a peak into Batumi, Georgia ~ wide open world

Left Turkey on a gorgeous (although cramped) mini-bus ride to Batumi, Georgia. The ride was inexpensive (10 euros) and took us all along the coast of the Black Sea for 3 or 4 hours. I thought crossing this border might prove to be a pain in the ass, but it was very straight forward. Not only that, but no visa was needed for Georgia like I thought. Not only that, I had found some hidden U.S. dollars rolled up in some other currency in the bottom on my bag (I must have hid it so well even I forgot it was there). Score! Rocked up to Georgia feeling pretty dang good. On the second mini-bus from the border to town someone told me I was beautiful, then I got to the hostel and it was cheaper than advertised (when does that happen?), then upon wandering around I saw an unattended dumpster fire right in the middle of the street. Yes! Days like this are almost too good to be true.

Batumi is a coastal border town that's very popular with wealthy Russians in the summer. Shiny new Sheraton's, Radisson's and casinos are condensed in the center, but it was very quiet while I was there in September, even though the weather was still really pleasant. Some of the buildings looked almost colonial, while others were completely ex-Soviet block looking. Georgians are known for their hospitality and I had many people stop to chat while wandering around.