Highlights of Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgia is one of the countries that Filipinos can visit just by securing an easy E-visa prior to the trip; purely online application, no personal appearance at the embassy. Tourist E-visa costs 20 USD.

However, Philippine passport holders can enter Georgia visa-free, if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from specific countries like the US, UK, Canada, Schengen Area, or GCC countries. In my case, I presented at the Georgian Immigration my valid US and Japan Visa. I also presented a printed copy of my hostel booking, fly out ticket, as well as my travel insurance (which I booked last minute with the help of my sister). Mandatory Travel Insurance is strictly required when entering Georgia, with a minimum of $30,000 in health coverage. I was able to enter Georgia visa-free twice. First was at the airport, second was at the land border crossing from Armenia. Same documents were presented. Visa-free entry however took a little more time, since they had to validate my presented US Visa via another program. At the land border, my passport validation took around 20 minutes at least. If you have extra 20 USD, I highly suggest securing an e-visa for smoother border crossings.

I flew to Gergia via Azerbaijan Airline, with a 4 hours layover at Baku International Airport (Azerbaijan). Their airport interior is quite sleek and classy. Sosyal, with all the ambient lights and clean-neutral palate. Azerbaijan Airline is also commendable for providing tasty meals and a 10 kg carry on bag allowance.

I was also able to use the lounge at Baku Airport, and was able to get a decent Azerbaijani meal at 3 AM. Thanks to my Eastwest Bank Visa Card privilege. haha

Upon arrival in Tbilisi, Georgia, the first thing I appreciated was the vibrant food scene. I came from Moscow before Tbilisi. And in all honestly, food there was far from the best. Georgian meals are better, as they have rice. I love rice. Choz. And also, Georgia is generally cheaper, especially if you find yourself some Family-Kitchen at random streets. These kitchens are like local eateries/karinderia, where every dishes are pre-cooked. You can just pick what you like.

Among my favourite was the Badrijani Nigvzit, which features thinly sliced, fried or grilled eggplant rolled around a rich, spiced walnut and garlic paste. I also liked the Beef chirbuli dish of eggs and beef poached in a spiced tomato, onion, and walnut sauce (The red sauce on a skilled).

Georgians take breakfast seriously. Here’s one of the best meals I had. This set includes 3 fruit jams, 3 type of cheese, cold cuts, fried rolls, egg, tomato salad and unlimited shotis puri (bread). I had this at a restaurant in Old Quarters in Tbilisi known as the “Friendly Corner”. They area among the few that opens early.

Highlights of Tbilisi, Georgia:

My trip to Tbilisi was quite free and chill. I stayed at the Old quarters for the vibe. I was also able to book two tours during my stay, since packages were surprisingly affordable. I was able to book a day tour to Mtskheta for only 850 Pesos. Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the ancient capital of Georgia. This black Mercedes Benz below was our ride.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Originally built in the 4th century, the present Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was constructed on top of the original church foundation between 1010 and 1029 (by the architect Arsukidze). It was also mentioned that the architect’s hands were cut of after the construction, by order of the king, so that the cathedral design shall never be replicated.

Regarded as the holiest place in Georgia, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and is regarded as the holiest place in Georgia, due to a recorded holy relic, the shroud of Jesus at the time of the crucifixion, that was believed to be buried beneath the structure.

Note: Georgia is one of the oldest Christian nations in the world, having officially adopted Christianity as its state religion in the early 4th century (around 326–337 CE).

Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Jvari is a rare case of an Early Medieval Georgian church that has survived to the present day almost unchanged. Quite rainy when we visited.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. The main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and a powerful symbol of the nation’s post-Soviet spiritual and cultural revival. The cathedral sits on top of an elevated ground in the middle of Tbilisi Old Quarters.

Getting around was quite easy. There are assigned modern buses that connect the airport to the metro trains and key points in the city. I actually used my Gcash Visa Card to pay for all my bus and train rides. Yes! Contactless payment na sila. And similar to Central Asia, Yandex Apps are your best friends in Tbilisi.

The Mother of Georgia Statue. Perched high above Old Tbilisi near the Narikala Fortress, the monument offers overlooking view of the city, and is easily accessible via a short cable car ride from Rike Park or by a scenic walking path along the old quarters.

When choosing an area to stay, The Old Quarters of Tbilisi I believe is the best option. Georgians also have public baths where tourists can also use for a fee. I was able to experience this at No.5 Bathhouse shown in photo below. The place can easily be found and is a walking distance from the famous bridge of peace.

Here’s me enjoying Khachapuri and wine at the old quarters. Khachapuri is a Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread. The bread filled in the center with a mixture different kinds of cheese and a soft egg at the center. You’re supposed to tear a portion of the bread and dip in the warm cheese and egg mixture.

Note: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. The fertile valleys of Georgia were home to grapevine cultivation and neolithic wine production for at least 8000 years. Wine is cheap in Georgia.

Another thing that I enjoyed in the old quarters was this milk ice cream-filled chimney cake, crusted with cinnamon and sugar.