I visited Georgia last summer (2011) and found it a wonderful country to visit. It is a country with a rich history, warm and welcoming people and great wine.

I was able to travel around Tbilisi, visit Gori, and take a trip to the mountains near the Russian border. The pictures are from around Tbilisi and up in the mountains about a 4-5 hour drive from Tbilisi. I visited for research on Georgia since independence and relations with Russia. There are wonderful historical and picturesque places to visit in Georgia.

I was able to get around easily speaking both English and Russian as many young Georgians are learning English and much of the population still speaks or understands Russian and are willing to speak it to an American.

Georgian food is good with lots of fresh veggies in the summer, dried fruit and nuts. No meal, especially when eating with locals is complete without several glasses of wine. Many Georgians grow grapes in their yards and make their own wine they are proud of and share with guests if you are lucky enough to be invited over.

If you make it to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, don't miss his museum. There are guided tours in English I think anyone interested in Russian history would find interesting.