Exploring Tbilisi with Bertrand

After sleeping in this morning, I wanted to start packing my bike. But first, I had to go buy some water—I hadn’t been drinking enough in the past few days.

Back at the accommodation, I received a message that Lutz from Germany had actually just managed to enter Azerbaijan from Georgia by bike. I had met him through a WhatsApp group chat and had been in occasional contact with him since Istanbul. I’m really happy for him that he managed to do what I couldn’t. But it also annoys me a little. After all, Lutz had put in a lot of effort, sending emails to various Azerbaijani authorities—he said it took him about three months. Meanwhile, my single email, which never even received a reply, was clearly not enough.

Lutz also connected me with Bertrand from France, as I had told him that I wasn’t sure yet whether I would continue riding with Shaun—he plans to meet a friend in Kazakhstan. It turned out that Bertrand was staying less than 200 meters from my guesthouse. So we quickly met up and went for a walk together through Tbilisi.

We walked around in circles several times trying to find the cable car that leads to a viewpoint above the city. When we finally found the lower station, we realized that it wasn’t operating due to strong winds. Still, we had great conversations, and I really enjoyed speaking French again.

After the walk, we went to my favorite café for dessert, and our lively conversation continued. At some point, I realized I had to hurry to a bike shop that closes at 6 p.m. In the morning, using a small tool from my former colleague Leandra, I had noticed that I should replace my chain, and this shop seemed the most promising for Shimano products. But due to traffic, the bus was delayed, and I arrived four minutes after six—the shop was already closed and dark. Too bad. There was another bike shop nearby, but they didn’t have what I needed and simply recommended the very shop I had just found closed. So I’ll have to try again tomorrow.

Back in the city center, I decided to get a haircut—always an interesting experience abroad, and this one was no exception. Now I’m ready for the warmer temperatures ahead.

For dinner, I went again to my favorite café—I’ve been there many times, yet I’ve never ordered the same thing twice. Shortly after me, a Korean woman arrived—I had already seen her the day before and guessed her nationality from the Hangul on her T-shirt. Since she had a laptop, I offered her my seat with a power outlet. That led to a conversation, which we both really enjoyed—not surprising, given my connection to South Korea. She had intended to study for an exam, but that didn’t happen, as we talked until the café closed at 11 p.m.

It was another day like yesterday—where it seemed like I didn’t do much, yet so much happened. I guess I’ll have to pack my bike into the box tomorrow.