Zugdidi 'n the Black Sea

Hitch hiking to Zugdidi was showing to be another long journey but it turned out to be quite pleasent as we got 2 very interesting rides. One was from a Polish man who is working for the European Union to monitor and report about the tension between Georgia and Abkhazia. On the other side, we got a ride from a Captain of the Georgian Army. He had already been in Kosovo, Iraq, South Ossetia war in 2008 where he got badly wounded and is now going to Afghanistan on the 5th of September. To the force to be with you soldiers!

During this journey I got to find out a couple of others quite interesting facts about driving in Georgia. Apparently the only 2 things that the police actually stops you for are: drink and driving and if you don't have the seatbelt on (in fact, this has only been a rule from 2 years ago). Apart from these everything else is pretty much allowed. So it is common to spot crazy drivers speeding and doing all sorts of dangerous manoeuvres. Surprisingly, there aren't many road accidents. Also, it looks as thou insurance is not mandatory too.. Well, it actually makes some sense in a country where there is no MOT and you can find all sorts of animals crossing the road at all time.. From cows to pigs and even buffalos. If you have enough money to buy a very good car you'll probably be ok to pay for the repairs in case of accident. For this and much more I'm seriously thinking about renting a car! (mom, what you have just read was a huge translator error!)

With lots of walking and whatever happens done, Zugdidi was the place to do loads of wine and add another "w" to the list.. Watermelon!! Aren't they tasty here! It's definitely a must do in Georgia but with moderation.. The watermelons of course! :p

Anaklia was the place to go for a swim on the black sea being just over 30km west of Zugdidi and only a couple to Abkhazia (one of the regions which is claiming independency from Georgia). Anaklia is a quite renovated place and still under renovation that is being used by the recent government as a show off with new hotels, a Marina and amusements zone specially because of its proximity to the Abkhazia region.

Enjoy the pics!