Getting to Tblisi, Georgia - Part 3

Flustered, and apparently knowing he really had no choice, our driver disgustedly returned to the taxi. Whether it's a cultural thing, laziness, or part of his ploy the driver had left the car radio on the whole time we had been sitting there. So when he jumped back into the car, turned the engine over, the car refused to start. At that point, we had no choice as to go with the other taxi driver to get to our hotel. We got out with our backpacks, climbed into the new taxi, and the whole 15 minute ride to the Old Tblisi hotel the two taxi drivers continued their what seemed like elevated conversation. I have to think they were talking either about these stubborn passengers, or how the new taxi driver would get paid.

When we arrived at the hotel, Margaret and I popped out, I put the 25,000 drams (~$60) into his hand and told him we'd make other arrangements for our return trip to the border tomorrow evening. Though I'm sure he didn't understand every word, he got the gist of it--and as Margaret and I walked into the hotel, my only pleasure was the look on this face as we left!

Settling in, we now turned our attention to our hunger and desire to put the whole taxi debacle behind us. We did ask the hotel to arrange for a return taxi to the border scheduled for 30 minutes prior to when we were to have met the Armenian driver!

The hotel suggested a great dinner spot (I'll figure out the name later--didn't get a card) within walking distance that served traditional Georgian food, so we headed there, got our seats on the back balcony overlooking the Mtkavari River (also referred to as the Kura River) and the lit up Narikala Fortress. It was the unexpected surprise of the evening after all we went through to be finally enjoying the culture and gorgeous views of Tblisi! The food was all traditionally Georgian, and the friendly Russian girl sitting near us with her family helped us order, took our picture and helped us relax. The food was awesome. We started with the "pastry" that was on the menu, which is casually called Georgian cheese Pizza, but with a strong flavor, then had the "kachpuri", which is a type of Georgian spice (lots of tarragon) they put in many things. We had it with mushrooms and veal and it was served in earthen bowls, which is very much Georgian. It was so good, the taste stayed with me through the next day! The Georgian beer was perfect as we close down the restaurant at around midnight ready to get up and see Tblisi the next morning!