Day 2 April 22, 2026 Tbilisi Georgia
We headed out of town to a cave city. Access to the city was very non friendly for Connie so she stayed near the entrance. This is the ancient city of Uplistsikhe. Built on a high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River, it contains various structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, and is notable for the unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran, as well as the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. The earliest traces of human presence in Uplistsikhe date back to the end of the 2nd millennium BC. Its earliest remaining structures are from the beginning of the 1st millennium AD. The complex had been very large during the height of its glory. Eventually other cities became more important.
Lunch today was at a family run winery. Wine is a major product here just as in Armenia. We had to leave the bus and be taken by 4-wheel drives. After seeing the road it was obvious the bus would not have made it. The farm has fruit trees as well as the grape vines. Lunch is in a large room with two big tables. How Gate One found this place we have no idea. Once again the quantity of salads left little room for the main meat course. The other problem is the amount of time to prepare the meat. It consistently seems like they don’t start cooking the meat until the salads are done.
After lunch we visited the Stalin Museum. He was born in Georgia but never returned after going to Russia. His childhood home is very near the museum and is undergoing restoration work. The rail car he traveled in was also there. He didn’t trust doctors so when he fell ill, doctors were not allowed in to see him until he had passed. So he killed millions of people and probably killed himself. Another strange leader.
Dinner this evening is on our own. Rob found a grocery store and bought cup of soup type noodles we could do in the room. We have eaten so much food that a light meal is good.
Spoffords Travel 