In spite of hours spent researching, preparing, and sending inquiries, I was unable to secure a single place to stay in Georgia via Couchsurfing. Not in Tbilisi, not in Gori, not anywhere else. It was somewhat disappointing, especially after 'surfing' a lot on my Africa trip and hosting more than 50 … [Read more...]
The Pankisi Gorge in Pictures
A picture says more than a thousand words. Still, I figured an extra one for each wouldn't hurt. … [Read more...]
Soundtrack of Georgia
While staying with a Chechen family in Pankisi, my tour guide put her mp3 player to work. I wish I could have asked the locals what they thought of my half Indonesian, half German guide blasting out the national anthem of the Chechen Republic Ichkeria. Unfortunately, that opportunity didn't arise. … [Read more...]
Hiking in Pankisi and Staying with the Chechen Kist People
The room is dark except for a fire in the oven and a single, shaky petroleum lamp that lends the air its smell. I sit on the makeshift bed, watching the burly grandmother of the house cook Turkish coffee above a wood-fired oven while the rest of the family is huddled up across the room. We just … [Read more...]
Sick
I was planning to do the write up of my hiking trip to Pankisi yesterday, but instead I was sick in bed the last 2 days. Looks like I caught some stomach bug. Good opportunity to restock on electrolyte powder and charcoal tablets. I'm staying in a former 'capitalist' mansion in the middle of … [Read more...]