Rike Park & the Peace Bridge

One sunny day during our two weeks of spring break we hopped on a bus to Rike (Ree-kay) Park, a beautiful modern artistically appointed park right in the heart of the city. The whole park, if seen from a bird's eye view, creates a large-scale map of Georgia, and the meandering pathways in the park form the borders of the various regions.

The Peace Bridge connects Rike Park on one bank of the Mtkvari River with the old city on the other. Apparently the bridge was controversial due to it's uber modern design in this very traditional city. However, since I travel with children I am incapable of experiencing it any differently than they do, which is with sheer delight.

From the park's playground we had a clear view of the Funicular and Restaurant where we spent a memorable evening last December.

One can always find vendors selling popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, and cheap kids' toys in the park. I succumbed to the fervent pleas of my children.

The park was marvelously designed by first-rate European firms, but it's not so meticulously maintained. We usually like to visit at night when the lights are illuminated in the park, on the bridge, and all around the city. It's magical. One can also see a fountain that plays with lights and music in the summer, but we haven't yet had that pleasure.

The mollusk-shaped Peace Bridge forms a modern focal point for the river valley, whose surrounding peaks are covered with monasteries, monuments, and castles.

From the bridge you can take in the fascinating and layered 360 degree views. Rising up with the blue glass dome is the Presidential Palace, and in the foreground is a dual cone-shaped structure that, when completed, will provide a dramatic concert hall.

Easter aftermath

Easter was a big production this year. So big, in fact, that I didn't get any pics. We invited all the LDS missionaries in Georgia (currently 15) for an American-style feast, complete with spiral cut ham.

The kids made pastel eggs, I made the red Orthodox variety, as well as some decorated novelties; the girls picked wildflower bouquets and gathered lilacs for center pieces; we got beds of wheatgrass for the egg display; and borrowed tables we covered in garden-themed tablecloths. It was really lovely, and for the umpteenth time since arriving in Georgia I felt immensely grateful for the instant family we have through our church community.

I really savor spring in Georgia. The winters are so dismally grey that it makes spring's rebirth all the more dramatically beautiful.

Kriste aghsdga! Cheshmaritad aghsdga! (Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!)

David Gareja

David Gareja is a whole complex of monasteries hewn into the rock on both sides of Mount Gareja, located southeast of Tbilisi on the Azerbaijani border. It dates back to the 6th Century and encompasses hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, and refectories. We were told that it is the second most sacred place in all of Georgia after Mtskheta, where the robe of Christ is enshrined.

Although it was closed in Soviet times, it functions again today as an active monastery, and tourists are permitted to visit most of the grounds. We came on a guided tour; we were impressed with the dramatic scenery and amazed at the degree of preservation considering it's exposure to the elements.

The main sanctuary has been renovated and has an appealing modern simplicity.

The day alternated between damp, rainy conditions and occasional sunbursts.

One side of the mountain looks out over Georgia.

The monasteries on the other side overlook Azerbaijani territory. The trail along the ridge tested my latent fear of heights.

The monastic caves were carved out of the mountainside over many centuries.

Georgian Orthodox icons decorate the interior.

A depiction of the Last Supper, circa 12th Century, sadly defaced by centuries of graffiti.

Jesus with John the Baptist and Mary, offerings.

The terrain was steep, and due to the rain, muddy and slippery.

Our guide had led this tour for many years and witnessed some serious falls. As a safety precaution, we did not bring the children.

DD # 1: Hippodrome adventure!

Once me and my class went on a field trip to a hippodrome, and I got to go first on the horse! The horse was so beautiful. There was also a little pony that was grey. When we were done with that we went to a big building and watched some people going over jumps on horses. Then we went back to the school.

That's me! I'm having fun.

Winds of change

I was walking to school on a beautiful spring day not long ago, pondering the brand new recycling scheme that a fellow parent at our school was just starting up (coop.ge). Up until now, recycling for the general public has not been available in Georgia (I try to keep things positive on here, but the truth is, waste management is a big problem). I thought it would be great to establish a drop off point at the school as soon as possible, but going through the proper channels was likely to be plagued with delays and concerns.

Then the fresh spring air gifted me with an "aha" moment: Wasn't Earth Day coming up? I could raise awareness; start a whole new unit on cleaning up the earth, like, that day; take the kids out to clean up around the school grounds; and plan a fundraiser to purchase the three bins needed to get started. And that's how it happened.

The 3-day bake sale was so fabulously successful that we made more than enough, so now we can plant a few new trees on the school grounds as well. What a thrill to be a part of a turning point: teaching Earth stewardship and recycling to a largely uninformed audience, presenting the children with a challenge, and implementing a solution. Certainly will stand as one of the highlights of my teaching experience.

Signs of spring

Rainbow

Akhaltsikhe

The city of Akhaltsikhe, literally New Castle, is a pleasant few hours' drive west of Tbilisi. We came to see Rabati Castle, originally built in the 13th century and recently restored beyond it's former glory.

Over the course of several centuries it fell under the influence of many different cultures; today it contains a church, a mosque, a minaret, and a synagogue.

It also contains a temporary stage which happened to be erected during our stay. Naturally we wasted no time. . .

And vigorously explored the high walls, towers, gardens, and other castle delights.

Rabati Castle dominates the Akhaltsikhe cityscape. Georgian officials are hoping it will become a major tourist attraction in Georgia. It's truly a stunning complex.

We stayed in a hotel built within the castle walls--Gino Wellness--which features not only comfortable modern rooms in a traditionally Georgian structure, but also a fabulously relaxing spa.

We travelled with friends and so were able to take turns enjoying the amenities, which include a Roman sauna, a Finnish dry sauna, an herbal sauna, a salt sauna, and a jacuzzi . . . to name just a few.

The kids loved exploring the castle, but gave mixed reviews of the spa's no children under 12 policy.