Georgia

Georgia may share it's name with the state to my north, but it isn't called Georgia by Georgians. It's called Sakartvelo, and it lies at the intersection of Europe and Asa within the tallest mountain range in Europe (no, not the Alps), the Caucasus. The Caucasus Mountains mark the boarder between Georgia and Russia. It's a mountain range full of hair pin turns, hidden village, and in Greek mythology, were one of the pillars holding up the world. 

(See that paragraph up there, that's all I got done all of yesterday. It was a rough day.) 

Georgia has a rich but difficult history. It's a small country that happens to be located where a lot of the big powers converge. It has been invaded by all corners, and has paid the price through being a war-torn country. 

So, our landmark is pretty fitting for this country. Joseph Stalin was Georgian, though it wasn't Georgia at the time- it's only been a country since 1991. (It was however founded in 1008). He was born in Gori, in Central Georgia, and eventually, as we know, became the leader of the Soviet Union. 

The Stalin Museum and Home is located in Gori, and despite its closure in 1989, it is back open and welcoming visitors. It's a pretty popular tourist destination, according to Trip Advisor. The museum has three sections: a house, a museum, and a railway-- all located in the town's central square. It was dedicated to Stalin in 1957, and among the older population in Georgia, Stalin remains a popular figure. 

It's a devout country, where people still make the sign of the cross when they pass a church (and there are plenty of them in Georgia). Eighty-three percent of the population is Orthodox Christian. The country name 'Georgia' is even after their patron saint, St. George. The most famous landmark in the capital city of Tibilisi is a 115 foot-tall gold statue of Saint George slaying a dragon in the historic old town. Those red crosses on the national flag? That's Saint George's red cross, featured on a white background. 

But for every old church, and even with the celebrated 'old town' of Tbilisi, Georgia can be remarkably modern. Futuristic architecture can be found amid the lofty churches. The parliament building in shaped like a 328 foot marble. 

The people of Georgia are known to be hospitable, warm-hearted and welcoming. Their food and wine is said to have been 'blessed by God', the capital city is accessible and lively with a nightlife to write home about. 

All of this is set against the backdrop of  deep forests, mysterious caves, stunning countrysides and the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, brimming with wolves, bears, and hyenas. 

The word Caucasian originates from these mountains. 'Caucasian' means 'Europeans with white skin', and the mountains separate the Caucasians of Europe and the residents of Asia. So, there's a fun little Jeopardy like fact for you. 

The boys made their Georgia postcards, and they all wrote 'Georgia' in the Georgian alphabet (they do have three alphabets!) 

Calib's featured the Caucasus, and the cross of Saint George. 

Peyton noted the churches, the parliament building and a prominent statue of Tbilisi, other than Saint George. This one was unveiled in 1958 to commemorate the 1,500 anniversary of Tbilisi. The Georgian woman, known as Kartlis Deda holds a bowl of wine in one hand (for her friends), and a sword in the other (for her enemies). 

Hayden also made Kartlis Deda, and included the caves and mountains. 

For dinner we had Shkmeruli (aka Garlic Braised Georgian Chicken) , Georgia Fried Potatoes (complete with Svanetian Salt which I found on Amazon), and Ispanakhis Pkhali (aka a Georgian spinach dip with walnuts and cilantro). 

We also added in some natural fruit rolls ups. Georgia is really, really good at drying fruit. I want to go there just to try various fruit leathers.  And my gosh, I wouldn't mind trying Churchkhela,  traditional Georgian sweet, a string of walnuts dipped in grape juice thickened with flour and left to dry for several days. 

Then, we had Khachapuri, a Georgian Cheese Bread. This one is kind of a pull apart- dip in the cheese and egg middle-bread, so we served it family style in the middle of the table. 

The whole meal earned five spoons up. 

But, it really was because of one particular item. 

The chicken and the potatoes were good, not big stand outs or anything. I'd eat it again, but it's not all that memorable. The spinach dip was ok, though the boys didn't care for it. 

But the bread, my gosh, it was DELICIOUS. You can't tell how big it is in the picture, but it was huge- and we did eat the whole thing. 

Now, we could have had khinkali, the national dish of dumplings. But, we haven't quite gotten down steaming dumplings like that. 

But, those are usually served at a supra, or a feast with family and friends in which the tamada (head of the table) is responsible for giving speeches, telling stories and jokes, and making sure everyone has a good time. 

Calib informed Asa he, as the head of the table, was supposed to entertain all of us. It didn't work so well, instead we listed to the Georgian 'polyphonic singing' that was recommended from our book. We didn't enjoy that so much either. 

We colored Georgia in a yellow color along the Black Sea, to the south of orangish Russia, and the north of teal Turkey, pink Armenia, and dark blue Azerbaijan. 

That's 177 countries down, only 19 to go! 

Next Up: Morocco