Outside our block in Varketili (Tbilisi) is a water fountain.
On a hot summer’s day it is a magnet for thirsty children.
But it is not just children drawn to the cool water.
Horses get thirsty too, and not just mammals but also our avian friends, the little sparrows like to take a sip now and then.
I’ve seen dogs drinking here, too. But have yet to get a photo.
Georgia, my adopted country, has a rich religious heritage. Georgia was the second country to adopt Christianity as the official religion, after Armenia. Religion is important for the majority of the population, despite Stalin and the communists attempts to eradicate religious practices in the Soviet years.
For more interpretations of the theme, click the link: Heritage
We assemble at 8am by Marjanshvili Metro, a group of 29 of us with Hiking Club Adrenalin, too big for one minibus, so we will ride out in an additional vehicle, a seven seater Honda Stream. On the map Dashbashi Canyon doesn’t look too far but the roads are twisty and uneven.
Banners unfurled
It will be a long day. First stop along the route is Manglisi Sioni, an important Georgian architectural monument and one of the oldest Christian centres in Georgia. The first church was built in the 4th Century, today’s cathedral dates back to the seventh century, renovated in 1002.
Arriving around 11am, there was a church service being celebrated but in Georgian churches it is not unusual for people to amble in and out of the church during a service.
Next stop on the journey was Lake Tsalka.
Lake Tsalka
Near Tsalka lake we visited “Fathers Region a Monastery of Three Priests” with its trout and holy water.
A second lake, Paravani Lake is located 2,073 m (6,801 ft) above sea level and has a surface area of 37.5 km2.
Near to the lake was the Convent of St Nino in Phoka village with a small shop selling artisanal cheese, jam and liquor.
Finally at 6pm we reached our main destination, Dashbashi Canyon. A canyon carved in the volcanic rock by the river Ktsia.
Dashbashi Canyon
We descended to the river where we gaped at the waterfall and had some fun splashing about in the river.
waterfall
No Georgian excursion is complete without a supra (Georgian feast). Having climbed out of the canyon, we gathered around a fire, where Georgian Mtsvadi (Sashlik) was grilled and consumed.
We got home at 1.45 am!
This week’s challenge is “reflecting” other interpretations can be seen here:
Reflecting
This week’s photo challenge is Danger!
Smoking around children
Here the danger is not immediate but cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general. Secondhand smoke can be especially harmful to your children’s health because their lungs still are developing. I don’t like seeing adults smoking around young children, even if they are outside.
jim holroyd 365 