... Wine (and possibly even his invention), polyphonic choirs, mountains, mythical golden fleece

Although the area of Georgia is not one of the largest climatic variations between different parts of the country is enormous. In the west of the country has a tropical maritime climate which is characterized by extremely rzęsistymi rainfall (2500 mm per year), summer heat, dusznymi winters and warm years. In these regions, several species of palm trees grow. The farther east the more continental climate with greater temperature variation, and less frequent rainfall. Near the border with Azerbaijan rainfall does not reach even 400 mm. In summer you can find respite in the mountains, where even summer nights can go out cold. Some regions of Georgia have their own microclimate, so before you go to find information on the best weather conditions for a specific place.

The best time is definitely spring - hot weather are not as intolerable, and all nature comes to life. Summer temperatures in the capital may not exceed 40 ° C, but even these temperatures are to survive. The best "slow speed", explore, without haste, and remember the headgear. Sightseeing is best to plan for the autumn. An additional advantage is the autumn harvest fruits (tangerines, pomegranates, figs, grapes). In Kakheti in October is always, therefore, a great wine festival

Georgians are extremely proud of their culture and treat it as a key component of their national identity. The oldest monuments of literature written in a unique Georgian alphabet derived from V. BC. Every Georgian knows the ins and outs from the XII. Fri national epic. "Witeź in the Panther's Skin" (Wepchistkaosani). Unique in the world are Georgian polyphonic choirs (the most famous of them are Rustavi Ensemble). Due to the hilly terrain, every region of Georgia has a distinct traditions, costumes, dances and songs. As for contemporary culture, the most famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani is likely, the representative of primitive. The most prominent is directed by Tengiz Abuladze (Golden Palm at Cannes in 1987 for Monanieba). Georgia also has a surprisingly lot to offer in terms of popular music; tbiliska music scene is vibrant, contemporary culture. Interesting are the young bands dżez-prognosis drawing on musical traditions of Georgia, for example,. 33a.

Georgia adopted Christianity in the IV. as the second country in the world (after Armenia). Most ethnic Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church, which is an extremely important element of their national identity. The Church as a role model and has a very large impact on the life of the country. Georgian Orthodox Church to be 83.8% of Georgia residents, 9.9% are Muslims (mainly Azeris and Georgians living in Ajaria), 3.9% belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church (mainly Ormanie). There are also minorities, Catholics, Orthodox Jews and others.

Georgians are usually arrogant and full of life. They value individuality, like to walk their own paths, but I also like to laugh and eat well. The most important virtue for every Georgian hospitality is, therefore, the norm is to take each guy (especially from abroad) after a royal straight. Georgians can easily establish contact, quickly transferred to the "you", love to talk and impress a lot of eloquence, especially during long toasts. Men usually greet each giving their hands or kissing on the cheek. During the feasts, women are treated partly exempted and are not required to saw the wine side by side with men, and the important toasts (eg. for the fallen in war), women should sit, while men drink standing up.

In the south of the country they live Azeri and Armenian minorities, which is often difficult to communicate in Georgian - best to try to Russian, which remains the most common foreign language throughout Georgia. In the middle of the country can often hear the Ossetian and the border with Chechnya - Chechen dialect. Georgian language is very diverse dialektalnie, the most distinguished two dialects (actually languages) - Mingrelian in the west country and in the hilly Swanetii Svan.

In English you can try to communicate with young people, who learned that language instead of Russian in schools. Is by far the most useful knowledge of Russian language

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Georgian alphabet may appear at first glance daunting, but it is really worth it to learn (and is not so difficult). Each letter is exactly one sound, there is no distinction between capital and lowercase letters, the letters are not connected, and write from left to right. Tbilisi metro stations are often described in English, but buses and vans are described only in Georgian. Knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet is not likely to be helpful, English supplanted almost entirely on Russian signboards and posters

Polish citizens traveling to the Georgia does not need a visa for up to 90 days. It is only a passport, whose validity is at least six months longer than the declared length of stay.

Embassy of Georgia

st. Wąchock 1 S, 03-934 Warsaw

tel. 022-353-16-50

fax: 022-499-77 - 52

E-mail: geoemb@mfa.gov.ge

Embassy Consular Department

tel / fax: 022-617-41-87

Polish Embassy in Tbilisi

st. Zubalaszwili 19, 0108 Tbilisi

tel. (0-099532) 92-03-98

Fax:. (0-099532) 92-03-97

E-mail: ambpolgruzja@access.sanet.ge

www.tbilisi.polemb.net

Consular Section

st. Zubalaszwili 19, 0108 Tbilisi

tel. (0-099532) 93-62-36

Fax:. (0-099532) 93-62-31

E-mail: konspolgruzja@internet.ge

there is no obligation meldunkowego

Public health care in Georgia is not the most developed. The best option is private clinics, where you have to pay for the visit from a dozen to a hundred lari. In a lot of working capital całodobowych, well-equipped pharmacy.

