GOROME, TURKEY TO GEORGIA

Goreme, Turkey to Batumi and Gori, Georgia

Hi welcome to Goreme, Butami and Gori. This journey marks the journey from Turkey to Georgia, from an emerging western capitalist economy, to Georgia, a country emerging from the Soviet period. Intermixed with this, is the intrigue of underground cities in both Turkey and Georgia where past inhabitants have escaped from the marauding hordes coming from the east. Hot Air balloons over some of the most ancient cities with their exotic spice markets, 

a stay in Batumi, a major destination for the Soviet elite to relax by the Black Sea. Finally a visit to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin - with all the controversy that surrounds the period he was in power in the Soviet Union. 

The most interesting part of this journey has been observing the contrast in cultures, as exsoviet countries seek to transition to a capitalist approach. This interspersed with some magnificent underground caves, and wonderful monasteries. 

Fascinating are the number of Soviet factories and facilities in Georgia that now are crumbling with disuse, and the economic growth in Turkey, as both it and `Georgia become major commercial centers for the ‘Stans’, and the development of trade and industry in these regions. The Silk Road trade route is alive and well! Travel is combination of small family hotels and camping. Below is our first ‘Bush Camp!. Dont be fooled by the weather. A storm came straight up the velly that night, snd there were a few soggy campers!