Arriving Tbilisi:

Weather Update: Cloudy; Low 2c - High 8c

Elevation Above Sea Level: 380–770 metres (1,250–2,530 ft) 

Budget Airline Experience

Flying with GO INDI GO, a budget airline similar to Ryanair, my first flight allowed me to pick a seat with ample legroom. However, the second flight did not offer the same option, and I found myself with my knees in my chest on a five-hour flight.

Layover and Accommodation Plans

Upon arriving, I planned to find a nearby hotel as I had booked a hostel for the 5th. With check-in not until 11 am, I considered crashing at the airport. The airport bar remained open all night, and taxi fares ranged from 40-60 GEL. Rooms near the airport were priced between 50-80 GEL, but I decided to stay put and take the bus in the morning for 2 GEL.

Navigating the Arrival Scene

As always, upon entering arrivals, I was greeted by taxi drivers and hawkers, each trying to offer their services. I learned that Tbilisi uses a ride-sharing app called Bolt, similar to Uber or Grab. It's important to know the costs before arriving, as everyone is eager to get the best price from you

Exploring Tbilisi: A City of Contrasts

I arrived at the hostel mid-morning, frozen stiff, and didn't venture out until it had warmed up a bit, although the rain was ever-present. I spent time walking around, trying to discover things to see close to the hostel, but my walk took me away from Old Town, the Fortress, and the Cathedral, which I plan to visit tomorrow.

A Cozy Escape

Stepping outside, I was shivering from the cold. Not far from the hostel, Browns Bar caught my eye, and I couldn't pass up the chance to step inside. It was warm and cosy—perfect for my first day in Tbilisi. After warming up at the bar, I returned to the hostel for the afternoon.

Quiz Night Adventure

Around 7:15 pm, I ventured out again, despite the rain, because it was quiz night at Browns Bar. There, I met a Canadian traveller with some time on his hands, and we had a great time discussing various worldly issues, including the Trump administration. We didn't join the quiz officially but played along, realizing we knew quite a lot and could have finished in the top three, if not higher.

Delicious Pizza

I had a delightful pizza at the bar. It was huge, thick, cheesy, and topped with pepperoni—better than any pizza I've had while travelling or even in New Zealand, except for the wonderful pizzas my wife Carol used to make.

Geographic Overview

Nestled in Eastern Georgia on both banks of the Kura River (locally known as Mtkvari), Tbilisi boasts an elevation ranging from 380 to 770 meters (1,250 to 2,530 feet) above sea level. The city's unique Amphitheatre shape is surrounded by mountains on three sides, creating a complex and diverse relief.

The Kura River and Urban Development

Tbilisi's left bank of the Kura River extends over 30 km (19 miles) from the Avchala District to River Lochini. On the right bank, the city is built along the foothills of the Trialeti Range, where slopes often descend to the river's edges. These mountainous barriers create pockets of dense development in some areas while leaving others untouched due to the challenging topography.

Architectural Diversity

The cobblestoned old town of Tbilisi is a testament to its long and intricate history, marked by periods of Persian and Russian rule. The city's architecture is a blend of Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate Art Nouveau buildings, and Soviet Modernist structures, showcasing its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Historical Landmarks

Two prominent landmarks dominate the Tbilisi skyline: Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, the iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." These historical symbols reflect the city's enduring spirit and cultural significance.

Tbilisi's Complex Relief

The city's complex topography, with mountains acting as natural barriers, results in uneven urban development. This unique geographic environment creates distinct pockets of development, making Tbilisi a fascinating city to explore.