Some views of Svaneti

River on the road to Mestia

Mestia, Lagami, view from Margiani tower.

Another view from Margiani tower.

Mestia, Lanchvali

Ambrolauri

Ambrolauri is tiny provincial town in north-west Georgia. In case it is capital of region Racha - Lechkhumi - Kvemo svaneti. Ambrolauri is like most west Georgian provincial towns, in town itself is nothing special to see, it has only necessary administrative buildings, hospital, police and wine factory and two secondary schools. But nearby on south is water reserve Shaori, where is possible fishing from September till April. Cathedral Nikortsminda and Barakoni are also near town. River Rioni crosses town, and it is surrounded by mountains and forests.
Ambrolauri district is also land of wine Khvanchkara, Tsulkidzis tetra, Tsitska and Usakhelauri. Wine gethering here starts from October. Except wines region Racha exports nuts and honey.
Racha isn't such popular touristic destination like Svaneti.
Upper Racha has resorts Utsera and Shovi, known for it's clean air, Coniferous forests and mineral waters. In town Oni is also one of oldest synagogue in Georgia. 
In mountains, upper village Glola, on elevation up to 3000 meters is bottomless lake Udziro. Hiking there is possible in August.
In Summer it is possible to make hiking and horse riding tours in Racha mountains. In autumn fishing and wine tour can be combined with hiking.
Climate there isn't humid like in west Georgian low lands, and not as strict like Svaneti. In Autumn wine tours can be combined with fishing, hiking and horse back riding. 
Rachian's traditional dishes are: Lobiani - kind of Khachapuri with beans instead of cheese, beckon, chicken in garlic sauce. There are also other dishes known in west Georgia. People in Racha are very hospital and any guest can enjoy not only beautiful nature of Racha, but great hospitality of local people and good food and wine.

River Rioni.

Road directions sign.

Town center

Senaki, April 2009

Senaki is little town in west Georgia, region Samegrelo. It is typical megrelian town, tiny, nice clean center with nice buildings, and many megrelian houses, with beautifully decorated gardens.
Senaki is special, warm town, with very warm and friendly people.

Old style traditional Megrelian house - oda

cinema

Modern Megrelian houses.

Town centre was bombed by russians during russia - Georgia war in August 2008. Theater and other buildings were damaged and mostly reconstructed after war. Several civilians where killed.

Abastumani easter 2009 (2)

More photos:

Abastumani, easter 2009

Photos made in april 2009.
Resort Abastumani, where is very best air, forests, historical monuments, hot sulfite waters, natural spa...
but no money, no care....
 Abastumani in Wikipedia

To be continued...

Martvili

Martvili is small town in west Georgia, Samegrelo region, center of Martvili district.
In middle ages this town was clerical center of Samegrelo. From those times here is monastery. Except  Martvili monastery place of interest is village Salkhino near Martvili, with palace of duke Dadiani, and monastery of Tsachkhura. Near monastery are very beautiful waterfalls.

Links about Martvili:
Martvili on Wikipedia
Monastery of Martvili

Photos made in April 2009