11 Oct
Election Day – it’s been exciting being here during the run-up to the elections as we’ve seen lots of electioneering. In the morning we go to Alavardi where there is an extremely strict dress code – dark glasses are not allowed. A problem for me – as my regular glasses go dark in the sun … Near the monastery we see women picking grapes – while the men seem to be hanging around and not doing a lot!
![IMG_1084](https://umbrellabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_1084-300x240.jpg)
Alavardi
We then visit Ikalto where there are wonderful tall cypress tress. As I sketch them, a small boy comes and holds my paint box for me.
![IMG_1085](https://umbrellabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_1085-208x300.jpg)
![IMG_1018](https://umbrellabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_10181-168x300.jpg)
Ikalto cypresses
![IMG_1021](https://umbrellabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_1021-300x266.jpg)
At the end of the day we go to Chavchavadze which has a very European feel – with many pianos and extensive grounds. Pushkin and Lermontov had both visited.