My Unforgettable Memories in Georgia Trip in 2022

I always wanted to travel ever since I was a kid. I remember looking up on the sky wondering what it feels like to be up there on a plane and visiting different countries you want to visit. Unfortunately, it didn't happen until I reached my adulthood. Like others who are not financially-stable, traveling that time was limited only for those who has extra-budget left on their bank accounts to spend.

It was only when I started working abroad, I was able to save money and has a means to travel (internationally) on a leisure trip.

In 2022, post-pandemic, the  travel tourism then starting to pick-up from the devastation caused by Covid virus. It was holiday then, where all Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). Without hesitation, I immediately grabbed my lugagge and fly to Georgia.  It is a transcontinental country located between the continents of  Asia and Europe (Caucasus region). Fortunately for us who has a GCC residency, visa is not a requirement to enter Georgia. This is the first country I visited as a tourist, not as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). Hence, Georgia is memorable to me and has a special place in my heart. 

My experience in Georgia was simply amazing! The beauty and charm of this Eurasian country still continue to haunt me in a positive way.

The food, the wine and most importantly the hospitality of the local people are all seems to resonate the true spirit of Georgian culture. I remember vividly, everytime I enter inside the local restaurant, I always order the Georgian pork barbecue. I enjoy its juicy meat inside my mouth, its tenderness, the way its grilled and its smell, all are something you would really crave for. The kachapuri which became my regular buddy, as wherever I go, I make sure I have it inside my backpack, just in case my hunger strikes! The wine taste just fine, and it helps my digestive system, after a sumptous and a heavy meal. The restaurant staff were all accomodating and  friendly, they will greet you with a smile. And if I may add, one of my tour guides, even gave me a bottle of wine after our tour ended. I knocked it off before bedtime, and it taste so good and felt relaxed after a long day of walking, besides it helped me to fall and sleep longer too.

      

My tour guide named Victoria, who needless to say drives so fast took me to some famous landmarks or tourist spots in Georgia. She took me to this place called Mtskheta. It is one of the oldest cities in Georgia which is continuously inhabited. I feel that moment I was traveling back to the old times. The old city boasts its historical monuments and churches. To suffice to say, Mtskehta is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the historical signicance of these buildings to the city. We climbed up to the higher ground where the church was built. The view on top is simply breathtaking. The vast ocean of green mountains disected by the rivers right in front of my naked-eyes is a treasure and a sight to behold. It seems like,  the church on top of the mountains served as a guard and a guide to the people and nature of Mtsketha. 

One of the memorable things that I experienced and will never forget in Georgia was when I tried paragliding. I never in my life done it before, let alone try it in a foreign land. But the moment I saw the paragliders with a tourist up in the air, I felt like I must try and conquer my lingering fear. But then, the excitement ruled over me and all the "what ifs" wringling in my head starts to disappear. At the scene, I saw the expert paraglider covered with harness and fully-strapped giving brief lecture to the would-be customers (tourists) what exactly need to do. On that moment, I felt relief and composed, decided to do it and prayed that everything will go smoothly. By the way, I had to pay a hundred US dollars to experience that breathtaking moment of my life. Yes, ironically, I have to pay for something only God knows what might happen to me. So the adventure begins! I had to jump off the high cliff, in order for our parachute to get some air and eventually to open up. We made it! The first few minutes up there,  I was a bit terrified, the "what ifs" started to knock on my head. But thanks to my paraglider, who did everything he could to make sure I am enjoying and savoring every moment of that thrilling activity, which I find it exciting eventually. The feeling that you are flying up in the air overlooking the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains is awesome and breathtaking. I felt like I overcome something and a one step closer in getting rids of all my fears in life. Mission accomplished so to speak! All it takes is to challenge yourself, go out and about and conquer your fears. So dramatic huh! 

My travel experience to Georgia is unforgetable. It may not be for others, but for someone like me who does not have the luxury in life, it is a treasure. It opens up many possibilities that I onced doubt in my life, for one thing is to travel and see the beauty of the world while at the same time discovering the potential of my inner self.  My trip to Georgia has  became an eye-opener at least to me,  that you do not have to be rich to enjoy life, you just have to have courage to overcome your fear, and once you made it, trust me it feels satisfying.