Still in the mountains:Georgia

Today is another full day. First stop is the Friendship monument. It is high in the Caucasus mountains. It was built by Russia following a treaty with Georgia. The people here do not have a high opinion of Russians. They see they need Russia to buy their wine and other produce and pay for the right to transport goods across their borders but they do not welcome them.

The left side represents the history of Georgia, its agriculture and wars. Royalty and then the rest is of Russia( mainly showing strength and soldiers.

Most areas of Georgia have beef or pork as that is the preferred meat. They do have sheep. In summer the sheep are taken up to the mountains. Shepherds live in tents for the summer minding the sheep. As it is autumn, the shepherd are preparing to take them to the western, warmer parts of Georgia for winter. They herd them with their dogs and walk the hundreds of kilometres necessary. Not a job I would pick, how about you?

Treat today. A Georgian family is showing you how to make steamed dumplings….and giving you lunch

Take a circle of dough. Put your cooked savoury filling (meat or vegetable) in the centre.pinch up the sides and twist. Ready to steam.

You will never guess what we are doing next…yes visiting a church on a hill. I don’t know what they have against building them on the flat.

This is an active church. Imagine coming up here for a service especially in winter.

After that huge lunch, we need some exercise. You can choose between the small or large Gveleti waterfalls. I am going to the small as it is supposed to be less strenuous (not sure by whose scale). You’re going the large, okay we will share photos

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I had plenty of time to check out the wild flowers. No bears in sight despite lots of berries.

I think  the small waterfall was lovely and just not as high.

Both waterfalls are in the Dariali Gorge. The end of the gorge borders the Russian border. Trucks were lined up for kilometres waiting for permission to transport their cargo. Our driver said much bribing is required to pass and a driver can be stuck waiting to move for weeks. A police vehicle moves the trucks one at a time. Trucks with cold or perishable food do get priority. A church has been built marking Georgia territory. Let’s join the monk having coffee and skip the church.

Tired? I  am not surprised after that walk. More adventures tomorrow ( hopefully not as strenuous)