Like churches statues are a common sight in Tbilisi.There are statues honouring saints, kings,poets,philosophers, artists ,statesmen and traditional art forms.Street art/graffiti also seem very popular.
St.GEORGE at FREEDOM SQUARE
KING VAKHTANG GORGASALI
TAMADA
Tamada is the toast master of the traditional georgian feast known as Supra.
LAMP LIGHTER
BERIKAOBA (DANCING RING)
SOFIKO CHIAURELI-actress
Have a look at these insightful comments.
True that!!
Narikala Fortress seen from the cable car
Narikala Fort is a prominent landmark in Tbilisi. It was constructed in the 4 century and was expanded by the Arabs and Mongols over the centuries.In 1827 an earthquake destroyed parts of the fort and today we see remnants of what was once a heavily fortified citadel.
We took the cable car to go up the hill.It costs 1 lari and takes 2 minutes.We could also walk up the hill but I had seen the cable car from our room and wanted to try it.
From the top you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city.I was trying to identify the places and was delighted to locate our house.
It is a steep climb.You can find vendors with cold drinks and refreshments. Most of the fortress is in ruins though some parts look well preserved.
Finally we reached ‘HOME’ to see Mother of Georgia up close and personal.She did look massive and formidable.There is just a narrow strip in front of the statue and I was not adventurous enough to go across and take her anterior views.
From this statue there are many trails going up the hill We decided to walk down stopping at many places and taking pictures.One has to watch the steps as there are no railings and it is quite steep.
This fort offers a beautiful sight at night.
coutresy google images
I had another deja vu.
Mehrangarh fort,Jodhpur
This was taken in 2010 when the fort was decked up to celebrate the wedding of the king of Jodhpur.
Tbilisi has its own share of shopping malls and bohemian art galleries.I was not keen on visiting any .I had heard about the Dry Bridge flea market and our host Teolina took us there.It felt like we were in another era.This open air market has something for everyone.Antique jewellery,furniture,porcelain,silverware,vintage cameras,coins,sepia tinted family pictures,relics from the soviet era like medals,flags, military uniforms,portraits of Stalin ,Lenin and bric- a- brac are displayed on the ground or wooden stands.Some have kept their wares on car boots. Most of the sellers were middle aged.This place attracts a lot of tourists and even if you are not buying anything it is interesting to take a walk through the past.
THE DRY BRIDGE
BRAND NEW SCISSORS !
LORD HANUMAN AMONG THE RELICS-I AM SURE HE DID NOT COME FROM THE SOVIET UNION
There is a park near by where nonprofessional as well as well known artists display and sell their paintings.
I AM HERE
We bought a pair of traditional drinking horns known as Kantsi.I would have liked to spend more time out there .Kitsch,vintage or antique there is something about this place that attracts people.
I still wonder whose precious companion this baby doll was.
