Things I’ve learned in the Caucuses

Not all developing countries have stinky loos. In both countries they have been super clean, even the squat ones. In fact I don’t think I have seen litter anywhere. 

When it is raining its best to walk as far away from buildings as you can. Not all downpipes feed into a drain. Some at about 2m from the ground come out at right angles from the building and drain onto sidewalks, cars or whatever else is handy. 
Gas pipes do not go underground but above. In Azerbaijan they do a short detour under the path of driveways, in Georgia they go over the driveway. Either way an accident waiting to happen. 

Don’t always expect a hospitable greeting from shop assistants in Tbilisi. Maybe their faces crack if they smile, I don’t know. They reminded me of people in Paris. The odd person smiled when I thanked them on Georgian but even that seemed like an effort. The good side of that is I don’t buy from rude people so I saved money, they lost sales. 

The countries / people are very different. People from both countries are almost always religious; Moslem in Azerbaijan and Orthodox Christian in Georgia. I did not see Moslems praying in the street but saw many Christian’s doing the sign of the cross when passing their churches. Neither country officially links politics and the religion. 

People (women mainly) of Azerbaijan, although predominantly Moslem, do not outwardly look like Moslems. They dress in western clothes but a bit conservative. People in Georgia, particularly in Tbilisi are very modern with quite a few are alternatively dressed with coloured hair, piercings etc. tattoos are not uncommon but not as widespread as NZ.

People I have had a connection with (not counting women in shops on Tbilisi) have been very warm and welcoming. 

Prices are mainly slightly lower than home but anything that might remotely have a western/tourist bent is far more expensive. 

Uber’s competitor Bolt is used in both countries and is dirt cheap. 

Fish lips are common in both countries and look just as stupid in both. 

Other than people with special permits (truck drivers etc) you cant go from Georgia to Azerbaijan by road. There is only one land border crossing between the two countries (the one we went through) and that is only one way traffic (Azerbaijan to Georgia). Air borders are open both ways as are the Georgian/Armenian borders.

My tour leader Ani was awesome and this tour was just the perfect balance of fun, history, food, country, city. Thanks Ani, thanks Intrepid. 

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