The time I had to explore the Imereti region of Georgia was not enough. It was one of the most unexpectedly wonderful trips I’ve ever taken. The city of Kutaisi captured my heart with its incredibly warm people and cultural vibe; everyone I met, from shopkeepers to locals out for a walk, shared a deep love for their traditions in theatre, dance, and literature. Beyond the city, I ventured into the breathtaking Prometheus Cave, where glowing stalactites and stalagmites seemed to whisper the earth’s ancient secrets, trekked the serene Martivili Canyon, where crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs made me feel like I was in another world, as well as explored markets filled with every type of local products imaginable. I truly felt like part of the community. One of the most unforgettable stops was an abandoned sanatorium, where the crumbling walls and overgrown gardens told stories of a forgotten time. And I can’t forget the best hot chocolate of my life, sipped at a cozy art café in Kutaisi; a perfect, marshmallowy escape from the Georgian winter air. Imereti is a region that blends natural beauty, history, and the most genuine hospitality, and I feel so lucky to have experienced it.

Oh, and anyone who knows me knows that I pet every stray that crossed my path. Every. Single. One.