Ep 102 - Tbilisi: The Whole Day Through

Ernest has Georgia on his mind with a food-fueled visit to its modern and medieval capital, escorted by his friends, writer Amy Gigi Alexander and tour guide Mako Kavtaradze. With Mako, Ernest starts the day with a crash course in Georgia’s unique language, which is unrelated to any other language in the world. They also tour the city together as Mako teaches Ernest about Georgian history and how it relates to the people’s philosophy on the importance of hospitality and friendship. 

In general, Tbilisi is growing into a more popular tourist destination. When Ernest sits down at Cafe Littera for an elaborate lunch with chef and restaurateur Tekuna Gachechiladze, he realizes that the city’s delicious culinary offerings may have something to do with that. Later, Ernest, Amy and Mako visit the capital city’s Cathedral of Saint George, as well as the Great Synagogue, comparing the difference in architectural styles. For their next meal, they head to Polifonia, where Ernest is serenaded by local restaurant owner/folklorist, Luarsab Togonidze. 

It’s just one of the many moments where Georgian hospitality and reverence for friendship shines through in this episode. But the adventure isn’t over until they visit Ethno Tsiskvili, which serves a typical Georgian meal accompanied by a show of traditional Georgian music and high-jumping dances.