It is strongly recommended to buy insurance that will cover the accident costs of treatment at best in the whole Georgia, a U.S. military hospital

In some cities the water is chlorinated and unfit for drinking without boiling, but most are pulled from the mountain, which is fresh and tasty (another issue is the condition of pipes). A typical reaction to a collision with an exotic cuisine are stomach discomfort, which often pass themselves after a few days, but preferably take with antibiotic. It should be very careful on food purchased in the bazaars, especially for meat, which is often sold under the open sky on czterdziestostopniowym sun.

Georgia is generally a safe country; petty crime, which was the scourge of the capital, ended with the team reaching Mikheil Saakashvili to power, because now even after Tbilisi night walks are fairly safe. After all, Georgia is quite a poor country, if we apply the basic principles of safety, that is not going to parade ostentatiously expensive jewelery and electronics, nothing should happen to us. Gaza remains Svaneti venture, over which state services to poor control, the threats include attacks of robbery and kidnapping. Keep a minimum distance of kilometers from the border with Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan, as Russian settlers claiming the right to shoot anyone who comes near to less than 500 m. We strongly discourage the expedition to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia., While the former is a much safer (north fond of Abkhazia, Russian tourists). Poland does not recognize the independence of these regions and, if problems can not count on consular assistance. In addition, throughout Georgia should be aware of the various natural hazards, like wild animals, avalanches, etc.

Georgia has a problem with the two regions in the north, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Have been recognized by Russia as independent states in 2008, after the August Russian-Georgian War. Strongly advised not to tour in these regions. Those who nevertheless want to go there, they should apply for a visa at the sides of the so-called. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. There were reports that Russian customs officers only let people from the Russian CIS. If we are able to enter the Russian side, you must reckon with the fact that the impossible has become our entry into the Georgia (Georgia because it considers these two regions as part of its territory and entering the Russian side, we enter the territory of Georgia illegally). Therefore, if at all, it is recommended to enter the Georgian side. Possible threats to kidnap, the exchange of fire, mines and crime.

It should also be aware of the generally very unstable political situation in Georgia (low support for President and the leadership team combined with the endless protests by the opposition), as well as military and bombing attack on the Russian side in 2008, which raises many question marks in the the possible future developments in the region

Border crossings and connections with Russia by the Russian side from time to time be suspended and then resumed again, so always good to check the travel option. Currently, the border crossing is open in the city Stepancminda (Kazbegi) on the border with North Ossetia, but Russian settlers only let citizens CIS. Smoothly functioning border crossing with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

For best viewing plane fly to Georgia, Georgia boasts a large, modern international airport (code: TBS). Tbilisi years m.in. AirBaltic (Riga), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Czech Airlines (from Prague), Euroline (m.in. from Vilna and Odessa), Georgian Airways (m.in. Amsterdam, Athens, Kharkov, Kiev, Minsk, Paris and Vienna), Lufthansa (Munich), Sky Georgia (m.in. from Istanbul and Kiev), Turkish Airlines (in Istanbul) and Ukraine International Airlines (from Kiev).

A second international airport is located in Batumi (code: BUS). For years m.in Batumi. Armavia (from Yerevan), Euroline (from Kharkov, Kiev, Odessa, Sochi and Tbilisi, Georgia) Georgian Airways (from Donetsk, Kiev, Mikołajowa, Tbilisi), Georgia Sky (with Kiev and Tbilisi) and Turkish Airlines (in Istanbul)

To Georgia can not be reached by train from Russia or from Turkey! The only rail service runs through Abkhazia. There is much talk of a possible train service in Turkey, but for now the future

From Istanbul you can get direct bus to Tbilisi - the cost is about $ 60, travel time: 48 hours

By car it is only possible on the south side, from the Russian side is the only option Sochi-Poti ferry. From Istanbul to the border of the Turkish-Georgian highway stretches along the coastline of the Black Sea

With Russia's Sochi you can get the ferry to Poti and Batumi, which is apparently the only option for crossing the Russian-Georgian border (or Russian-Azerbaijani) and non-citizens of the Community of Independent States

