How to visit Georgia and want to come back again - features of Georgian life
Traditions and peculiarities that must be taken into account and observed when visiting Georgia. Your vacation will be richer and more comfortable if you pay attention to these nuances.
Our tips and recommendations⬇️
- 1. Georgians are hospitable, but not all
- 2. Plan your walks in advance - why?
- 3. Do they want to deceive you all around?
- 4. What's wrong with an untested guide?
- 5. Georgian cuisine is not always on top
- 6. What is Georgian regularity?
- 7. To promise does not mean to get married
- 8. Don't break the law
- 9. Many people speak Russian, but not all
- 10. But don't swear
- 11. Don't talk about politics
- 12. Why do I need to book a hotel room in advance?
- 13. About wine. What about the wine?...
On the Internet, you can often find negative reviews about a trip to Georgia. Today I will try to tell you what to expect from this country and what really shouldn't be done to stay satisfied with your vacation in Georgia.
After reading the article, you will be fully prepared in order to avoid unpleasant and embarrassing situations that can result in a small scandal of "local significance". As a token of gratitude, do not forget to leave a comment, share your opinion and impressions of visiting this sunny and hospitable country.
Georgians are really hospitable, but not everyone
There are a lot of rumors about Georgian hospitality, but you should not expect it from all the people you meet. Do not forget that for border workers, security guards, policemen and other security personnel, their work always comes first. And this means that their priority task is to ensure the security of the object entrusted to them, whether it is the border of the country or a shop near the house. And let a pretty work colleague tell you about a wonderful border guard who "did not notice" that her passport expires earlier than three months before visiting the country, you may have everything different. And of course you remember the story of how a childhood friend was treated to wine right next to the plane ramp, but you should not hope that you will be greeted with "bread and salt" right at passport control.
Even if this happens, it will be a pleasant bonus, and not an expected act. Moreover, do not forget that Georgia is now a very popular tourist country, which means that there are already unscrupulous people trying to cash in on visitors. Don't expect a taxi driver to take you for free and by the shortest route. Do not expect that at the entrance to the market from each counter you will be treated to local delicacies and even given with you if you do not want to try it here.
Simply put, Georgian hospitality it exists, and you will enjoy it to the fullest, but you should not expect it from everyone you meet.
Plan walks in high season and on hot days in advance
If you are going to on a guided tour, specify the route in advance, otherwise instead of attractions you will go to souvenir shops and fend off annoying sellers with carpets. Think over and make a plan of your route, find a good guide, read reviews on the Internet or just mark on the map the places where you definitely want to visit.
Remember that some tickets need to be taken care of from home. Only then will you admire the performance at the Gabriadze Theater, and not look for a ticket at exorbitant prices from resellers, and enjoy the wonderful streets of the old city not under the scorching sun. Of course, the beauty and flavor of Tbilisi will not leave anyone indifferent, but you must agree that a leisurely walk is much more pleasant than a quick jog.
Do not think that everyone wants to deceive you
It is important to have common sense on any trip, so just relax and enjoy the trip, but be vigilant. There are many stories that when they found themselves in a difficult situation or just got lost on the ground, passers-by extended a helping hand. But we must always remember that in any country there are kind and decent people and there is their complete opposite.
A tourist - he is also a tourist in Africa.
Don't expect mountains of gold from untested guides
Strolling through the streets of paradise, you will definitely meet merchants with excursions, where you will be promised trips to the most wonderful places of the country. Do not flatter yourself. There are a lot of examples when the sights were certainly taken, but the trip itself was terrible. Then they forgot to warn about additional expenses in the form of entrance tickets, then a broken air conditioner in a minibus plus 35, then an ignorant guide. We remind you again. A tourist is a way to earn unscrupulous people. Look for proven guides.
Georgia is famous for its cuisine, but the cuisine is not always on top
In your hometown, there are definitely places where they feed you deliciously, and there are eateries where you can invite only to poison. So it is in Georgia. Always check with friends, guides, read reviews to know proven places with really delicious cuisine.
Georgian regularity in everything
When you come to the cafe, do not expect the waiters to rush to you with all their legs, and the cook will start cooking the dish as soon as he hears its name. Georgian slowness is an integral part of the color of this country. There is no need to rush anywhere, when you do get a dish, enjoy the meal. And coming in the morning at the time of the store's opening, do not be surprised that it may not work for a long time.
VAT and service are not included in the price in the menu
In almost all restaurants of the tourist center, the price of the dish in the menu does not include service and VAT of 18%. Always pay attention so that the restaurant bill matches your expectations. Also, many restaurants charge an additional commission for paying by card. If you are not sure, it is better to ask the waiters in advance.
To promise does not mean to get married
All girls love with their ears, and Georgians know how to speak beautifully. You will be courted by the most beautiful men in Tbilisi, they will say that you are the only one and in general, the best thing that has ever happened to them. But you don't have to believe every word they say. The local beauties already have a nose for visiting girls.
