- ODO 6018km
- Location Sakdrioni, Georgia
- Weather 8-22 Strong side becoming head wind
I like Georgia already. On my climb up to the border I though over all of the experiences I’d had on Turkey. From being offered food and pastries at the top of a big climb to innumerable chai stops with workman and families alike. More recently the stone throwing and cap gun shooting teens. The eagles souring above the breathtaking mountains. My new found strength passing 2000m passes one after another.
The border crossing went smoothly despite some communication trouble on the Georgian side. Rolling onto the same lakeside, now in an new country, shows how little difference there is between countries if you look below your feet. I did notice a new abundance of trees where Turkey had been very barren. I rode late into the day to find a cash machine and get supplies. No supermarket chains here. The counters in the small markets displayed many types of sausage but a frustrating lack of cheese and beans – my staple for recent weeks. I bought some smelly hard cheese with the appearance of a sponge and some biscuits.
After eating I continued to roll through the town on my doomed attempt to find a phone shop to buy a SIM card for my phone. About the time the schools were letting out. As I rolled through village after village the older kids reached out their hands – not another stoning I thought – no they wanted high fives. I can live with this.