Museums & Monasteries

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

My first destination this afternoon after exploring some More of Tbilisi is the Museum of Fine Arts.  Unfortunately it looks like it’s closed.  I check out the Kashueti St George Church briefly and then the Lado Gudiashvilli Art Gallery, giving the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia a miss although there are some cool book topped bollards out the front.… Read the rest

More Of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Yesterday my travel companion Diana and I escaped the city to explore the Kakheti Region for the day.  Today, far from being finished with Tbilisi, there is so much yet to explore before Diana’s flight home this afternoon.… Read the rest

Soaks & Scrubs

Bath House

I’m glad I know what to expect.  After hearing that Tbilisi is famous for its hot sulphur baths (the name Tbilisi means ‘hot city’), I do a little research.  This means I am not only prepared for the experience (as much as possible) but able to enjoy it all the more.… Read the rest

Sighnaghi

Sights of Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi, a tiny town in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, is an attractive town perched high on a hilltop with sweeping views across the Alazani Valley laid out below. Known affectionately as Georgia’s City of Love, the restored 18th and 19th century architecture of the centre gives the town a relaxed, easy charm focused around its tourist attractions.… Read the rest

Bodbe St. Nino’s Convent

Bodbe Church and Bell Tower in the Convent grounds

Bodbe Convent, the revered final resting place of St Nino, is set among tall cypresses. The convent (monastery) is located 2km south of Sighnaghi, a picturesque little town along a picturesque winding country road.… Read the rest

Tbilisi, Georgia

Domes of the Sulphur Baths

I awake on my first morning in Tbilisi, Georgia excited at exploring all that my First Impressions promise.  My travel companion, Diana, has arrived during the night and despite a restless sleep, I only doze a little before being ready to hit the town, so to speak.… Read the rest

First Impressions

Clock Tower outside the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

There are many words to describe my first impressions of Tbilisi, yet none of them quite capture the vibe of the Old Town or just how excited I am to be here.

Statues outside the Hotel Ambassadori

It’s still early and I have checked in to the Museum Hotel Orbeliani, dropped my bags and logged in to finalise a few last work emails before the long weekend really sets in. … Read the rest

Champs Élysées

Laduree

I almost missed a stroll down this famous boulevard Champs Élysées when I was recently in Paris.  It was only a short trip and I had my two boys in tow (3yrs & 6yrs), not exactly how I dreamed of promenading around the city of love.… Read the rest

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

Arc de Triomphe with the Le Départ sculpture visible on the right hand facade.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is a must see in Paris.  Even if you don’t climb the 284 steps to the top, strolling up the Champs-Élysées as the 50 meter high French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War memorial comes into ever greater focus is memorable.    … Read the rest