Morning Hikes

I've started to hike a couple of mornings a week with a woman named Olga.  She is from Latvia and has been in Tbilisi for a year with her husband and 7 year old son.  She likes to hike and started a small hiking/walking group that goes out most mornings.  Our hikes usually last 1 to 1 1/2 hours--but the time goes quickly because we are talking most of the time.  We have been the only ones hiking recently, but I'm sure more people will join in the spring.

We leave from her house and walk straight up the mountain.  It is really beautiful and quite a workout.  Jon was able to join us last Friday.  We are often above the clouds and get to see the sun coming up over the mountains.  Great way to start the day.  We haven't spotted any animals yet, but we have seen some interesting birds and always pass other people along the way.  The air is much cleaner up in the mountains and you really get a great view of the city and surrounding area.

I have really enjoyed getting out and exercising this way.  I've also enjoyed getting to know Olga and learning a big more about Latvia.  She, like many people we have met, speaks multiple languages including Russian, Latvian, Turkish and English--which is amazing to me.  She has already invited me to go to some of the local markets, so I know she will be a great tour guide and help us get settled into Tbilisi.