Back to the Caucasus!

[peacetraveler22]

Last week, I turned 44 and it's time for my annual birthday trip. The decision on where to travel came quite easily - back to the Caucasus!

This region is like a wonderful partner - there was an immediate connection when we met, and it goes beyond the mere physical elements. Of course, the stunning contours of the landscapes, and excitement of something "new" to explore are what initially led me here. But it's more than that. I love the Caucasus because they are both calm and wild at the same time. Perhaps it's difficult to comprehend, but there is a sense of belonging here. The countries are small, completely different from the massive geographic swells of my home country, or even Russia. This is part of the appeal - that you can conquer an entire nation in a very short period of time, and simultaneously ignite a spark in the soul and mind with all of the stunning mountain landscapes, ancient sites and warm, friendly people. It's an intoxicating blend of Earth, mountain, sky and human curiosities...with the negative aspect of increased heartbeats due to the wild driving culture you must endure to reach these remote places. In such environments, boredom never arises. There is a real sense of feeling alive beyond the mere habit of breathing each day, or going through the routine motions of adulthood that trap us. Boredom - it is the most brutal enemy for me personally. I'm always fighting it off, and can't stand to be captured or held hostage to it for even short periods of time. Yes, I need adventure, stimulation - maybe similar to a young child. :))

I will depart for Tbilisi next week, spend a few days there, and then drive to Armenia. If you know interesting places in Armenia, colorful people, or any other facts you wish to share, please write in comments. If you missed my prior stories about Georgia, you can read them here, and there are still many which remain unwritten.

Sorry for the very long absence from the blog. I am alive and well...and hope the same is true for my dear readers!

Comments

[popados.livejournal.com]

It's only with russians and latvinians, but I ask today))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Hello! Have you been to Armenia? By the way, I really loved your reports from Iran. :)

[lavagra.livejournal.com]

Thank You, Shannon! No. my Armenia not yet come!

[anna-sollanna.livejournal.com]

Good luck, Shannon! I hope your trip will inspire you to write many new posts!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Not sure about posts, but in the meantime, you can see pictures from the journey in real time on FB. :))

[a-nimaida.livejournal.com]

привет !
If Armenians will try to persuade you to visit Nagorno Karabakh, do not settle

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I'm traveling with a Georgian, not an Armenian. And she is aware about this disputed region.

[a-nimaida.livejournal.com]

Хорошо!

WANTED

[novoslov.livejournal.com]

You entered in the Brothers' Circle?

Re: WANTED

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

No. :))

[kremlin_curant]

Hi, Peacetraveller! Old zhezhe friend Kremlin Currant is here.

[peacetraveler22]

Hello! Thanks for letting me know! :) Glad to see that some of my LJ readers are also on Dreamwidth.

[kremlin_curant]

Not to used to this platform yet.

[peacetraveler22]

Yeah, in some ways it is the same as LJ. In other ways, very different. For instance, I don't like the photo options here on Dreamwidth. It takes more work to put photos into the content of a post. :( Also, there is no "share" function here on Dreamwidth, where posts can instantly be shared on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

[kremlin_curant]

I guess soon all users of zhezhe who are not in agreement with Putin's politics will migrate to here.

[peacetraveler22]

Yes, I think so...:)