From Armenia to Georgia.

Hello from Tblisi lads! We left Armenia a couple of days ago, and made it to the capital of Georgia, right in the middle of the Caucasus.
Armenia's natural beauty left us speechless and astonished. All started very well with the car we rented when it broke down after 30Km. We were driving an old Russian lada, the cheapest option, but as soon as we started the engine, we realised the trip would be a nightmare, but luckily, the engine died just on the outskirts of Yerevan, and the company had to replace it. The only car they had left was a new Toyota Prado, a 4 wheel beast which we got for the lada's price!!! Unbeatable business skills...
With the jeep we were able to negotiate much better and smoother the bumpy Armenian roads, and got a change to go off-road and visit some isolated villages. The landscape was impressive, totally unspoiled and pure. From bare rocky highlands, to lush green valleys, dense forests and imposing peaks and mountain ranges, all untouched. An authentic gift for any visitor. Here and there we found churches, some of them real masterpieces and with dramatic settings like perched on top of canyons or hidden away from civilisation.
It was great to discover all these on our own, with total freedom and stopping everywhere we felt like.
By escaping the pretentious Yerevan, we faced the real Armenia and its countryside poverty as well. Most of the villages are devastated, jobless, ageing and losing population. Everywhere you come across with defunct factories, crumbling houses or abandoned buildings. Armenia is a country of contrasts, but overall, its beauty and authenticity can captivate anyone.
We were surprised with Tbilisi. We did not expect much, and thought would be a second Yerevan, but guys, it is a very charming city, full of character and fine architecture. Its setting is great, divided by the Mtkvari river and hemmed on both sides by green hills. It has an old town packed with decaying houses, with charming wooden balconies and cracks everywhere. With little squares and hidden spots these enchanting run down atmosphere, it is a delightful place to get lost. Then you have nice avenues and churches, and a fortress on top of one hill watching permanently over the city and its people.
People seems much friendlier and warm than in Armenia, and curious as well. We are staying with a family, in their house, and liking it everyday more. At the beginning we were kind of reluctant, as you enter in their intimacy and sleep in their rooms, but they are really welcoming and hospitable. Last night we shared some Georgian wine and vodka and tonight they are preparing a fish dinner and will be time to try the Georgian beer to complete the tour...
Tomorrow we will leave Tbilisi and head off South, to the Black Sea coast and the beach town of Batumi. It is a pity that we are leaving the North of Georgia behind, as its mountains and isolated villages look amazing, but we have to start making our way back to Istambul. Although we do not have a return ticket yet, the closer to Catalunya the cheaper will be...So far, it seems that Athens is one pole position, but have not booked as of yet...
All the best! Kisses and hugs from the beautiful Tbilisi!