Back to the Balconies: My Return to Tbilisi, Georgia

#mytraveldiary

There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that visit you—in your dreams, your cravings, your quiet moments. Tbilisi called me back, and this time, I didn’t just see it; I felt it. The same cobblestone streets, the same sulfur-scented air, but a deeper, slower, more soulful connection.

My Solo Itinerary (Encore Edition):

· Morning – Sulfur Baths & Secret Cafés: I returned to Abanotubani—the iconic bath district—but this time, I booked a private suite at Chreli Abano and soaked for hours in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Afterward, I wandered the winding lanes of the Sololaki district, discovering tucked-away cafés where old men played backgammon and vinyl spun on record players.
· Afternoon – Vintage Markets & Wine Bars: I explored the Dry Bridge Market with a sharper eye, hunting for Soviet-era prints and antique khanjali daggers. Later, I revisited my favorite wine bar in a hidden courtyard for a supra (feast) with new friends—toasting with amber wine and sharing stories until the sun dipped behind the hills.
· Evening – Fabrika & Folk Music: I returned to Fabrika—the Soviet sewing factory turned hipster hub—for a craft cocktail and live jazz. But this time, I also sought out an intimate aziani (wine cellar) in Vera for traditional polyphonic singing, feeling the ancient harmonies vibrate in my bones.

Why Tbilisi is Even Better the Second Time:

· You Know the Rhythm: You skip the tourist traps and find the real spots—the family-run ashkhanas (eateries) in Marjanishvili, the hidden art galleries in Betlemi Street.
· Deeper Connections: The barista remembers your name. The winemaker offers you his private reserve. You’re not a visitor anymore; you’re a regular.
· Seasonal Magic: I returned in autumn—the city was draped in gold, the air was crisp, and the churchkhela (candle-shaped candy) vendors lined the streets.

Tbilisi doesn’t just welcome you back—it embraces you like a long-lost friend.

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