Georgia, a traveller’s delight

If I am not much mistaken we left each other just as us Calypsoites were in Tbilisi with little resolution over the Azerbaijan visas. There have been a few developments since then. We waited until 6pm on the 23^rd, wow time flies...yeah think it was the 23^rd...anyway finally, thanks to some great work by Jim and the Azer agent in Baku, the Embassy said that we would get the visas but had to come back on Wednesday the 25th.  Happy to report that Azer visas obtained, well done Jim, brilliant.

The show must go on as they say and so with larger issues still to be resolved we continued on the day to day itinerary.

Do we have the opportunity to explore is something I have been asked a few times...to which the answer is yes. So it was a few days ago as we headed towards the monastery complex of Davit Gareja. Well let me tell you, the scenery was totally different to anything we have experienced so far, lush open pastures dotted with flocks of sheep, herds of cattle, cowboys and pack animals...not to mention some very tough looking wolf-dogs as protection. There were also loads of birds of prey and snakes, a very natural environment. The monastery complex was fantastic, and well worth the detour. It is a working monastery/church complex. The grounds were very tranquil and you could not have got a more pleasurable setting. From here we headed ever eastward as we nipped into a renovated hill top town for some lunch and a little wine tasting. The elastic 5 mins came in and we got here a little late in the afternoon and so then got to camp, next to yet another monastery, just how many are there in this country, a tad late. However we are a capable bunch and well drilled in the fine art of bush camping and so in no time the camp was up, supper had and all settling down when bosh!......the heavens opened. I guess if you want green grass you must expect the rain. We took this as a sign to turn in. Tired and wet we all retreated to our tents where we were rocked to sleep by the thunder and lightning. A late start and nothing to do was the plan for the following day so we got up, dried ourselves off and just lounged around in the forest as we recharge our batteries.

Inside Davit Gareja monastery

At home at bushcamp...  what life is all about

Cards and camp life

The rain came, and then the sun, time to dry out

Three wise men

Time to stand and stare

A few days are left here before heading to Azerbaijan and the “ferry” across the Caspian to Central Asia...bring it on!

I will sign off soon and sort the photos...again a collection of shots appropriate to this blog and a few from the trip up till now allowing you to get the flavour of the trip.

Beautiful old Georgian town

Happy ballooners

Group chill session

The boys

Ok look, what do you think of the blog? I am trying to sort photos and write stuff of interest but if you want any info just let us know via the comments section. Speaking of which look to the right side of the blog and there is “current location” link. Click on this and Jim’s GPS spot will show you where we are and where we have recently been. I know Mum and Dad are reading it...Hi Mum, Hi Dad, trust all good at home, all good here. You would not believe it, I am enjoying the culture. Maybe all that education was not wasted, thanks.
Now if you will permit me I would like to jot down a poem that I feel rather appropriate here as we relax, weary but happy travellers on the road of life. We have already seen and experienced so much on this, our personal Odyssey, and yet know we have so much more to see.

The poem is called Leisure by W. H. Davies.
What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the bough, And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

Speak soon, CJ and The Calypsoites out

PS: Now in Telavi at a delightful home stay. Truck and us washed and dry. SO a nice relaxed day ahead of us before setting off for Azer. Next blog, might be from Baku if time or maybe Turkmenistan if permitted so might be few days to the next update so bear with us. Laters CJ really out this time.

What a good looking bunch!