The beautiful Iveria Hotel circa 1971   The Iveria refugee housing circa 2003

"I have never had a tomato anywhere in the world as good as Georgia's, and their lavash and pastries were good enough to make both the Persians and Parisians equally jealous."

Georgia used to be the richest of all the republics; industries flourished tourism was booming, and money flowed easily into everyone's pockets. However, since the revolution, the factories have been disassembled and people have no incentive to get a new job, for the government may decide to withhold the first week's, month's, or even year's salary until further notice. Families who once thought nothing of flying to Moscow for the weekend now can't even afford a vacation on the black sea coast, a mere 200km away.

But Georgia wasn't the top tourist destination within the USSR for nothing. Although some areas near the Russian border and unstable (perpetuating the dangerous reputation) and the Soviet-built hotels of the 70's are now either closed or filled with border refugees, this beautiful country has much to offer.

The famous spa town of Borjomi

Interested in history and architecture? This country has produced buildings and churches that take my breath away. Enjoy food? Who doesn't? I think that that is almost reason enough to go to another country, and Georgia was no disappointment in the culinary department. I have never had a tomato anywhere in the world as good as Georgia's, and their lavash and pastries were good enough to make both the Persians and Parisians equally jealous. I see a place where tourists can ride horses to the more remote mountain villages, bike along tree-lined streets, visiting churches and wineries along the way, and bathe in the hot springs that so many northern soviets sought for so long.