As a training exercise before the challenges in Caucasus (Svaneti) in a week, I took a 5 hours Sunday walk in Tbilisi and surroundings. First the “usual” walk to the city centre. From the bath house region I walked through the old Jewish/Azeri part of the town to the new unfinished Transfiguration Church to be greeted by one of the best vies in the city. From the church I went up the mountain ridge bordering the Botanical Gardens through thinly planted pine forest with occasionally startling views. From the mountain ridge I found a nice path down to the botanical gardens. The botanical gardens was a very good experience with lush forest and nicely maintained.
The only person I meet from, the time I left the Transfiguration Church until I approached the entrance to the Botanical Gardens was an employee of the Botanical Gardens. Strange to be so alone and at the same time so close to the city.
