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The final day of our tour in Jordan was dedicated to Petra – perhaps the country’s most famous site. The entrance ticket isn’t cheap (unless you're part of an organized tour, as we were, where it's included), but it’s clear why so many people come here. Petra is an ancient Nabatean city founded in the 4th century BCE. The Nabateans – a nomadic people originally from the Arabian Peninsula – turned it into a key trade hub due to its strategic location between Arabia and the ports of the Mediterranean. The city flourished for centuries before it was eventually abandoned and lost to the desert. In the 19th century, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt brought it back to Western awareness. Since then, Petra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a central part of Jordan’s tourism. The entrance to Petra leads through a narrow canyon, with high rock walls in red and pink tones. Much of the path is shaded. Along the way, you can see carved temples, tombs, inscriptions, and caves – all built directly into the rock. After around 20 minutes of walking, you reach Petra’s most iconic structure: the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). It’s an impressive sight, even after seeing it in countless photos. We decided to hike to a viewpoint above the Treasury. This involved paying some local Bedouin guides to take us up a fairly steep path. Although signs advise not to pay for such access, in practice, it seems to be the only way to get there. Beyond the Treasury, the trail continues – exposed to the sun, but still full of interesting sites: additional temples, tombs, cliffs, and wide views. Walking back to the entrance takes around an hour. Along the way, there are many vendors offering drinks, souvenirs, and coffee. Prices are very high, and the quality varies – it’s worth planning ahead. Near the end of the visit, we stopped at the new Petra Museum. It’s relatively small but well-organized and provides helpful historical context about the Nabateans, the city’s rise and fall, and how it was rediscovered. After the visit, we returned by bus – a two-hour drive back to the border with Israel.

When traveling to Georgia (the country), understanding the local electrical system is essential for keeping your devices charged and functioning properly. Here's a comprehensive guide to electricity in Georgia: 1. Voltage and Frequency : Georgia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency, similar to most European countries. If you're coming from North America or other regions that use 110- 120V, you may need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual voltage. 2. Plugs and Sockets : Georgia primarily uses Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) sockets, which are standard throughout most of Europe. The Type C plug has two round pins, while the Type F plug has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. You'll need an appropriate adapter if your devices have different plug types. Type F Plug type C 3. Power Reliability : While Georgia's power infrastructure has improved significantly recently, occasional power outages can still occur, particularly in rural areas or during severe weather. In Tbilisi and other major cities, electricity is generally reliable and stable. Some accommodations might have backup generators for power outages, especially in remote areas. 4. Availability in Accommodations : Most hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in urban areas provide electricity as part of your stay. Power might be more limited or occasionally unreliable in more remote regions or during homestays in rural villages. It's always a good idea to charge portable power banks for your devices when exploring less developed areas. 5. Charging Stations : Georgia has expanded its electric vehicle infrastructure, with charging stations becoming more common in Tbilisi and along major highways. Many cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers in urban areas offer power outlets for customers. 6. Using Electronic Devices : Before plugging in your devices, check if they are dual-voltage (110- 240V). Most modern smartphones, laptops, and cameras have built-in converters. Devices like hair dryers or curling irons that are not rated for 220V might require a separate voltage converter. Tips for Travelers : Pack at least one Type C or Type F adapter for your trip. Consider bringing a universal adapter if you have multiple devices with different plug types. A portable power bank is helpful for day trips or when traveling to remote areas. If staying for an extended period, you might want to purchase a local power strip compatible with Georgian outlets. Always unplug sensitive electronics during thunderstorms, especially in mountainous regions. Understanding Georgia's electrical system will help ensure your devices stay powered throughout your journey, allowing you to capture and share this beautiful country's amazing experiences.🔌 #Information

