It felt like I was in Tbilisi ages ago! Though it was only six weeks, on my way to Armenia, I’ve covered a lot of ground in between.

I enjoyed wandering around familiar streets, as well as exploring some new sites further from the city centre.

But first I had to make it back from Kasbegi/Stepantsminda.

My driver took a short detour to show me a collection of these giant stone carvings done by Merab Phiranishvili.

The Soviet- Georgian Friendship Monument

Unbelievable amount of transport truck traffic.

Tunnel on the Military Georgian Highway.

Going left to avoid a pothole at the entrance.

Pothole that could eat a car.

Hairpin curves over the pass.

Then green velvet hills.

Truck with Azerbaijan plates and a sign saying it was 638 km to Baku – where I started 3 months ago!

Then back to the Bridge of Peace.

The red straps were new – heard them working underneath. Or are they for all the tourists now on the bridge!

View of the Abanotubani sulfur bath domes with the Narikala Fortress on the hill.

These were from my hotel room.

I’ve had fun trying different hotels in different areas. And booking them a day or two ahead to get the great discounts.

Another lobby.

Another with great mosaics and stairwell.

And the free ‘wine or water’ for the hop on/off bus.

I took advantage of my ride hailing app to go to Vake Park. 6 lari (Cdn $3) for a 18 minute, 5 km ride.

Victory Statue (1976) is 28 m tall, and at the top of the cascade.

I was intrigued by something named ‘Circle of Woof Woof’. Seriously.

But it was in big need of of attention and repair. it seemed to be designed as a pool.

The whole concrete structure was crumbling.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The park was nice and shady, and welcome in the 28 oC sun.

Then I walked over another 30 minutes to Mzuri Park. Passed some new construction.

Moorish looking building back downtown.

Even Mercedes lose their bumpers!

I’m going to miss this bread!

Klinkali- the classical Georgian dumpling with a meat filling.

Ojakhuri – roast pork, potatoes and vegetables.

Indian mixed vegetable curry, for a change.

Thai shrimp and vegetables, for another change. The Pad Thai is good too! For 17-23 lari (Cdn $8.50/11.50) for chicken/seafood.

My flight to Istanbul leaves this afternoon, and I’m excited to meet up with my friend Viveka from Sweden.

Counting out my last lari to spend on lunch and a ride to the airport. How close to the wire can I make it!