A Whirlwind in Tbilisi: Lost in Translation (and Delicious Khachapuri)

okay, so where do i even begin with *Tbilisi? i landed last night, and honestly, my brain is still trying to process the sensory overload. the flight was…an experience. let's just say the turbulence made me question all my life choices. i keep seeing numbers flashing in my head: 295514, 1376944837. what do they mean? probably some weird airport code or something. i just checked and it's…well, it's a warm humidity clinging to everything, like a damp hug. hope you like that kind of thing.

this whole trip feels a little like a fever dream. i'm a freelance photographer, so i'm always chasing the perfect light, but here, the light is just…different. it bounces off the ancient buildings, the colorful balconies, and the endless steam rising from the khachapuri vendors. seriously, the khachapuri. i’m pretty sure i’m living on it.

my accommodation is…rustic. let's be kind. it's a tiny room in a guesthouse run by a woman named Nana who speaks almost no english, but communicates entirely through warm smiles and gestures. it’s charmingly chaotic. i’m pretty sure there's a family of pigeons living in the eaves.

i spent most of yesterday wandering. got completely lost in the old town, navigating a maze of cobblestone streets. the buildings are all painted in these crazy colors - ochre, terracotta, bright blue. it’s so photogenic! i swear, every corner is a potential shot. i found a tiny little cafe where i eavesdropped on a conversation between two older men. apparently, the bridge over the Kura River is undergoing some major renovations, which is causing all sorts of traffic jams. something a local warned me about - apparently, getting around here is an adventure in itself.

The Sulfur Baths are a must-do, if you're into that sort of thing. some people say they're touristy, but i thought it was cool. a little weird, yeah, but cool. i even saw Nana talking to some woman about visiting the Dry Bridge Market; says they sell vintage Soviet-era posters there. Link to TripAdvisor.

and the people! the people are the best part. everyone i've met has been incredibly kind and welcoming, even when we can’t understand each other. i heard that bargaining is expected at the markets, but i’m terrible at it. someone told me that if you flash a genuine smile, you can get away with almost anything. i'm putting that to the test tomorrow. i also heard that the nightlife is pretty wild, but i'm trying to pace myself.

pro-tip: learn a few basic georgian phrases. even just “gamarjoba” (hello) and “madloba” (thank you) go a long way. also, be prepared for hills. lots of hills. my legs are already burning.

my neighbors are…well, they’re Georgian. i’m still trying to figure out what that means, but it involves a lot of delicious food, strong coffee, and incredibly hospitable people. if you get bored, Batumi is just a short drive away - apparently, it’s a totally different vibe. i’m thinking of checking that out later in the week.

i'm heading to the Narikala Fortress later to get a panoramic view of the city. supposedly the sunset from up there is insane. i’ll try to capture it for you. i also need to find a decent coffee shop. the coffee here is…an experience. let's just leave it at that. i’ll be posting more updates as i explore. you can check out my other travel adventures here: My Travel Blog and more photos on my Instagram. and if you're looking for some cool local experiences, check out Yelp for restaurant reviews.

i’m just going to soak it all in for now. this city is buzzing with energy. it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s definitely getting under my skin. i'm feeling that good kind of lost, you know?
I keep getting glimpses of that number 1376944837. Seriously, what is* that?