Georgia in my mind or Unexpected trip to Tbilisi

Good day dear mates! For me it's always pleasure to remember at long autumn days hot and interesting moments from summer. And today I'd like to share with you such memories from my unexpected trip to Georgia. This trip happened with me in July when my chief asked me rather I want to fly with our team to Georgia to meet with new partners, and of course I was glad to accept such offer.

Our trip started in Vnukovo airport. Flight took us nearly 3 hours. When we arrived to Tbilisi - the capital of Georgia it was nearly 30 degrees Celsius. It was hot and excellent weather. We settled in good hotel not far from center. I won't bother you with business aspects of our trip but better I'll show you some places which we visited after official part.

So let's start. And first of all i'd like to begin from Freedom Square!

Tbilisi City Assembly is situated on the square. Other buildings include the former Bank of Georgia head office and the Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi. The square will also accommodate the Old Tbilisi local government office, the building works of which are already started.

Nearly 2 blocks away from our hotel was located Juma Mosque it's the only surviving mosque in Tbilisi’s historic Old Town. It's notable for that it's shared use by both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Originally Juma Mosque was built it 18th century then it was destroyed. After it mosque was rebuild in the second part of 19th century in 1895. It decorated with colorful mosaic from inside and outside. Building of the mosque constructed from red brick and combines Neo-Gothic and Islamic architectural elements. It features arched windows along its walls and an eight-sided polygonal minaret visible from Botanical Street.
And as so as I mentioned word "Botanical" another one important place in Tbilisi is The National Botanical Garden of Georgia whose collection consists from more than 4500 varieties of plants as local and also plants which were brought from all over the world. This botanical garden was build based on the old Persian garden in 1845. But first mentions about it dated even by 1671 by French traveler Jean Chardin. Not so far ago botanical garden was renovated. If I'm not wrong it has happened in 2018 and now it has good cycling and walking lanes inside.

Here you can see map of botanical garden.

Our next point of view was the Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God. First time name of this church - Metekhi was mentioned nearly 1130th pr 1140th but originally it was constructed earlier nearly 5th century. The building which yuo can see on photo was built in 13th century on place of previous temple.

Another one noticeable place is a The Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition. The Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral is situated in the historic Sioni Street in downtown Tbilisi, with its eastern facade fronting the right bank of the Kura River. It was built also in 6-7th centuries but was rebuild later. For a long time it was main Cathedral of Georgian orthodox church.

Besides architecture Tbilisi has also very old trees on it's streets. Like this one three. it's 300 years old. It was planted at that times when Peter 1st the Great died and Ekaterina 1 ascended the throne.

Also here I want to show you balconies on old houses. Honestly I think it can be considered as a separate part of art and architecture and should be included in UNESCO list. Just look at this balconies they are sooo beautiful!

On Tbilisian streets you can find such artistic telephones near bars. Signature means Call your wife! is awesome ;-)

And finally such attractive art you can find on trucks on the Tbilisian streets. I don't know who is the author but I was ready to applause him for a long time when I saw it!

By the way, it wasn't just the architecture and art that impressed me in Georgia. Look at how skillfully drivers park on the narrow streets of the city. This Nissan is parked literally inches from the wall of the building.😉

Of course I can write long time about Tbilisi and Georgia itself! But my advice if you have possibility just visit it and Georgia will stay always not only on your photos but also in your heart!
That's all for now. Stay tuned, yours @travoved
P.s. excuse me for vertical photos from smartphone.