Have you ever heard of a country called Georgia? Not the U.S. state of Georgia, but a small country on the border of Europe and Asia. Some of you may have heard of "Georgia" somewhere . Originally a constituent of the former Soviet Union, it became independent in 1991.
Surrounded by Russia to the north and Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the south, it is a place not very familiar to Japanese.
First of all, I would like to conclude by saying that I recommend that you visit this country as soon as possible. The main reasons, which I will now introduce, are that the cost of living is insanely cheap, the drinks and food are delicious, and the walks are fun. . because there are very few tourists from Asia and it is a hole-in-the-wall tourist destination.
The cost of playing around for a week was only 60,000 yen.
. In discussing Georgia, let me start with the cost of living. The money I spent during my six-day stay in Tbilisi, the capital, was about 60,000 yen, including lodging. I drank as much as I could during the day, ate a reasonable amount of food, went sightseeing, enjoyed drinking and eating at dinner at night, and enjoyed nightlife on the weekends. Anyway, the low cost of living is the charm of Georgia.
A view of the capital Tbilisi . A place where the sun shines down pleasantly. The climate is similar to that of Tokyo , and is pleasant.
The unit of currency is the lari; as of December 25, 1 lari = 38.32 yen. Although it depends on the restaurant, an average meal in Tbilisi costs about 20 lari per meal, which is satisfactory. Alcohol and food are both inexpensive and tasty, and transportation costs are also very reasonable: a train or bus ride costs only 0.5 lari, and a cab will get you anywhere you want to go for only 10 lari. You may wonder if it's really such a good deal.
Cheap, tasty and very satisfying Georgian food and wine.
The capital city of Tbilisi is also the birthplace of Demna Vasaria, the designer of Vetements. So you would think that fashion would be thriving there, but in fact, it is not so (laughs). Of course, it is not completely zero, and there are vintage clothing stores and skate stores in the city, but compared to other European countries, one can't help but feel that there is not enough of it. . Nevertheless, like Paris and Milan, there is a fashion week every season.
A view of "Liberty Square", the center of the city. It is always lively with many people.
The cylindrical building is also somewhat eye-catching. Perhaps this is also from the former Soviet Union era.
In the evening or so, there were children playing happily in the back alleys.
The city is teeming with stray dogs and cats. . However, they are properly managed by the local government and given shots to prevent viruses.
While much of the old Soviet-era architecture remains in the city, new buildings are being constructed in the center of the city, giving visitors the feeling of being in a transitional period. Just behind the busy main street are numerous houses , where you can feel the life of the locals.
The place is called "Skola Coffee & Wine Bar" . Not only the drinks, but also the brownies and other items were delicious. Original goods such as tote bags are also cool.skolacoffeewine.business.site
Good Mood Food, a bakery near Liberty Square . Each bread is about 3 lari. The photo is a fried bread, and it is huge.
The town is full of small stores (including luxurious stores owned by major corporations), and many of them make you want to "take a peek" when you walk around. In particular, the variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars is nothing short of outstanding. The low cost of living may have something to do with this, but in any case, it is a fun city to stroll around.
WINE GALLERY, which has a slightly upscale feel, offers a wide variety of wines. There is also a winery in the basement , where surplus wine is sold for about 10 lari a bottle.
Therefore, the first thing I would like to tell you about Tbilisi's attractions is "drinking and eating. Georgia is the birthplace of wine, and wine stores can be found throughout the city. There is a wide range of wines available, from the best to the worst, with a bottle of high-quality wine costing about 40 lari. Even cheap wines are good enough to enjoy. And you won't get drunk! Another point is that you don't get drunk. At restaurants, you can order wine in a decanter for about 10 lari.
WINE BOUTIQUE" also had a large selection of wines. . Many of the labels were more craft oriented. The one in the photo is Cha Cha, which can be tasted at the store for 5 lari.www.facebook.com/wineboutiqueN17
Also recommended is a type of vodka called "cha-cha," also known as "wine vodka" or "grape vodka. Also known as "wine vodka" or "grape vodka," it is made from the grape residue left over after wine production. It is usually drunk in a shot glass, and is more fruity and easier to drink than regular vodka, making you want to ask for more.
