Travel guide Georgia

Relatively reliable institutions, a very difficult economic situation, a more than volatile policy: in this context, highly developed interpersonal relations are crucial. Sense of clan, of loyalty: mutual services at all levels constitute the social pillar. Friendship is the key concept of society.

It is unique in the world and singular. The first inscription in Georgian would date back to 430 AD. Controversies and, above all, uncertainties remain as to its origin claimed by both Georgia and Armenia. With its thirty-three letters, this alphabet has largely contributed to maintaining Georgian identity over the centuries.

It's a traditional tavern, located in the basement. The cellar is rustically converted into a drinking establishment or restaurant, and can be accessed by stairs directly from the street. Many of the gastronomic establishments have retained their original configuration. A few period taverns (19th century) still exist today.

It is an object of economic pride in Georgia. Like wine, the most famous mineral waters, originating from Bordjomi and Nabeghlavi, are the country's main export, as are wine. The subsoil abounds with hot and cold springs, which have been exploited since time immemorial. Spas have sprung up all over the country.

As you might have guessed, St. George is the patron saint of the country. In Western languages, Georgia is referred to by a derivation of this name. On the other hand, the name of the country in Georgian, Sakarvelo, has nothing to do with it. Europeans may have confused St. George with Gurdjustan, the eastern term, perhaps coming from the word "wolf".

This tradition is one of the foundations of Caucasian societies, which is even more alive in mountainous regions. The guest is an "envoy of God". For the moment, the tourist is still seen as a "guest" even in an ambiguous context, such as a boarding house. Do not abuse it: generosity is applied even by those who do not have much.

A must, this national dish is sold everywhere, in restaurants, on the street. It is a bread with melting cheese, or rather a dairy product related to salted cheese, served hot. There are regional variations (with cheese, topped with an egg on the plate). Very nourishing, it allows you to recharge your batteries for several hours.

"The little one that goes on the road" is a minibus, a kind of collective taxi serving the whole country. They are real collective transport networks, half official, originally intended to replace the Soviet network, covering urban, national and transnational travel. Their driving is all the more sporty.

From the ^5th century onwards, monasticism was the cornerstone of Georgian history, spreading throughout the country. It is led by St. David who founded the site of David Gareja on the border with Azerbaijan. In the 11th and 12th centuries, monks founded brilliant academies. Nowadays, monastic life is undergoing a real revival.

This is a very sensitive issue in Georgia: when the Soviet bloc fell, 30% of the population was not ethnically Georgian. Azeris, Ossetians and Armenians, who had been in Georgia for at least three centuries, were considered foreigners, at best guests. Yet the Georgian people see themselves as a tolerant people.

These mountain sweets, the favourites of Georgians, have a singular appearance. You will see these small, bumpy, brown sticks in the kiosks in Tbilisi. They are made from walnuts, hazelnuts or plums covered with grape coulis mixed with dried flour along a string. It is an effective appetite suppressant.

The first export product, wine is one of the great national pride and joy. It is an integral part of the country's culture, the Georgian is a great wine consumer, and the tradition is to make wine in families. Wine is the object of a real cult. A symbol of true values, it is increasingly successful internationally.