Uplistsikhe-The Lord’s Fortress-A peek into the Iron Age

Uplistsikhe is  one of oldest  urban settlements in Georgia and dates back to the Iron Age.It had been through multiple invasions and also ravages of time and a massive earthquake.What we get to see now are these enormous rock cut structures.According to legends the slaves were given tools made of  gold and metal and they had to toil till the metal wore out.And then they were granted freedom and also the gold .I wish they had a choice !

 

In its heydays this place had about 700 rock structures of which only 150 remain.The oldest inhabitants were pagan worshippers.

We reached the site  at noon and  set out to explore the caves.There is a bit of steep climbing and one has to watch out for the slopes and pits.I went inside the caves expecting to see some distinct features  but most look alike.It is hard to believe that there was once a sprawling city with  temples,houses, hospitals,pharmacy,prison and interconnecting streets.Amazing how they have they carved into the rocks  with primitive tools.

 

 

There are no drawings or carvings .Just bare walls with empty nooks.

WINE CELLAR

 

 

 

This is the  10th century church  at the site of the original pagan temple.

I hope  this unique cave complex makes it to the list of UNESCO heritage sites  soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bridge Too Far

“That is the road we all have to take-over the Bridge of Sighs into eternity “-Soren Kierkegaard.

Tbilisi-city of cats & dogs

They are seen everywhere.Most of them look well fed  and are friendly.. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 or more stray cats and dogs  and Georgia is not a rabies free country.They need more animal shelters  and vet clinics.

These are some of my feline and canine encounters.

I would find her at the door almost every day.

 

KNOCK KNOCK

GAMARJOBA, KITTY

Saw this adorable pup  at an old fort.

I hope he finds a home soon.

 

Turtles can fly ?

 

On a serious note,Turtles can fly  is a 2004 Kurdish movie directed by  Bahman Gobadi.This is one movie I wish everyone watches at least once to see the horrors of mindless war through the eyes of innocent children.

I had seen this movie many years ago  but  still feel   connected to it.

Haunting and lyrical.That is the power of  cinema and children.