This is a beer bar called BLACK DOG. You can get local craft beer on tap, which is unbeatable at Rs. 10 lal in a 1.5 liter plastic bottle. Of course it was delicious and I was drinking it all morning.www.facebook.com/blackdogbars.georgia
Although the taste of beer is a bit hazy compared to the deliciousness of wine, there are several craft beer bars, and even beer drinkers can enjoy themselves. Beer that you like can be bottled and taken home.
A typical Georgian dish is called "hinkali," which looks and feels like a large basket of dumplings. The unique aroma of the spicy soup comes first, and at first you may be confused by its peculiar taste, but it is a perfect match with the delicious flavor of the meat that comes afterward. Moreover, it goes well with wine.
This is a cheese bread called "Hachapuri. It is a simple dish of thin bread dough topped with as much melted cheese as possible. Cheese lovers will love this dish, but be careful not to eat too much.
The best snack for drinks is this "Badrigiani" . It is a combination of sautéed eggplant with walnuts, garlic, and a paste of herbs. The sweetness of the walnuts stands out , and it is also delicious. This is also a great wine pairing.
Georgian cuisine is characterized by its spice, and each dish is huge and generous. If possible, it would be better to visit with a large group of people and order a large number of dishes, but this is not possible when traveling, so we recommend ordering the above three dishes. Incidentally, Georgia is also a country where agriculture is flourishing and local production for local consumption. Therefore, the vegetables are delicious.
Sofia Melnikovas Fantastiuri Duqani is a restaurant with a nice atmosphere. The photo shows a spinach soup , which is excellent. They also offer other high quality dishes such as chicken pita sandwiches . Personally, I found this restaurant to be the best.www.facebook.com/Sofia-Melnikovas-Fantastic-Douqan-186216914838587
This is a risotto from a restaurant in the "rooms hotel tbilisi" in the center of Tbilisi. The salty taste and the mildness of the cheese are perfectly matched in this dish. Tastes great with beer.roomshotels.com/tbilisi
Luca Polare, a chain but highly recommended ice cream shop. It is made with additive-free ingredients and is healthy, but has a decent flavor. It costs about 4 lari with a cone. Some stores are open until about 1 am.lucapolare.com
. Of course, there are many good restaurants outside of Georgian cuisine. Most of them are Western-style restaurants, but you can also find a few Japanese restaurants. In any case, the quality of the food is high everywhere, so if you are interested, we recommend that you check them out without hesitation.
Tbilisi is a city with a growing variety of cultures.
I mentioned earlier that I enjoy taking walks, and street graffiti is what I see when I walk through the city.
Locally, the writer is known as KOSKA. He is an artist from Berlin , currently working mainly in Tbilisi.
Anyway, you can see a variety of street art on every street corner, from small tags to bold graffiti. One night while wandering the streets, I saw a couple of young boys in junior high school with a large number of spray cans at their feet, looking at the walls and discussing this and that.
From the building's exterior, the scent of culture wafts through the air.fabrikatbilisi.com
This is what the backyard looks like. Nice atmosphere with numerous benches and locals sitting on the stairs.
A record store is also located in the building. The selection leaned toward techno and house, and the shop also sold works by local artists.www.facebook.com/vodkastrecords
This is the MARGO SKATE SHOP , which also sells zines and T-shirts, and is full of skaters inside.www.facebook.com/Margoskateshop
The hostel called "Fabrica" is covered with graffiti all over the walls. The backyard serves as a small commercial center with a restaurant, cafe, bar, general store, skate store, and record store, and also serves as a hub for local young people to gather.
