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

[kishechkakisa.livejournal.com]

I love Tbilisi so much. I lived there more than 6 month.

[moskitow.livejournal.com]

Happy B-day! So it was love from the first sight then!
Safe travel to you. Armenia should be interesting too. I went to Abkhazia once with my mom when I was a child. I still remember. It was very beautiful. We went to this lake Ritsa - far in the mountains, I've never seen anything like it. Like from a fairy tale.

[yarowind.livejournal.com]

It's cool, but weather now not good:(

[mb-b.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday -- enjoy the trip!

[elinelisky.livejournal.com]

We are alive and well, and wait for new Caucasus posts. :)

[rider3099.livejournal.com]

Great idea! Have fun, enjoy your trip!

[sun-jr.livejournal.com]

Happy belated birthday! Have a very nice trip!

[narcolog59.livejournal.com]

Have a good trip! We looked with my wife photos of Georgia. Amazing and some day we will go there!

[theodorexxx.livejournal.com]

Finally you have found a part of ex-USSR that you like

[kremlin-curant.livejournal.com]

As much as I know Armenians are not so friendly toward western people as Georgians are.

[grimalkin2006.livejournal.com]

I recommend the HyurService tour operator in Yerevan, they can help you a lot.

[maadmike.livejournal.com]

"Last week, I turned 44 "

Happy Birthday! Every year is the best to see something new!

"Sorry for the very long absence from the blog."

Glad you are back from Facebook. What brought you back anyway? Boredom?

[nar-row.livejournal.com]

Do you want to travel to Armenia, Azerbaijan or Abkhazia?

[exorcist2007.livejournal.com]

While in Armenia, you should sample some local cognacs. They are still viewed the best in all ex-USSR countries. According to legend, Joseph Stalin supplied Armenian cognacs to Sir Winston Churchill who loved drinking them.

There are extremely tense relations between Armenia and Azerbajan. The two nations virtually hate each other. Avoid discussing with locals azerbajanians or status of Nagorny Karabakh.

[popados.livejournal.com]

WOW! Shannon is back!))

[lavagra.livejournal.com]

Nice, Shannon. It my one from best regions on the world too...

[anna-sollanna.livejournal.com]

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

[a-nimaida.livejournal.com]

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

WANTED

[novoslov.livejournal.com]

You entered in the Brothers' Circle?

[kremlin_curant]

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