THURSDAY - RETURN TO TBILISI

Today was rainy (as last evening when we had thunderstorms) all day long, off and on. The trip was adjusted accordingly so it meant stopping at more "eating places!"

We began the day: Jon and John going birdwatching in the rain. Cheryl sleeping in (the stairs were really tough for her yesterday). Karol relaxing (couldn't get the crazy shower to work). And I worked on the blog. Before I had finished, the connection ceased. Such is life.

Then we had breakfast (they serve from 9 to 11 - that is really Georgian time). Finally at 9:30, we got our sausages, eggs, juice and bread. We checked in the market area, but since it was raining, the souvenier ladies were not out. So we packed up and headed out on a different route (over the mountains) back to Tbilisi.  But enjoy the pics from the day.

I thought that this fog would lift, but it must have been cloud. When we left the hotel, the whole area was covered with fog until we got way down into the valley.

We had lunch at Schuchmann's Winery - a classy place built two years ago by a German in cooperation with a Georgian. They produce 300,000 bottles each year.

Jon studies the menu at the winery.

Mushroom soup with a sprig of dill

Tomato soup with a sprig of dill.

Chicken soup.

The guide explains how the organic wine ages in huge clay vats in the ground.

The filtered (non-organic) wine is aged in huge stainless vats (right) or in kegs and then bottled, ready for sale. They stop the fermentation of the wine by freezing it.

These vines look like they are about two or three years old. They are just beginning to show buds.

Shortly after we left the winery, we spotted this slaughtered hog by the side of the road....it is ready for sale. Note that the head is hanging at the right. Karol remembers when on the farm, the head was boiled and head cheese was made (souse).

CLICK HERE to see the cows returning home through the
main street in the village (during the drizzle).

 ONE OF THE CHURCHES IN TILAVI

 We have visited many churches since we have been in Georgia. Some are giant and some are very small. I count this church to be characteristic of what we might see. This particular church, like most of the rest, was Georgian Orthodox. It had little room for standing and only a few benches. The following pictures represent only a few of the icons hanging in the church. They are ornate, and I would call them beautiful.

The outside of the church. This church has the entry door on the side of the building.

The altar is normally hidden behind a cloth - probably the area where the sacrament is consecrated. The table in the front is for parishoners or assistants. This one is decorated by flowers that someone has brought to honor the Christ.

I don't have an answer to this one, but it looks to me like a Black Madonna and Child. I have seen these icons in quite a few of the churches.

Again, the Madonna and the Child.

This church building is small enough for such a little wood stove to create adequate heat.

The bells hang outside of the building.

A candle holder (votive candles) hang in front of this icon - for prayers that can be offered.

Worshippers will sometimes come and make the sign of the cross and then kiss the icon.

One more icon.

Chateau Mere. Two years ago, the owner began building this unique guest house and restaurant. We stopped for wine and cheese (along with some dried apple and prosciutto).

Karol is right at home in the eclectic decor (lots of old American pieces).