This is a joint exhibition of photographs held at MOMA. The work is by an Azerbaijani photographer, Ilkin Khosseinov , an artist. . The main subject of the exhibition was the dirt in the city.www.tbilisimoma.ge
This is also "MOMA". Karen Mirzoyan is a local Tbilisi-born photographer. What you see in her photographs are comical works overlaid with illustrations, but she also shoots crisp, sharp portraits.
The exhibition at the "Photography & Multimedia Museum" consisted of three videos on the wall , which were mixed together. . It was good to see the production, including the viewing of the images while lying down on the spot.tpmm.ge
In terms of art connection, Tbilisi is also home to "MOMA" and the "Photography & Multimedia Museum" , so don't forget to check them out as well. The museum mainly exhibits works by Georgian artists and artists from neighboring countries.
This is a view of a large market , which was held in a park called "Dedaena Park". I found a record (Russian version?) of Mako Ishino. (Russian version?) was found.
There are also flea market-like markets held throughout the city. There is a wide range of items, from swords that would never make it back to Japan, to military surplus, mysterious vases, accessories, electronics, artwork, and even vinyl records, and it would take half a day to browse through all of them.
Sunset from the park. In the photo on the right is the steel tower, the symbol of the city.
Retro games . The boxing machine allowed us to see the local ferocious punches.
. You can also dine in elegance at the restaurant while overlooking the city. You can enjoy a romantic mood and a bit of luxury.
If you are tired of walking and want to relax and take it easy, visit the large amusement park called Mutatminda Park. This is a great spot for couples. It is located on top of a hill , where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The amusement park is also a good place to visit with the family, as it has a Ferris wheel with a view of the city and a variety of low-tech rides and facilities that will leave you feeling nostalgic.
The lake "Tbilisi Sea" is about 20 minutes from the city by cab. A few locals were swimming .
There is a lake called "Tbilisi Sea" on the edge of the city , and it is great to sit by the lake and have a beer while relaxing.
A monument with a mystical mood.
There is a rest stop at the monument , where beer and snacks can be purchased.
The design of the building, which allows the setting sun to shine straight into the room, is a thing of beauty.
On a small hill near the lake is also a historical memorial called The Chronicle of Georgia. This is the work of Zurab Tsereteli, a writer from the former Soviet Union and Russia, and is inscribed with the history of Georgia. It is one of the best places to visit because of its ancient ruins and mysterious mood, and the sunset from here is also spectacular.
The world's top DJs play at Bassiani , which is a must visit for club lovers.
Not to be forgotten is the club culture. Tbilisi has a thriving techno scene, and the club "Basiani" is at the heart of it.
. a documentary film on the raid on "Bassiani" was also produced. . titled "Raving Riot.
This is the location where a police raid was conducted during a party against the backdrop of a drug-induced death. As it turned out, the fatal accident had nothing to do with the club, and citizens held a protest demonstration against the government's pressuring attitude. . The interior minister also famously issued a statement apologizing for his actions.
Like the "Berghain" in Berlin, this one also requires passing through a bouncer face control to enter. Before entering, a sticker is placed on your phone's camera. Of course, no photography is allowed.
What makes it unique is its location. It is located in the basement of the "Boris Paichase Stadium" in the center of the city, and the excitement, like the tournaments that take place in the underground arena of that fighting manga, is on display every weekend until late afternoon.
T-shirt by "Bassiani" purchased at a store inside. It has a simple design with just a logo printed on it.www.facebook.com/bassiani
Depending on the party, I guess, it was almost completely dark inside. There was a main stage about the size of a typical gymnasium and a sub-floor with a capacity of about 200 people, both of which were packed with a diverse crowd. I think the entrance fee also varies from party to party, but on average it is about 50 lari, and the drinks sold inside are usually about 15 lari. If you want to know the real underground culture, this is definitely the place to go.
This is a view of Art-Cafe Home. This is the state of affairs at 3:00 a.m. on a Tuesday night. The locals are dancing hard while listening to the real crackling techno music.www.facebook.com/HOMEartcafe
KHIDI" and "Art-Cafe Home" are also recommended in Tbilisi. Although the latter club has a different capacity, parties are held even on weekdays, and the excitement is comparable to that on weekends. . You can see how music is a lifesaver for the local people.
