Hi everybody! Всем привет! Hola a todos! Bonjour à tous! Hallo allerseits! Поздрав свима!
30 04 2 0 2 5
"Any trip is a holiday that will forever remain in your memory" — someone
Mtskheta. Above the Green River
After several days of skiing in the mountains, we decided to take a day off to explore something different. The weather was perfect — sunny, crisp, and clear — so we packed into the car and began our descent from the snowy slopes of Gudauri. About halfway to Tbilisi lies one of the most ancient and picturesque towns in Georgia — Mtskheta.
As we approached, the landscape transformed from snowy ridges to gentle, rolling hills. The road wound along cliffs and through valleys until suddenly, below us, the town appeared — nestled at the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and the Mtkvari. The view from above was unforgettable. The water in the river seemed to have two colors — a deep turquoise from one side and a soft green from the other. From the Jvari Monastery, perched high on a hill above Mtskheta, you could clearly see where the two rivers met, their waters flowing side by side but not mixing immediately. It was like nature had drawn a border in liquid color.
We stopped at the viewpoint to take in the sight. The old monastery behind us, with its ancient stones and windswept hilltop setting, added a quiet grandeur to the scene. The bells were silent, but the whole place seemed to hum with history. It’s easy to see why this place was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia, and why it remains one of the most spiritually important places in Georgia.
After soaking in the view, we drove down into the town itself. Mtskheta may be small, but it’s full of life. At its heart stands the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its stone walls and elegant arches carry centuries of faith, legend, and memory. Inside, the cathedral was cool and dim, filled with the scent of incense and the quiet prayers of visitors. Sunlight filtered through narrow windows, casting colored light onto the worn stone floor. We stood for a long time, taking in the silence and the beauty of the sacred space.
Outside, the streets bustled with locals and tourists. Small shops sold traditional Georgian snacks, homemade wine, and beautiful souvenirs — hand-woven scarves, wood carvings, painted icons, and clay dishes. We wandered from stall to stall, eventually picking up a few gifts to take home. There was something comforting in the way the vendors welcomed us, offering samples and telling stories with a smile.
We had lunch in a small restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river. The menu was simple but delicious — khinkali, khachapuri, fresh salads, and warm bread. We talked about the contrast between the peaceful charm of Mtskheta and the adrenaline rush of the ski slopes. Both were unforgettable in their own way, but today brought a different kind of joy — slower, more reflective, grounded in beauty and tradition.
As the sun began to lower in the sky, casting golden light across the rooftops and riverbanks, we made our way back to the car. The road to Tbilisi seemed shorter this time, the city lights already visible in the distance.
Once again, we were back in Tbilisi — the capital’s energy greeting us like an old friend. But something from Mtskheta stayed with us — the calm of the river, the ancient stones of the cathedral, and the green hills whispering stories older than time.
That,s all for today.
Stand by
Sincerely yours
