Despite The National Museum of Georgia being an amazing place for every visitor, witnessing that shot wagon in the entrance of the Soviet Occupation hall makes your soul empty... It changes your entire mood and makes you feel as if a huge stone was added to your backpack.
Yes, Georgia was a part of it (unfortunately) and there still are older people in the country who may say that those times were good (even more unfortunately).
Some Georgians can still be proud of their mustached 'compatriot' who led the Empire for about 30 years.
Well, if I was trying to tell the story briefly, I would mention the hundreds of thousands of victims of the regime, the quite a few attempts to vanish the Georgian language, the violent actions against peaceful demonstrations with permanently horrible results for Georgians, creating 3 autonomous republics on the territory of Georgia (2 of which the country still can't control), etc.
If it's still hard to understand what life was during the Soviet times, just have a look at these photos to imagine how Georgians (and not only) with different views were treated.
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I think it is the real fire that gives the wok dishes, especially fried noodles, the kind of flavor that reminds me of Georgian national barbecue, Mtsvadi!
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"Apple of Love" in Tbilisi is a 9-meter-high building comprising 145 sculptures created by the great Georgian artist, Zurab Tsereteli!
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"Alubali" is another hidden cafe in Tbilisi, it is perfect outdoors but it's an indoor place with some of the best Georgian menus around.
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"Sololaki" in Tbilisi is one of its oldest and most cultural parts. Here you'll find magical old houses with beautiful doors & balconies...
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Tbilisi's center has all the nice places but the soviet parts surround it like a fence. To me, this part is the more unique and interesting...
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"Stamba Hotel" in Tbilisi is an old printing house converted into a restaurant, bookstore & hotel! Great cocktails - they even have a ping pong table!
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This mosaic by Zurab Tereteli in Tbilisi was made for the Central bus station in 1973. It's a beautiful modernist Soviet work. Not enough people notice it!
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"Ska Juice Bar" in Tbilisi has any kind of healthy food you want. You sure will be surprised by how such healthy food can taste so good...
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It might not be the most original idea ever, but you know what to expect from a drive-in cinema, but "Cavea Cinemas (Drive-in Lisi) provides that & more!
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If you're like me and prefer active rest over passive, I think you will love the "Pro Climbers" bouldering gym in Tbilisi!
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Tuk Tuk is not just my favorite Thai restaurant in Tbilisi, it's my favorite spot for Asian nourishment - period!
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The ice skating rink in Tbilisi has so many memories for me... It still has my internal sense of freedom!
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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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