Welcome to Georgia!
Georgia is a country to the east of the Black Sea, most of it land is located in the South Caucasus, while a portion of the territory lies in the North Caucasus. As a former republic of the Soviet Union, it shares borders with Russia in the north and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the south.
Legend has it that when God was distributing parts of the world to all the people of the Earth, Georgians were having a party and doing some serious drinking. Therefore, they arrived too late to the meeting. When God told them that all the land has been distributed, Georgians replied that the reason they were so late was that they have been raising their glasses to praise Him. God was pleased with the gesture and gave Georgians the land he was reserving for himself.
Even though the country is only stretched to 69,700 sq km (26,900 sq mi), it is an amazing cluster of cultures, religions, fascinating landscapes and ancient history. Here, everyone can find something to their liking – be its snowy peaks, subtropical shores, deserts, lush forests, beautiful cities, and enchanting villages.
The majority of its population are ethnic Georgians, while the official language is Georgian, one of the oldest and unique languages in the world. The oldest writings in the Georgian language is easily read and understood by modern Georgians without any translation.
The whole landscape of Georgia comprises from a sea, mountains, desert, and plain. Therefore, the nature of Georgians is determined by the country's contrasting landscape.
The history counting five thousand years and Christianity of fifteen hundred years reveal why the Georgian nation is so unique. Throughout its existence, the chronicle of Georgian state has evolved, altered the boundaries, extended, and reduced its original territory. Its capital, Tbilisi, is by far the largest city offering a perfect blend of old and new architecture.
All the countries and nations across the globe have their cuisine and Georgia is not an exception. Its cuisine is a diverse as its landscape offering a wide choice of meals to its visitors. Rich in meat, vegetables, and dough, the food here won't leave you unsatisfied. Moreover, you'll want to bring recipes back home.
The national dish Khinkali, a meat dumpling is number one favorite meal for both, the locals and the visitors, followed by Khachapuri, a thin cheese pie, and Pkhali, vegetable appetizers seasoned with thick walnut paste. Along with this three meals, don't forget to try Lobio a black bean stew accompanied with pickles and cornbread, stewed chicken in garlic sauce, lori, the Georgian ham, or the local cheese called sulguni.
In Eastern Georgia, you will be offered wheat bread baked on the walls of cylinder-like clay oven called tone, while in West Georgia you will be treated to hot cornbread (mchadi) baked on clay frying-pans ketsi.
Soup lovers will be delighted with the fiery rice and beef soup kharcho, and tender chicken soup chikhirtma with eggs whipped in vinegar and the transparent light meat broth flavored with garlic, parsley, and fennel.
Like everywhere in the Caucasus, mtsvadi (shashlik) is very popular in Georgia. Depending on your taste, you can order pork, beef, chicken or vegetable one.
The traditional Georgian dinner, or supra in a local language, is led in a wise manner in accordance with the ancient ritual. The head of the table tamada is chosen by the host. The tamada must be a man of humor with an ability for improvisation and a philosopher’s wisdom. If there are many guests at the table he appoints assistants. The guest is required to listen attentively to each toast, while the assistants and other guests may add something to the toast or develop its idea even further. This ritual, however, does not put restrictions on the guests but maintains discipline at the feast. The dinner often includes jokes, dances, and songs to entertain the audience and have a great time.
So don’t waste your time. Come and experience all of this yourself!
