Monday October 1st

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!

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.

Ikalto cypresses

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.