Holiday in the Caucasus (11): Sighnaghi, Georgia
It was a slower day with less travelling but still quite a long day. Again the weather was milder with a maximum of 28C. We left Tbilisi and spent the day in the eastern region of Kakheti which is Georgia’s premier wine-growing area.
First, we visited the Tsminda Nino Monastery where the female Saint Nino is buried but no photographs are allowed Then we spent all afternoon in Sighnaghi which many regard as the most attractive town in the country. I went there in 2017 and I was very happy to return.
The town is perched on a hilltop overlooking the vast Alazni valley with some glorious views. Much of the town’s architecture is 18th and 19th century with many attractive balconies. We had a multi-course lunch with wine at a place called “Pinch Of Salt” before visiting a small winery called Mtevani which involved more consumption of local wine.
Since the town is located in the far east of Georgia, quite close to Azerbaijan, getting there and back with toilet stops and having a several hours there meant that we were not back at the hotel until 6.20 pm.
These days, one of the challenges of travelling abroad is the charging of one’s electronic and electrical apparatus. I travel with an iPhone, an iPad, an Apple watch plus electrical shaver and toothbrush and sometimes it is a struggle to keep everything fully charged.
Today, for some reason, I could not charge my iPhone in my room and had to seek the help of the young female receptionists. But this meant that I made two new Georgian friends: Tako and Mariam. They charged my mobile while I taught them some English phrases and palindromes. We will now keep in touch via Facebook and my Thought For The Week.