Cross-border tours of South Caucasus

January 3, 2011
The trip started in Istanbul Ataturk Internaitonal Airport. We decided to fly from Istanbul to Trabson in order to make our trip to Caucasus shorter and faster. Local guide was waiting for us in Trabzon internaitonal airport. We took a private car towards Georgian border. Wonderful view of snowy mountains from the coastal highway and the changing colours of the Black Sea on our left side. We were heading further East and have passed through towns of Pazar and Hopa before ariving in Kemalpasha the closest coastal town to the Turkish-Georgian border.

Georgian guide was waiting for us on Georgian side in Sarpi. This village is divided in two by the international border. Georgians here run local businesses mostly active in summer time. Many are engaged in cross-border trade. Batumi - capital of Ajara Autonomous Republic is rich with its historical and natural sites. In addition the boost of modern construciton of brand new hotels and governmental buildings is really impressive.

We take a wold in new boulvard along Batumi coastline and stop in Batumi Sea Port restaurant 'Ialkani'. Delicious food and good service of waiters have impressed us. Batumi inhabiants are very freandly and keen to show the way. One should not be surprised when invited by locals to lunch, dinner or a short trip to nearby siteseeing areas. Our local guide offered to see Mtirala Naitonal Park. The second option was to visit Batumi botanical garden the largest botanical garden in Georgia. We agreed to the latter.

to be continued.