What does one see in Tbilisi?

With Logan due in Tbilisi, Georgia for meetings this week, we made a weekend of it to find out what exactly one sees in Tblisi.

Post-Soviet, hilly riverside city

On the way in from the airport, Tbilisi’s Soviet past was obvious…….

And their statue sure looks a lot like ours

(However, while ours holds a sword & a shield - theirs holds a sword & a bowl of wine - to greet those who come as friends!)

Inside the center, there are nice cityscape views, ….

And lots of visible modernization….

However step a block off the main drag & you see the ‘ancient’ (Quincy's term) backdrop – almost Mexico like

Yummy Georgian Food

The khachapuri (cheesy bread) is everywhere & delish

(So fun to have restaurant recos from friends who used to live here.  Thanks Sydney!)

The khinkali (dumplings) were also delish….

(While not photogenic, they really were yummy.  Xavier reported "the first bite tastes like eating at Chipotle."  HIGH praise!)

Random fun

Zoe was so adamant we HAD TO go to the Ferris Wheel (you could see it from our hotel), she didn’t relent until we pinky promised we’d go the next day.

What appeared close, was about a 20 minute cab ride through windy roads & rural parts…

But worth it - we were all surprised to find an entire (& totally random) amusement park...

The entrance..... 

Vendors keeping warm with an open fire on the sidewalk...

The climbing structure...

(yes - a crappy shot & a foggy day too!)

Ultra Friendly people

We found the Georgian people greet you as if they have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.  In place of unsolicited parenting tips from disapproving Babushkas (Kiev), the kids were met with approving smiles, comments about how beautiful they are & pats on the head.

The bellman even suggested he give the kids a ride too...

More Developed?

I had heard that Tbilisi was a smaller, less-developed Kiev.  But a few things made me wonder......

Boxed baking mixes & sprinkles at the grocery store.....

And even THIS  at the airport!

(Q is glum because he just realized "Even TBILISI has Burger King!  And Kiev doesn't!)

Smiles restored via apple pie & ice cream

Net, net, it’s a neat old city that appears full of optimism & potential.

So here's to Tbilisi & exploring the neighborhood