During our visit to Tbilisi's Old Town, we descended a short flight of stairs to discover the fascinating underground world of Meidan Bazaar. Located beneath Meidani Square, this hidden marketplace feels like stepping into a fantasy novel or medieval trading post. The bazaar's history is remarkable. It's been one of the central trading spots in the entire Caucasus region since as early as the 4th-5th century and was once a vital part of the Great Silk Road. French traveler Jean Chardin wrote in the 1670s about the incredible diversity of merchants here, describing it as a meeting place for Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Persians, Indians, Turks, and Europeans. As we wandered through the network of tunnel shops, I was struck by the ancient atmosphere maintained through dark colors and dim lighting. The modern world feels distinctly absent here. Every inch of space is utilized - shelves packed with goods, items hanging from ceilings, and merchandise lining the walls. The variety of items available is impressive. We saw everything from handmade natural jams and local wines to decorative bowls, swords, and shields. Georgian clay wine dishware sits alongside honey, churchkhela treats, and various teas. For those seeking souvenirs, there's original goldsmith work, Georgian-made dolls, and numerous handcrafted items. While nothing remains of the original ancient stalls that once stood in Meidani Square above, this underground bazaar preserves the spirit of old Tbilisi's trading traditions while offering visitors a unique shopping experience that blends history with local culture. If you're looking for an authentic bazaar experience in Tbilisi, this underground market is worth exploring, both for its historical significance and the unique treasures you might find.

No visit to Tbilisi would be complete without experiencing the city's famous sulfur baths, a tradition that dates back to the city's founding. We saved this experience for our final activity in Tbilisi, right before our airport transfer—a perfect way to end our Georgian adventure. We booked a small private bath room for two persons for one hour at Chreli Abano, one of the popular bathhouses in the Abanotubani district. These private rooms are perfect for those who prefer more privacy while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the sulfur waters. Our room included a pool filled with hot sulfur water, shower facilities, and basic amenities. To enhance the experience, we each added a traditional peeling scrub (kessa) to our package. This scrub treatment involves a bath attendant using a special glove to exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth and refreshed. The sulfur water itself has a distinctive smell (somewhat like eggs), but you quickly get used to it. The water is naturally warm and rich in minerals like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are known for their therapeutic properties, helping with skin conditions, joint pain, and improving circulation. The entire experience was deeply relaxing. Soaking in the warm sulfur bath melted away the tension from days of walking around Tbilisi's hilly streets. The peeling scrub, while quite vigorous, left our skin feeling amazingly soft and renewed. Located in the historic Abanotubani district, Chreli Abano is surrounded by the charm of old Tbilisi. The bath district itself is worth exploring, with its distinctive brick domes rising from the ground - a unique architectural feature that's become emblematic of this part of the city. For anyone visiting Tbilisi, I'd recommend setting aside a couple of hours for this experience. It's not just a spa treatment but a glimpse into an ancient tradition central to Tbilisi's identity for centuries. The city's name comes from the Georgian word "tbili," meaning warm, a reference to these natural hot springs. Afterward, heading to the airport, refreshed and relaxed, felt like the perfect conclusion to our time in Georgia.

While exploring Tbilisi, we visited the Metekhi Church perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. This Georgian Orthodox church sits on the left bank of the river opposite Tbilisi's Old Town, providing excellent views of the city. The church we see today was built between 1278 and 1289 under King Demetrius II of Georgia, though local tradition claims its origins go back much further to the 5th century. The building seems to grow naturally from the cliff it stands on, following the Georgian architectural tradition of harmonizing structures with the surrounding landscape. Standing proudly next to the church is the imposing equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. The bronze monument shows the king on horseback with an extended arm, creating a striking silhouette against the sky. This statue honors the monarch who, according to legend, discovered the hot springs around which Tbilisi was built in the 5th century (Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word "tbili" meaning "warm"). The Metekhi Church has a tumultuous history. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, a fortress, and a prison during Russian Imperial rule. It even faced demolition during the Soviet era. Fortunately, local protests saved it from destruction. The church was only returned to religious use in 1988, previously used as a theater. We couldn't take photos inside the church, but the exterior with its carved stone decorations was impressive enough. The church follows a cross-in-square design typical of Georgian architecture, with three convex apses on its eastern façade. The viewing platform around the church and statue offers some of the best panoramas of Tbilisi. The Old Town, Narikala Fortress, and the winding Mtkvari River are all visible from this vantage point. Many tourists and locals alike gather here to enjoy the views, especially at sunset, when the light on the old city is particularly beautiful. For visitors to Tbilisi, this site combines history, architecture, and stunning city views in one accessible location.