As soon as you leave the hotel, they will find you right away. And what are the promises to get married right tomorrow at the nearest registry office. My advice is, divide all the words not even by two, but by ten at once. After all, as soon as the conversation about the wedding comes up again, it will have to be postponed urgently. Suddenly, my sister began to give birth in another city, I urgently need to go to my grandmother in a distant village and repair an unexpectedly collapsed bathhouse, and my father generally said that first I need to wait for relatives from the most remote corners of the country.
And, so unexpectedly appearing on the horizon, a handsome man will also suddenly disappear from your life. Of course, not all Georgians are like that. There are also real love stories, but, unfortunately, they are a minority. So, if you really jump into the arms of a Georgian handsome man, then only with insurance.
Don't break the law
Check the local laws before traveling.
Georgia is very strict with the storage and distribution of any narcotic drugs.
There are a lot of old churches and temples in the country. When visiting holy places, the uncovered head of girls is not allowed. It is also forbidden to visit in slates, with bare shoulders, short shorts and too open clothes. This may be perceived as disrespectful to faith.
But there are other laws in Georgia that are not always clear to us. For example, you can't kiss in public places. It's not about a welcome kiss right now, it just happens at every step. But for a "French" kiss in the park, you may well get a remark from a policeman.
There is also a fine for intimate relations in the car. In Georgia, this is equated to "petty hooliganism".
Many people speak Russian, but not all
The Russian language is no longer compulsory to study at school. The adult generation, almost everyone, speaks an understandable language to everyone. But do not expect the same from young people. But I want to assure you right away, you will find a common language.
Most young people study English as a foreign subject at university and school, so you can easily talk to young people and teenagers in it. Do not be offended by the locals who do not want to speak to tourists in Russian. This is absolutely normal, because their native language is Georgian.
But don't use foul language
Even if you are in a company where Russian is not spoken, they still know and understand the mat. An obscene word inserted "for the red word" may turn out to be very out of place. Georgians really don't like swearing, especially in public places.
It is strictly forbidden to use rude obscene phrases in the presence of older people. Georgians have a deep respect and respect for the older members of the family, so they do not allow themselves to swear at celebrations and family dinners.
Don't talk about politics
When asking a Georgian about Stalin, or about politics in general, be prepared that you may not like the answer very much. Therefore, you should not even start "sharp" topics. Just enjoy the country, and don't get into hot battles because of a different opinion.
In addition to political disputes about Stalin, Georgians are quite jealous of talking about military conflicts, corruption, the state border and Abkhazia. These are hot topics that it is better not to touch upon during a pleasant conversation with local residents.
Also, you should not enter into a dispute on the basis of religion and sports. Georgia is recognized as a multicultural country, people of various faiths live here. More than 80% of the population profess Orthodoxy and honor Christian traditions, so there is no need to refute their faith.
Not all hotels are ready to accept you without a booked room
If you know a chic restaurant, but it is located on the territory of the hotel, it is better to call in advance and clarify whether you will be allowed there for dinner.
Georgia is famous for its residential courtyards, but do not forget to respect the way of life of the local population
There are many beautiful places in the old town, especially if you look into the residential courtyard. This is a real Georgian flavor. But we must remember that a loudly admiring tourist can interfere with the owners. There are different situations, but no one likes too annoying visitors. Looking into residential places, behave quietly and culturally, respect the country that is so kind to you. Otherwise, all the beautiful places will be bolted, and no one will be able to admire them anymore.
Wine, wine and wine again
In Georgia, every second person is engaged in winemaking. But not everyone has this art brought to the ideal. It is better to read reviews in advance, compare places and go only to proven wineries. Georgian wine it is worth drinking in Georgia. It really does not like transportation, so upon arrival at home, the taste of wine can be very different from the initial one. It is better for home use to take wine in factory packages, it is not at all inferior in quality to draught.
And most importantly, everything above is written only so that your vacation in Georgia is filled with pleasant impressions. And you definitely wanted to return to this country.
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И правда, какой бы замечательный менталитет не был у страны, всегда надо быть начеку, не доверять первому встречному, как никак на чужой территории надо быть особо осторожным, но, самое главное, относиться с уважением к чужим законам и обычаям.
раздражать. Ведь приехав в другую страну можно очень часто услышать высказывание не очень одобрительное "Понаехали" , а Грузия -то не иск-
лючение. Вести себя надо правильно и уважать обычаи,культуру местного населения, а ещё лучше будет, если перед тем как ехать куда-то прочи-
тать информацию об укладе и обычаях той страны куда едите на отдых. Не сквернословить (пора бы и штрафы за это узаконить,везде при том).А
женщинам не терять голову от грузинских ухажёров и отдых тогда будет приятным.Александр у вас как всегда получается полезная статья, всё ме-
лочи учли.Спасибо.