Travel and life as we know it has come to a halt, with borders and businesses shut in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. Instead of looking down though, we’re looking forward to seeing more of the world after this has run its course.
The remarkable cave city of Vardzia is both a cultural symbol and a spectacular natural phenomenon with a special place in Georgian hearts. King Giorgi III built a fortification here in the 12th century, and his daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city housing perhaps 2000 monks, renowned as a spiritual bastion of Christendom’s eastern frontier.
Given its proximity to Russia, it might be tempting to dismiss Georgian food as heavy, stodgy and bland. But nothing could be further from the truth. As any traveller to Georgia will tell you, the country’s unique cuisine, wine culture and the ritual of the supra (Georgian feast) are all highlights.