Batumi

Have you been to Batumi? Where the sea and mountains secretly smile at each other

There is a place that simultaneously appears as a Mediterranean little town, a Soviet memorial park labyrinth, and a futuristic sci-fi set. This is Batumi. Georgia (or as they say here: Sakartvelo) the most popular seaside town, where the waves of the Black Sea lazily crash onto the pebble beach while green mountains climb up to the sky in the background.

Initially, I arrived just for a day. Just to see, “what this Batumi is like.” Then I got stuck here for a week. You’ve had this experience too, right?

Modern dazzle and nostalgic walks

The most spectacular part of the city is the seaside promenade, where you can roller skate under palm trees, lick ice cream, or just watch as the sun sets behind the water. Here stands the famous Ali and Nino statue, which every evening springs into motion – a steel-made couple who melt into each other day after day. A bit kitschy, a bit beautiful. Just like Batumi itself.

In the downtown, an eclectic cavalcade awaits: Art Nouveau buildings, Arabian arches, Soviet panels, and ultramodern skyscrapers compete for your attention. Piazza square seems to have teleported here from the main square of an Italian little town, and atop the Batumi Tower a giant DNA spiral and a Ferris wheel are prominently displayed. What else do you need?

Georgian hospitality and khachapuri heaven

When in Batumi, you can’t escape Georgian cuisine – but why would you? Here, Adjaruli khachapuri is not just food, but a ritual. A little bread boat, within which cheese, butter, and a poached egg melt – this must be eaten hot, with hands, freshly. It’s not dietetic, but unforgettable.

And the Georgian people? It’s as if everyone is an old friend of yours. They invite you to a cup of strong Georgian tea, show you where the best wine bars are, and if you’re lucky, they might even seat you at a family supra (feast) table.

A city that doesn’t want to fit into categories

You can’t categorize Batumi. It’s a little bit Las Vegas, a little bit Odessa, a little bit Istanbul. It has everything, yet is totally unique. And somehow you feel: it’s good to be here. Just sitting on the shore, listening to the retro sounds of jukeboxes, and meanwhile pondering what winter will be like here.

Have you been to Batumi? Or is there another city that surprised you? Write it in the comments!

Source: Wikipedia – Batumi