Georgia Day 10 - Batumi to Gori

Monday 22nd August 2022

The alarm went off at 06:00. Giorgi messaged us and we went downstairs to the lobby. Most of this day would be just travelling. At first it was all okay until we hit the roads where we overtook lorries and Giorgi blessed himself at bends.

Our driver Giorgi

We made a pitstop for coffee in Dunkin Donuts, not really my first choice. As the journey progressed the journey became less green and drier. Another pitstop and Giorgi got some roasted peanuts for the final 50 km. We arrived at Gori to see a huge military base, we were just 20 km from South Ossetia! That also means that on our way from Tbilisi to Batumi we just skirted the border with South Ossetia.The Sat-Nav was turned to Russian as we turned to find our hotel, we were however too early to check in so we did some exploring.

An old lada parked outside our hotel

English was less prominent here, so this was ideal for practicing Georgian. We found one gift shop absolutely crammed with Stalin paraphernalia. The next thing was postcard and stamp time again. Each time we asked for the post office we were sent further and further away. Eventually we found it.

Wine and khachapuri

Back at the hotel I had a shower, finished my book about Dennis Nilsen and went out alone for food. I found a place called l'Avenue but had Georgian food. I ordered water, wine and Ossetian khachapuri, this had cheese and potatoes but it was way too much and I couldn't finish it. I spoke to a lady who looked like a tourist but who in fact claimed to be a local, she spoke with a light Russian accent.

After my dinner, I bought some mineral water and almost forgot my change. I then returned to the hotel and slept early.

In a word #Racing

#Georgia #Gori #გორი #ჯუღაშვილი #საქართველო