Getting to see Tbilisi

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Sunday Jan. 23rd, 2011 was really the first day that we got to be tourists and spent most of the day outside. First we went to the Tbilisi Railway Station, most just to see the trains and since it is a central place for the local population. A Surprise for us but 2 of the huge pictures over the stairway into the Rail Station are of the Colorado National Monument and Arches National Park.

We visited Sameba Cathedral, the 3rd largest Orthodox Church in the world. Many people attending Mass. We wandered down Elijah Mountain from the Cathedral thru Tbilisi old neighborhoods. Some beggars on the roads and by the Church. On our approximately 1 mile walk from the Cathedral to the Metekhi Church (built in 1200's), we found the beautiful, unassuming and almost hidden delight of Cafe Flowers--an actual flower shop and a cafe with a full Georgian menu and good coffee. Brewed coffee like what we have in USA is actually hard to find. The Cafe had a beautiful overview of the Mtkvari River, Old Town Tbilisi and the Metekhi Church.

After witnessing a portion of a wedding at the Metekhi Church (wedding chrashers), we walked over the Metekhi Bridge to Old Town and up to the Narihala Fortress--the old castle first built in 4th Century and rebuilt in 1700's. After walking about 1/2 mile along the fortifications we followed a stone path down to the Old Town and came to a Chruch on the side of the Mountain with some of the most beautiful art work I have ever seen in any Church in all my life. A blessing was occuring with many people attending and then we followed down the path while other people were walking up carrying a baby to be baptized.
A special thing that occurs in the evening is that these special places such as the Sameba Catheral, Metekhi Church and the Fortress walls are lit up with spot lights. We saw several places where rose bushes were growing but of course with winter they are dormant. I can image their beauty in the spring. We feel safe on the streets. It was a little hazy today but still beautiful to see the city. Often times the buildings from the outside look abandoned or beat down and you enter and see a fine gallery or nice store and always people who are friendly.
Tomorrow we plan to present our Mentoring Plan to the Minister of Justice. The rest of the week is focused on training the 4 new case managers who will be working for the United Nations Association of Georgia. We are sad to see the poverty but are safe and feel welcomed. Peace. Joe

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Comments

[Rosemary Engard]

Your wonderful trip
Your descriptions of the events, while brief, are so moving. I can't wait to visit with you when you return and see the pictures. God bless!

[Joe Higgins]

Brief Comments
Rosemary, thanks for your comments. I have to admit after long days of preparing materials, fighting with bad copier machines, meetings, and trainings, I do not write that much but we will share alot when we get back. We have actually gone to several Masses. They have what I call "rolling" Masses and people come and go in and out of the Mass. Yesterday was St. Nino's Holy Day--she is the Nun who was instrumental in spreading the Faith in the 4th century. Thanks for your help. Peace. Joe & Fran