Georgian Airlines and Sky Georgia support flights on the route Tbilisi-Batumi

Georgian rail travel opportunities are limited. There are connections to m.in. Zugdidi, Poti, Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, Rustavi, and on to Armenia (Vanadzor) and Azerbaijan (Ağstafa). Prestigious European standard for connecting high-speed line is a Tbilisi-Batumi

Buses and vans (minibuses) make it possible to reach almost every corner of Georgia. The network of buses and minibuses also charge every major city. Unfortunately, most have no chance to obtain information about timetables on the internet or even at stops and stations, so it is best to consult the language on the spot

Is required for an international driving license and liability insurance. The speed limit is 60 km / h outside towns and 90 km / h on rural roads. The city is not required to wear a seat belt (the Georgians love to mock the foreign nationals who, despite everything they fastening). Most roads are in terrible condition, in the province there may be problems with the supply of gasoline (built-up areas does a lot of stations). Be very careful about driving Georgian daring drivers, who often gives the impression of lacking any of the rules of the road, as well as the pedestrians who pass through herds of illicit street locations. Historically, the problem was extortion of bribes by drogówkę, but it mostly ended after the team came to power, Mikheil Saakashvili.

Tbilisi has an excellent network of subway, where you can quickly get from one end of a distant city to the other. Tbilisi Metro was second only to the Moscow metro in the Soviet Union and today is kept in excellent condition (in the Soviet underground was a "temple of the working-class people"). The cost of one journey is 0.40 GEL

To some inaccessible places it is best to get helicopter. This is often the only option, especially in winter, when some regions are cut off from the world

In every city you can find internet café, in Tbilisi, they are on every corner. Cost approx. GEL 3 per hour

Georgian mail is expensive and often unreliable. In Tbilisi there is only one main post office. Important advise shipments sent via international courier

Bus stops are often unmarked, so it's best passers-by find out where the buses stop. Buses stop at literally all over the place, to catch a bus, should be widely outstretched hand waving. To get off the bus, you must yell "gaaczeret". Pay (preferably calculated amount) when alighting

Lari, GEL

In Tbilisi, at every step there are ATMs, which are spending their money in dollars or lari. In many places (eg. in restaurants), you can pay by credit card. Outside the capital is best to rely on cash

bread szoti ": 0.60 GEL

Mineral water 1,5 l: 1,50 GEL

apples 1 kg: 0.4 GEL

Georgian cheese 1 kg: 6 GEL

beer (both in store and in the bar): 1.5 GEL

dinner: 6 GEL

Food safest way to buy online Populi (პოპული) - this is also the only network where you can get imported Western products. Most Georgians can not afford to shop in Populi, which is why they go to small shops and bazaars of district, which also can be an interesting experience (especially the largest open-air market in Tbilisi, near the railway station - Wagzali).

- Horns to drink wine, "Kant" (ყანწი)

- Black wine of Kakheti

- Any of the traditional headgear

- Panduri (ფანდური) - Georgian traditional instrument

- CD with recordings of the choir Ensemble Rustavi

- A traditional dagger, dagger (ხანჯალი)

Georgian currency can not be mentioned outside of Georgia. But at every step there is a counter where you can at a fair price to change dollars, euros and rubles time

In Tbilisi there are several expensive hotel of the highest standard, m.in. Sheraton and Hilton. Will soon be opened at the Radisson Hotel Iveria former

Across Georgia is very difficult for a decent hostel. In Tbilisi, some of their works, of which it is recommendable hostel Green Street Stairs Cinamdzgwiriszwili 53. Rooms with two beds from $ 20

In Georgia, there are no special restrictions with regard to breaking down the tents, but is always the safest place to look for kepingowego (which is very little). A good solution is often a tent near or even in someone else's property, of course, a prior request for permission

A good solution is to look for private accommodation, room rates range from 15 GEL, by about 25 GEL in Tbilisi, after 50 GEL in the tourist resorts in peak season

room in private quarters in the little-known village in low season: 15 GEL

room in private quarters in Tbilisi: 25 GEL

room in high season in Swanetii: 40-60 GEL

Single room at the Sheraton Hotel from 400 GEL

The kitchen is one of the biggest attractions of Georgia. With the diversity climate in Georgia, the different types of mature fruits and vegetables, manufactures various types of cheese and wine. Many dishes are based on meat (especially mutton) or fish, but no vegetarian will certainly not be disappointed

* Georgian cheese - the most famous of these is sulguni (სულგუნი)

