A Whirlwind in Tbilisi: 1172915 & 1586349856 – Seriously?
okay, so…tbilisi. i landed here yesterday, and honestly? my brain is still trying to catch up. the numbers 1172915 and 1586349856 kept popping into my head before i even stepped off the plane. no idea why. maybe a cosmic tea leaf reading? who knows.
let's just say the weather is… something. i just checked and it's… dry heat, a little sticky, and intensely sunny. there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the pressure is hovering around 1010, humidity’s a shy 13%, and the ground feels like it’s been baked. feels like 26.24, temp is 26.24. not complaining, but definitely sweating.
this whole trip feels a bit like diving headfirst into a kaleidoscope. i’m usually a little more planned, but a friend (let’s call her lila, because that's her name) said, “just go in Tbilisi. let it happen.” and honestly? she’s probably right. i'm trying to embrace the chaotic energy of this place.
i’m staying in a tiny guesthouse near old town. the walls are peeling, the balcony is covered in bougainvillea, and the view… well, let's just say it's a delightful mix of rooftops and distant mountains. it’s a little noisy, too. a constant hum of scooters and chatter. if you get bored, *Batumi is just a short drive away.
i've been wandering the streets for hours, just getting lost. seriously, get lost. that’s the best way to find the hidden gems. i stumbled upon this incredible little cafe tucked away down a side street. seriously the best coffee i have had in ages. i’m also trying to soak up the atmosphere of this city - the old architecture, the street art, the people. the old buildings seem to whisper stories, and the street art screams them.
someone told me that the best food isn’t always in the fancy restaurants. instead, wander through the Dry Bridge Market and sample everything. someone else warned me about the aggressive taxi drivers - definitely negotiate before you hop in. And a local shared some amazing tips on where to find the best khachapuri - a cheese-filled bread. seriously, hunt it down.
i’ve been trying to capture the essence of tbilisi with my camera, but honestly, it’s so much more than just visuals. you have to feel it. i’m trying to learn a few basic phrases. georgian is… a challenge. but i'm making progress!
i’m also hearing whispers about some seriously cool hidden speakeasies - apparently, they’re tucked away behind unassuming doorways. i'm going to try my luck finding one later this week. Rustaveli Avenue is a good place to start looking. i found a list of cool bars on TripAdvisor.
this trip is a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. i'm just letting myself be carried along by the current, embracing the unexpected, and soaking up every single messy, beautiful moment. i’m also checking out some guided tours - Yelp has a few decent options. and this website offers some insights into Georgian history* https://www.georgiandream.ge/history/. it's helping me understand the layers of this place.
anyway, gotta go explore some more. wish me luck (and maybe send coffee). and seriously, if you're thinking about visiting…just do it. it's a wild ride.
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