. to Kazbeki for one night to enjoy the natural scenery.
There are other places to visit in Georgia besides Tbilisi. If you are tired of the city, the mountain village of Kazbegi also has much to offer.
A view of Didbe station. Markets are held daily in the vicinity.
From Tbilisi, it is about a 4-hour cab ride. Find a shared cab from the Didube metro station, and it will take you to Kazbegi for about 30 to 50 lari per person (very cheap!). It will take you to Kazbegi for about 30 to 50 lari (very cheap!) per person.
The driver would take bathroom breaks along the way. The place we got off there was wonderful. On the way, we also found a car that had been in an accident.
During the trip, the countryside looks like something you would see on a TV show, and just looking at the scenery makes the four-hour trip seem like a blink of an eye. Incidentally, Georgian drivers are all rough drivers, speeding past trucks even on cliff-side roads.
Mount Kazbeki is visible at the far end.
The village of Kazbeki is visited by many hikers, and you will see people with backpacks on their backs. The best part is the view. Looking at the majestic and imposing form of Mount Qazbeki, you will find yourself relaxed and refreshed before you know it.
The hotel decor was great, just like a hip hotel. The staff was also very personable.roomshotels.com/kazbegi
A day trip is possible if you are up for it, but that would be a bulletproof stay, so the basic rule is to stay overnight in this village. The "rooms hotel" is by far the best choice for a hotel. Not only do they have rooms with great views, but they also have a sauna, gym, pool, and lounge bar. Relax after a long drive in a hotel full of hospitality.
Buffet with a variety of colorful foods. After you finish eating, you can relax on the terrace with a cup of coffee while enjoying the spectacular view.
Another outstanding feature of this hotel is the buffet, which in the morning offers a sumptuous menu on the same level as that of a first-class hotel. The menu is complete with eggs, bacon, sausage, soups, fresh vegetables and fruits, cakes, granola, yogurt, and other basics, as well as hearty meat dishes. This is the kind of buffet you could visit for.
The scenery was as if I had wandered into the world of Heidi. There was even a guard dog in the church.
After enjoying breakfast, we will go to the Gergeti Sameva Church, located halfway up Mount Kazbeki. The hotel will arrange a cab for you. The fare is a bit expensive, 25 lari. It is about 15 minutes from the hotel, but they will make the round trip for you. Surrounded by mountain scenery, the church is called "the closest to heaven" because of its mystical view. There were also some climbers who wanted to go straight to the top of Mount Kazbeki. There is no place to go sightseeing in the village itself, so it is better to return to Tbilisi after enjoying the church.
Flight from Japan, local transportation, and accommodation costs are of concern.
The distance from Japan to Tbilisi is about 16 hours via Doha . A round-trip air ticket is approximately 110,000 yen , and there is no special visa requirement.
The language is mostly Georgian and Russian . Most of the young people speak English, so if you have any problems, you may want to ask the young people for help.
Airbnb is recommended for lodging, and I stayed near the "Liberty Square" station, the center of town, for about 20,000 yen for a 5-night stay. However, the rooms were quite old and the facilities themselves were not that great, so I would suggest using a hotel. Depending on the time of year, you can still get a nice room for about 5,000-6,000 yen per night.
Public transportation is by train and bus, but since buses sometimes do not arrive on time or do not operate, it is recommended that you take a cab. As mentioned above, the fare is much cheaper than in Japan, so it is nice to be able to take a taxi without worrying about the distance. However, there are some white-collar taxi drivers, so it is safer to use a service such as Uber.
Whether you are planning a year in 2020 or not, I recommend you check out the country of Georgia at first hand. 1 week, a great trip on a low budget is possible. It is such a wonderful country that you will not only have so much fun that you will not want to go back to Japan, but you may even want to live there.
Photo & Text_Yuichiro Tsuji