* Khachapuri (ხაჭაპური) - a snack that can be bought at every corner in every configuration. It is a salty cheese cake in versions imeruli (იმერული) resembles a pizza, and the version aczaruli (აჭარული) - a boat floating in the middle of the egg

* Saciwi (საცივი) - cold chicken in spicy peanut sauce

* Khinkali (ხინკალი) - kind of pie stuffed with meat, which it is handed. First you need a pie nadgryźć to drink from the center of aromatic broth. There are also versions with cheese and mushrooms instead of meat

* Mcwadi (მწვადი) - skewers sprinkled with spices

* Tkemali (ტყემალი) - spicy sauce with cherry plum (ałyczy), jokingly called the Georgian ketchup

* Necessarily wine, you can try different kinds, the most famous is a variant strain of saperawi (საფერავი)

* Very interesting is the flavor of tarragon lemonade called from the name taste just Tarchuna (ტარხუნა)

In Tbilisi there is no shortage of good restaurants and the food is not expensive. In smaller cities can be a problem finding places that serve something more sophisticated than khinkali. Local flavor are the following two places:

* Sachinkle (სახინკლე) - a special restaurant that serves khinkali, the most famous of these is Chinklis Sachli (ხინკლის სახლი) Respublikis Square in Tbilisi

* Sachaczapure (სახაჭაპურე) - pub serving Khachapuri and other similar food (eg. lobio), mostly in the form of takeaway fastfudu

Is included in the bill.

Participation in the Georgian feast, suprze (სუფრა) is the greatest thing that can meet us during your stay in Georgia. If a lot of different dishes and drinks a lot of wine. Feast by tamada (თამადა), which is the master of ceremonies. He will be raised toasts, among which are not allowed to drink. One toast may take up to fifteen minutes and is a kind of display of oratory, eloquence and humor. It was not until the game ends tamada how other guests may try to outperform, saying something beautiful on the topic. Traditionally drunk in the corner (ყანწი); tradition that nurtured during important ceremonies, such as. wedding. The bad taste is absolutely binge into unconsciousness during the feast, so you must think of the good strategy to keep pace with participants in the banquet and at the same time leave it on their own feet. It may happen that tamada points at one guy and say Alaverdi (ალავერდი) - then the guy should offer a toast. Men often show off, giving the concert of polyphonic songs at the table. It is permissible to drink vodka instead of wine, but never beer - beer traditionally rises as enemies toasts. Supra tradition continues even very young people, so the whim passes without even drinking a little bit of food on the table, and without even a short climb toasts

Every region of Georgia is a unique tourist attraction. For the most visited are:

* Georgia

* Kakheti (კახეთი) - best known for its wines throughout Georgia

* Batumi, a famous summer resort near Batumi are Kobuleti (ქობულეთი)

* Stepancminda (სტეფანწმინდა, formerly Kazbegi ყაზბეგი), which leads to Tbilisi, the so-called. Military Road with breathtaking views

* Mtskheta (მცხეთა) - the spiritual capital of Georgia

* Jvari (ჯვარი) near Mcchety, probably the oldest in the whole of Georgia was put in the sixth century

* Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, from the eleventh and twelfth centuries

* Vardzia (ვარძია) - A town carved in the rock formed in the twelfth century, destroyed two thirds of the earthquake in the thirteenth century

* Dawit Gareja monastery (დავითგარეჯა) - monstyrów complex situated on the arid slopes of Kakheti, founded in the sixth century

In some monastyrach unique frescoes survived, but most are in terrible condition due to lack of money for maintenance and unfortunately most of the monasteries in the middle is painted white, a sad reminder of Soviet era

Opera and theaters are closed in the summer, but the possibility should be mandatory to go for a show of dances and songs of Georgian

The most adapted to Western standards of tourism is Lagodechi Nature Reserve (ლაგოდეხი), where the designated camping site, tourist information and maps

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In Georgia, for its festivals and concerts, the most famous of these is the Art Geni (არტ გენი) held in the summer at the Museum of Ethnography and the Park Wake (ვაკის პარკი)

. George (გიორგობა)

Nightlife in Georgia is just developing. Most vividly is the tourist sites and in Tbilisi. In the capital there are several inspired by the West pabów and bars and several discos. Rich Georgians will be happy to come to play in the vicinity of Lake Żółwiego, Kus TBA (კუს ტბა). At the turn of October and November is the International Festival of Dżezowy in Tbilisi and Batumi in July: Festival of the Black Sea Dżezu

It should bring a small souvenir from your country, such as. key chains, at 100% often, we use the assistance and hospitality uczynnych Georgians, and a small gift for sure make them joy