SHORTCUT BACK TO TBILISI

Since it was only about 3:30, we decided to head up TANA GORGE to see a church (Ateni Sioni - Sioni means Mt. Zion) built by an Armenian, and monastery ( that had been highlighted in the LONELY PLANET. It was to have been a very unique monastery and church. Well, it really wasn't a shortcut because we traveled 6 miles up the gorge and that same mileage back.

As Paul Harvey would say, "Now here is the rest of the story."

The bridge across the Mtkvari River before heading back to Gori.

This picture is at the request of PAT MUEHRER.

Fruit trees. We decided that the blue color on the tree was an insecticide or fungicide. Several orchards along the way had this beautiful hue.

A small street in the village of Akhalkalaki.

The monastery associated with Ateni Sioni Church which is located just a few hundred yards down the gorge. Notice St. Nino's cross to the right of the placard!

The church was under some intense renovation so we did not get a chance to even get close.

We all agreed that this would be a wonderful vacation home.

THE FOLLOWING PICTURES WERE TAKEN IN THE GORGE

AND FINALLY.............

Anyone for a little side trip to Iran???????

 

Or we could go to Istanbul or Constantinople or Yerevan or Baku? (check them out on a map)