Exploring TBILISI, GEORGIA Without Breaking the Bank

Travels with Talek

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Founded in the 4th century, Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, one of the Caucasus countries along with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia in the north Caucasus and northeastern parts of Turkey.

Tbilisi claims to be “the city that loves you” and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere really bears that out.

Flea markets such as these sprung up throughout the city after the fall of the Soviet Union so residents could make ends meet. Now the market caters more to tourists looking for arts and crafts and other souvenirs of their visit.

Hunt for Soviet-Era Paraphernalia at the Dry Bridge Market

The wine industry is so integral to the national identity, in fact, that Georgia’s Qvevri wine making process was added to the UNESCO intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.

Indulge in Georgian Wine

I found Georgian cuisine to be enormously underrated. It is very flavorful but not spicy. The dishes tend to be vegetable focused with accompaniments of meat and starches vs the other way around.

Sample Georgian Food

My absolute favorite Georgian dish was the khinkali, a Georgian soup dumpling. The trick to eating a khinkali is to consume it without spilling the broth. You grab a khinkali by the handle, turn it upside down and nibble at the edges while slurping the broth.

The Georgian desserts are varied and sweet but one uniquely Georgian sweet specialty is the churchxela, a candle shaped candy made of dry fruit and nuts dipped in grape juice and dried into a sausage shape.  The candy is sliced and served with cheese and wine or by itself.

Tbilisi is one of the best cities for street art.  You find it everywhere on bridges, in tunnels and city walls. It is whimsical, very artistic and fun.

Check out Tbilisi Street Art

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Travels with Talek