Posted: 2007-12-10 02:10 PM
That was in old USSR times. Now the border is open and Europeans do not need visa.
Georgia is a very pleasant country to discover. Go at the same time to Armenia and Azerbaijan, you will enjoy them. Life is very cheap compared to Western Europe.
Posted: 2007-12-10 01:32 PM
Yes Marianne, of course, you have buses even from Istanbul direct to Tbilisi, Georgia capital.
The best is taking a bus in historical Trabzon (Trebisonda in the past), to Batumi in Georgia.
But if you plan to visit the Republic of Abkhazia, forget getting there from Turkey or from Georgia. From Georgia is impossible, the roads are locked and protected by Georgian and Russians soldiers, and from Turkey the only way is getting first to Sochi in Russia, by boat (twice a week, and only costs about 30 US Dollars for a 12 hours navigation), and then trying to get a visa to Republic of Abkhazia.
In the near future I am sure that Abkhazia will be open for everybody, but presently it is complicated to get there, and you need a visa from the Republic of Abkhazia representative in Moscow, but it is hardly issued.
I heard that once Kosovo will get full independence, Abkhazia will be recognized in the United Nations. It is all a game played by the powerful countries, it all depends on them. Like in the school: you give me this toy and I will let you play with my chess game, or I borrow your doll and I will give you half of my chocolate sandwich.
Posted: 2007-12-09 01:44 PM
Through the wonders of the web I have found the precise quote in "The Clicking of Cuthbert" - The Russian celebrity was Vladimir Brusiloff and his presice phrase was "I spit me of zem all"
By the way the picture theft is very interesting and indeed compliments on having art-work of merit to attract thieves.
Posted: 2007-12-09 12:55 PM
His books are translated into Spanish, so no need to read them in English. We all love his personages Bertie Wooster and Jeeves.
Yes indeed PG Woodhouse was a great feature of my Youth
Posted: 2007-12-08 11:45 PM
My favourite memory is his dialogue featuring a visiting Russian author who sums up his view of European literature " I spits me of all these writer: Tolystoy and PG wodehouse not bad. Not good but not bad. The rest I spits me of them all!"
Posted: 2007-12-08 07:49 PM
Marianne, I think that your message about PG Wodehouse was addressed to Hugh.
Anyway, I know about him and respect him and like very much his English humour.
Posted: 2007-12-08 04:52 PM
... for being such a attentive member!! Unfortunately I've not been travelling - I'm just very busy (job-related + private). But, strictly speaking, I had 3 days off last week and spend it helping my cousin in Düsseldorf who has a market stand (flowers) on the 'Carlsplatz'.
I hope you are doing well and I wish you a nice Advent season.
