August 12 -Finally...

The crappy place had no real running water, though a god shower is key to a good start. Still, I was away just after 8 in the morning. I stopped at a grocery store for breakfast, the neighboring baker shoved a warm leaf of bread into my hands, was really nice.

This was not the most memorable strip of road I had ever ridden, in fact, I was falling off the saddle from sheer boredom. I passed the city of Marleuni, nothing noteworthy. I then met an older Italian couple and gave them my Armenian SIM card, it still had some 2 Euros on it, seemed to last forever.

Long story short (no, actually not much to write about), I got into Tbilisi, which continues to surprise me. I was initially a bit disenchanted by the outskirts...

First view of the city (not too nice)

Modern architecture

...but warmed up really quickly getting to know the city. First, I just wanted to pas through, but after close to a month of riding, I am not as ambitious as at the beginning. So I found a hotel, high up on the hill close to the funicular, not far from the botanical gardens, called At Home.

As I am getting tired, I will refrain from describing the city, please turn to Wiki (etc) or better, come discover it for yourself, or see the photos below.

City center (with the funicular on the right)

The river bank, nice buildings above

Charming architecture (old)

Charming architecture (new)

Charming architecture (old and new)

After a quick refreshing shower, I set off to find a bike shop, which would disassemble my bike on the coming Monday, as I am flying out of this city. I rode along the banks of the river, saw beautiful churches, bridges, elegant buildings.

Lovely trees

A guy was coming out of a house with his bike, so I stopped to ask whether he knew some bike shops. He then said he did, but that he himself could help. He brought his instruments and my front brake is no longer resonating.

On the other side of the river, I found a huge market, called Dezertir, where you can find literally anything and everything. There was a Turkish restaurant, where I had ordered food enough for a whole family, it was yummy, but now am completely stuffed. I am right now digesting, sitting at Cafe Discovery at Marianshvili Square, drinking juices, beer, water - anything to help my belly. Now I still have to cross the river and go up on that steep hill - oh well, I'll survive...CU later!

Market with everything

Behind the market

Bread vendor