On to Svaneti

Even on a somewhat grey day, the views were breathtaking and the freshness of the air invigorating.

A very relaxed morning started with observing the cheese-making process, followed by enjoying a very leisurely breakfast and appreciating the glorious mountain views.

Even the plastic bowls are the shame shape and size so that each Sulguni is identical.

Later in the morning we walked along the stream at the side of the house up the hill to a point where there was a rusty piece of metal sticking up from the ground: a mineral water spring!

Soon we were to leave for the first of our Svaneti stays – but not before a few more photos of the animals and happy ladies. Needless to say we left laden with gifts including a whole cheese for each of us!

But, without a doubt, the star of this show was the older lady with her sense of fun and generosity of spirit:

As we drove out through the village, there were just a couple of opportunities to capture the surroundings:

I loved this house with its extensive garden. The lady who was working there came to speak to us when she saw that we were taking an interest.

And then, with a wave to a couple of boys riding a horse bareback, we were off to Latali: the gateway to the Svan villages where we would, yet again, be royally entertained.

This is one trip where I am really appreciating not being the driver but having a driver who understands the need to capture the things we see. I couldn’t resist asking her to stop for this view with the stream snaking down from the mountain between the villages.

We went to visit Mt. Ushba, but he was hiding, so satisfied ourselves by returning to the car to finish the honey cake bought in Poti with a cup of Tako’s special coffee. Coffee AND fresh air: it was going to be easy to sleep!

As it was raining we sat in the van: the roses you can see were a gift from the Anaseuli ladies and the palm cross came from England to share for Easter as they don’t use them here.

Another home, another table laden with Georgian food! This time we were in Latali, regarded as the Gateway to the Svan villages and one of the richest where many treasures have been kept during invasions and times of uncertain rule.

Tako and Nino had friends in common but hadn’t met before so the evening meal became an interchange of ideas, wondering just how the village’s Svan culture could be more widely accessible. Could the people of Latali somehow make this possible?

It really IS a good job that Georgian food is so easy to eat because we are definitely being fed too often!

These images of the towers tell a story of tradition and decay. There are many towers. Over the years they have been used to protect the people and their treasures – both community and personal. But now many have become ruins and their significance is in danger of being unrecognised as the world moves on .

The two people – one elderly, one much younger – are almost lost in this scene. Many towers have now been renovated or at least are better maintained. We will see more as we spend time in Mestia, but, for now, it’s farewell to Latali. At least one of us will be back without doubt!