After visiting the Mother of Georgia monument, we found the perfect way to return to the city center—through the peaceful National Botanical Garden of Georgia. This hidden oasis lies in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge on the southern foothills of the Sololaki Range. The garden's entrance near the Narikala Fortress made it convenient to continue our downhill journey from the Mother of Georgia statue. At just 4 GEL per person, entry was very affordable for such a significant natural attraction. The gardens are built into the natural slope of the gorge. Starting from the upper entrance meant we could enjoy a leisurely downhill stroll through the various garden sections, which was much easier than climbing up from the lower city entrance. We took our time exploring the diverse collection of plants - the garden houses over 4,500 taxonomic groups worldwide. Spring was a good time to visit, with many trees and flowers in bloom. The garden's history goes back three centuries to when it began as royal gardens in the 1600s. Throughout the gardens, we found several quiet spots to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Benches placed in various corners provided nice places to take a break from walking. The garden was well-equipped with amenities - we saw clean toilets and water fountains at different points along the paths. One of the garden's nice features is a waterfall cascading down the rocky gorge - a pretty spot that seemed popular with tourists and locals. If you're planning a visit, I'd recommend entering from the top near the Mother of Georgia monument and going down through the gardens. This route offers good views and a more pleasant walking experience than climbing uphill. The garden contrasts with the city nicely and makes for a good half-day activity in Tbilisi.

We started our day by taking the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park, perched high above Tbilisi. While most of the rides were closed (perhaps they only operate on weekends or during summer), the panoramic views of the city spread out below us were spectacular. From Mtatsminda, we decided to follow the Mtatsminda-Narikala Tourist Path toward the Mother of Georgia statue. This walking trail offers some of the best vantage points of Tbilisi, though the municipality seems to have neglected it. At certain points, we had to navigate around pools of stagnant water that flowed across the path, bringing with them a rather unpleasant smell. Despite these minor inconveniences, the walk was enjoyable, and the changing perspectives of the city made it worthwhile. After following the ridge, we eventually reached the iconic Kartlis Deda, or Mother of Georgia statue. Standing 20 meters tall, this aluminum figure was installed in 1958 to commemorate Tbilisi's 1500th anniversary. The statue, created by prominent sculptor Elguja Amashukeli, embodies Georgian national character with symbolic elements - a bowl of wine in her left hand to welcome friends and a sword in her right to defend against enemies. Interestingly, the current statue isn't the original - the first version was wooden, later covered with aluminum in 1963, and finally replaced entirely in 1997. We took a break near the statue, enjoying some ice cream while taking in the magnificent views. From here, we could also see the imposing Narikala Fortress. Though we didn't explore inside the fortress, its ancient walls climbing along the ridge created an impressive backdrop to our visit. This hilltop journey from Mtatsminda Park to Mother Georgia offers a perfect half-day activity for visitors to Tbilisi. It combines exercise, culture, and unbeatable city views.

Our Tbilisi explorations included a stop at Sioni Cathedral, an important religious landmark on Sioni Street near the Kura River. Dating originally from the 6th-7th centuries, this historic church has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout Georgia's tumultuous history. Inside, we admired the 1850s murals by Russian artist Grigory Gagarin and the stone iconostasis from the same period. The cathedral houses the venerated Grapevine cross, traditionally associated with Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. The cathedral's architecture features the typical medieval Georgian cross-in-square design with a central dome of warm yellow tuff stone. Outside, two bell towers stand —a restored 15th-century one in the courtyard and a neoclassical tower from 1812 across the street. Until 2004, Sioni served as Georgia's main Orthodox cathedral before that role transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It remains an active church, an important spiritual center for locals, and an interesting historical site for visitors.

While exploring Tbilisi's Old Town, we discovered one of the city's most unique landmarks - the Clock Tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater. This quirky structure stands out even among the charming historic buildings of Shavteli Street. The Clock Tower, built in the early 2010s, is a relatively recent addition to Tbilisi's cultural landscape. It was designed by Rezo Gabriadze, a renowned Georgian artist, playwright, director, and puppeteer. What makes this clock tower so special is its whimsical, fairy-tale-like design, which perfectly reflects Gabriadze's creative vision. Unlike traditional clock towers, this one comes alive at specific times throughout the day with enchanting animations. Miniature marionette figures emerge and perform short scenes, adding a theatrical element that delighted us and other visitors gathered to watch. The tower successfully combines functional timekeeping with artistic expression in a way that feels distinctly Georgian - both playful and sophisticated. The tower is located on picturesque Shavteli Street in the Old Town district, making it easy to visit while exploring other nearby attractions. The surrounding area offers plenty of historic architecture and charming cafes and is within walking distance of other significant sites like Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest church in Tbilisi) and the modern Bridge of Peace. It's worth timing your arrival to coincide with one of the hourly animations.

