Samarkhakhevi

The bus brings us to the next stop: the Sulphur Baths. I was expecting some kind of spa area, but I couldn't be more wrong...
As soon as we get off the bus we find ourselves in a real wonderland: we are surrounded by a lush garden dotted with brick domes, while in the background we can spot an impressive oriental-looking building covered in blue tiles. The whole picture reminds me of some weird planet from a Star Wars movie... a sort of mix between Naboo and Tatooine.
Leaving aside my cultural references, this area could easily be the set of a tale from "A thousand and one night". Our tor guide Vato explains us that the domes are nothing else than circular saunas and steam baths and the blue-tile building is the bathhouse.

After walking though the garden we realise that the bathhouse is built alongside a creek that has carved its way through the mountain forming a gorge. We follow the water stream - crossed by a bridge covered with golden locks - until we reach an impressive waterfall: Legvtakhevi.

After taking a couple of quick pictures, Jitka and I run back towards the bathhouse, where we had previously spotted a stand making fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice. It costs us 10 lari each (around 3 euros) but it's definitely worth it! 😋
When the rest of the group joins us, it's too late for them to get some juice as well, as we the bus driver is already waiting for. I have the feeling my popularity in the group has just suffered a serious blow... 😕😕😕Read more