Georgia > Saint Nino in Bodbe

Breakfast is only available from eight o’clock. We report to the breakfast room, where a simple buffet is laid out. For bread, there are pancakes. I take some bread, cheese, eggs, and instant coffee. At nine o’clock, the bus arrives. In about two hours, we drive to the Bodbe Monastery. This active convent for women is the burial place of Saint Nino. Thanks to her missionary work, Georgia converted to Christianity in the fourth century. Her marble tomb is located in a small chapel on the side of the basilica. This tomb is a pilgrimage site for many Georgians. Not far from the monastery lies the town of Sighnaghi. The walled town was built in the 18th century and features 23 watchtowers along its city walls. Due to its elevated position, cypress trees, and red-tiled roofs, the town gives off a Tuscan impression. The travel guide recommends visiting the Orthodox church, but unfortunately, it is closed. The streets of Sighnaghi are filled with souvenir shops and restaurants.

Georgia - The monastery where Saint Nino is buried

We choose a restaurant with a rooftop terrace, overlooking the town and the deep valley below. A young kitten seems to enjoy our presence. Boldly, it climbs onto the table. We push it off, and the waitress takes it away, but it quickly returns. Meanwhile, other guests arrive, becoming a new target for the little animal. We just have enough time to eat. We don’t want to be late returning to the bus, so we pay quickly. In the restroom, the light isn’t working. It turns out the entire town is without electricity, which explains the humming sound of various generators. We are back at the bus right on time and prepare for the drive to Tbilisi. Nino proudly notes that we will travel on the new highway to the capital, completed only last year. As we approach the city, traffic increases, and at times comes to a complete stop.

Georgia - View over Sighnaghi and the deep valley

Around four o’clock, we arrive at the Address Hotel in Tbilisi. The bus cannot reach the hotel entrance, so we walk the last two hundred meters with our luggage. Around five o’clock, we follow Maaike to the old town. She shows us the best way to cross the Mtkvari River via the underpass beneath the bridge. In the old town, everyone goes their own way. We wander through the narrow streets and arrive at Freedom Square, where a nice café with an outdoor terrace is located. I order a beer. Later, we find a small restaurant in the alleyways of the old town. On the first floor, we order some snacks.

Georgia - The modern pedestrian bridge in Tbilisi

We are not very hungry. The German owner kindly offers us a bottle of Georgian beer at the end—a nice gesture. On the way back to the hotel, we cross the Bridge of Peace. This modern glass pedestrian bridge is the symbol of the city of Tbilisi.