Our travels through Georgia brought us to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the historic town of Mtskheta. This enormous Orthodox church, whose name means "Cathedral of the Living Pillar," is imposing in scale and significance. Built between 1010 and 1029, Svetitskhoveli is Georgia's second largest church and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its massive doors, we were immediately struck by the vastness of the interior space and the beautiful medieval architecture that has survived centuries of invasions and earthquakes. The cathedral is rich with history - it's said to be the burial site of Christ's mantle and served as the coronation and burial place for Georgian kings. The interior features lovely frescoes (though many were sadly whitewashed during the Russian Imperial period) and numerous icons adorning the walls. What made this visit particularly special was exploring the surrounding area. The streets adjacent to the cathedral are lined with merchants and small shops, giving the whole place a charming medieval atmosphere. We enjoyed strolling through these lanes, browsing local crafts and goods. The entire setting feels like stepping back in time, creating a perfect complement to the ancient cathedral itself. Between the impressive architecture, beautiful interior paintings, and atmospheric old town surroundings, Svetitskhoveli offers a wonderful glimpse into Georgia's rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting.

Our Georgia trip included visiting Jvari Monastery, one of the UNESCO-listed Historical Monuments of Mtskheta. This sixth-century church sits dramatically on a rocky hilltop at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. The views from Jvari are simply spectacular. Looking down at the town of Mtskheta nestled in the valley below, with the two rivers meeting against the backdrop of mountains, offered some of the most beautiful vistas we encountered in Georgia. Built between 590 and 605 AD, Jvari is remarkable for having survived nearly unchanged since medieval times. The church pioneered the tetraconch architectural design (with four apses) that later became common throughout the Caucasus region. During our visit, the monastery was undergoing significant restoration work. Portions of the ceiling had been removed to make the central cross visible, which limited our ability to appreciate the famous dome structure with its squinches fully. Still, we could see why UNESCO recognized this site for its cultural and religious significance. According to tradition, this is where Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, erected a large wooden cross said to perform miracles. The site remains one of the most sacred places in Georgia. Despite the ongoing construction, Jvari Monastery offered historical interest and moments of tranquility while taking in the breathtaking panoramic landscape of Central-Eastern Georgia.

While traveling through Georgia, we stopped at the Stalin State Museum in Gori, the dictator's hometown. We were initially stunned to learn that such a museum even existed, but we decided to visit out of historical curiosity. The museum complex, opened in 1957, consists of a two-story exhibition building with six halls, Stalin's memorial house where he was born, and his personal railway carriage. The building is grand, faced with Eclar stone, featuring ornate pillars and red marble in the vestibule - all designed to convey importance and reverence. What we found most disturbing was how the museum essentially glorifies Stalin while ignoring the horrific reality of his regime. The six exhibition halls present visitors with a carefully curated narrative of Stalin's life and political career, complete with personal artifacts, photographs, and gifts he received from world leaders. The exhibits are primarily labeled in Georgian and Russian, with some English translations available. His personal railway carriage, preserved in its original condition, is displayed as a holy relic. Conspicuously missing from most of the museum is any substantial acknowledgment of the millions who died under Stalin's rule - the victims of forced collectivization and resulting famines, the Great Purge, the Gulag system, antisemitic campaigns, and political executions. Only one small room added in 2010 mentions the repressions; even this feels like an afterthought. Witnessing this form of historical revisionism in the 21st century was genuinely bizarre. While Stalin's legacy is understandably complex for Georgians (he remains their most famous countryman despite his atrocities), the museum's approach of hero worship without proper historical context is deeply troubling. The experience left us wondering about the ethics of such a place. Rather than serving as a thoughtful examination of a controversial historical figure and the dangers of totalitarianism, the museum instead feels like a shrine to one of history's most brutal dictators. This stop on our Georgian journey was undoubtedly thought-provoking, though not in the way the museum's creators likely intended.