Thursday, 2 July, 2015

After an unexceptional breakfast in the Hotel, we set off for another Monastery some distance away.

The Monastery from Across the Road
The Monastery from Across the Road

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It is also a winery having made wines since the 10th century or earlier
It is also a winery having made wines since the 10th century or earlier

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Note the walled environment
Note the walled environment
Grapes! Note the dress requirements for ladies
Grapes! Note the dress requirements for ladies
New Kvevris. We were told that the Soviets tried to destroy everything to do with religion including using the Kvevris to store gasoline
New Kvevris. We were told that the Soviets tried to destroy everything to do with religion including using the Kvevris to store gasoline
Photos of the old Kvevris
Photos of the old Kvevris

We went into the grand old cathedral but were not allowed to take any photos in there. Andrew could not go in because he was wearing shorts. The girls “frocked up” so they could go in. After that visit, we are treated to a wine tasting.

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Mushrooms, naturally
Mushrooms, naturally

It was a quite nice tasting and the wines were good. BTW: by now I had identified a Georgian wine style that I quite liked – Saperavi. John claimed that it was an early predecessor to Syrah/Shiraz. Any way we drive to our next stop which is lunch.

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The usual "tiny" spread up in the back of the complex
The usual “tiny” spread up in the back of the complex
Fish with Roe
Fish with Roe

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On the plate. I early learned not to take too much as there would be more food following and then another big meal later in the day
On the plate. I early learned not to take too much as there would be more food following and then another big meal later in the day
Note the jug of house made wine in the back of the table
Note the jug of house made wine in the back of the table

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Fruit
Fruit
and more Fruit
and more Fruit
The full premises. We were on the balcony in the top of the picture
The full premises. We were on the balcony in the top of the picture

We depart back to our village and the Hotel. In my case, I had a nap. What do we have to do next? That’s right another dinner. It is in a restaurant across the street from our Hotel, next to John’s house.

Bryn at a ready. Note he is already holding a Chacha glass
Bryn at a ready. Note he is already holding a Chacha glass
Kebabs
Kebabs
Can't avoid dumplings
Can’t avoid dumplings

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John and his three visitors depart early as one them leaves tomorrow morning so they need to go out and party more. We oldies stay behind for a while.

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It was a long walk back to the Hotel, well there were steps to walk up and time to retire for the night.

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