And we’re off on a ten-day road trip! We had a few hiccoughs as we set off – trying to avoid the rush hour in Tbilisi (which starts at 10.00??) didn’t work out as the road we wanted to take was blocked and we had to trail through the whole city. The reputation of Georgian drivers (aggressive and impatient) does seem to be deserved – at least in the city.
Unfortunately, the fog came down to such an extent that we could hardly see the turning for our first destination of Didgori Battle Memorial, let alone visit it. So that will have to wait for another visit.
But undeterred, we drove across the south of the country, until we ended up just across the border from Turkey and Armenia. We stopped at a remote church on a lake where we met a charming dog who knew that Sue had biscuits:
We came across unusual crosses – one with symbolic hair tied around it, and another with grapes – both common in Georgia, we understand:
The sun came out for a moment, and clouds drifted over the lake:
And our cheese pie at lunch was a triumph!
After a frustrating departure, it must feel good to be on the open road. And what a perfect lunch for all of you and possibly the dog too?
Is that a church in the photo above? X
Well, probably a church – it had a serious looking stone altar with script on it but also two planks nailed across preventing access. Bit of a mystery. Dog definitely didn’t need lunch..
Crosses with arms hanging down… you certainly seem to be on an adventure! Don’t let the drivers get you down!
Drooping crucifix has an explanation – we just can’t find it ( having read it once and now lost the reference). Drivers just a bit , what shall I say, impulsive?
And just look at those tomatoes!! I can almost taste them! Have you discovered the unfiltered sunflower oil they like to put on salads? Life-changing! Xx
The salad was excellent and the tomatoes delicious. Will definitely look out for life changing sunflower oil…
The cheese pie has made me ravenous. Must get up. Spotted several times, but guessing the dog trotted around after you for a while then realised Sue had run out of biscuits?
The dog – v large, v white – sort of insinuated itself into all the pictures, Zelig like. I think he suspected we had access to biscuits but wasn’t bitter that we didn’t share them ( they were actually still in the car).
The landscape looks amazing – reminds me a bit of rural America with roads which plough through the countryside in a straight line to infinity. Shame about the mist (fog?) but it does make for more atmospheric images. How impressive that Sue carries dog biscuits with her on your travels!
Landscape is extraordinary – huge valleys and fast flowing rivers. Weather definitely autumnal but light is beautiful. The biscuits are actually human biscuits but double as rewards for particularly fetching dogs..
I can’t see photos of a beautiful dog and not comment.
These dogs are very like dogs in India – sleeping in the middle of busy roads, just lolling about and always keen on biscuits..
Countryside not at all what I might have expected. Shame about the fog. Churches look really interesting. Any idea what the hair and grapes are for? And Sue such a known dog lover.
The fog was horrible but weather has improved a bit now – brighter and warmer. Will try and find out about the drooping cross and hair – one of those poignant but easily forgotten stories. I like some dogs…
The pie looks delicious. Not sure about the church and crosses, comes across to me as a bit sinister out there in the middle of nowhere
Well, that’s patriarchal monotheism for you I guess. Might look more cheering in bright sunshine?
Dog looks out wistfully in search of a scooter…?
Ah, well remembered! This dog, however, would need more than a Harley to relax on I think – maybe a small car?
Glad you are on your way…what is the significance of the hair and grapes around the crosses?
You may well ask and we have yet to remember the story. Will try harder and report back!
I’m so impressed with your shrug-and-smile way of coping with the practical snaggles of traveling. Love the opening photo … longing personified.
He was a very appealing dog – no idea at all what he’s pining for ( quite possibly food related). Hope walking going well in the Pindos?