragyi.

 

Inside the church, the morning service was being carried out but without any congregation member.

The church building had a certain section of the wall covered with Georgian inscriptions.

On the way down to the complex, we saw a horse resisting his owner's pulling.
 

 Three crosses at the entrance to the complex was a good reminder of the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Before our departure, the final look at the castle and the river.

We arrived at a town called Stefantsminda and had lunch. A bit disappointing in quantity, but the foods were good.

After lunch, we took a scenic adventure. We drove uphill in four-wheel drive vehicles, through narrow gorges and unspoiled mountains, until we found the prize of Georgia's isolated Gergeti Trinity church on the top of a mountain. The tiny building was the church to go up to.

 

 

   

 

On the way back to Tbilisi, we were able to enjoy the scenery again despite the rain. We made a stop at Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, built in 1983 between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Inside the structure was a mural that depicts the history between the two nations.

Behind the monument was the panoramic view of the mountains, which took our breath away.

Wherever I go, I pay attention to refrigerator magnets since they depict the life and culture of the nation very much. Here are some of Georgia's. What do you see?

This mountain range was a place which I felt like definitely coming back to, Lord willing. - Jeffrey