Batumi- Museum-Georgia-May 2012

The Archaeological Museum  Reserve Batumi, Georgia

While on our trip to the Black Sea Coast we spent a pleasant few hours wandering around the Archaeological Museum  Reserve which encloses the ruins of the Gonio-Afrsaross Fortress and a small museum.The Gonio-Afrsaross Fortress was built by the Romans in the late Ist century. 

Currently there are archaeological excavations taking place on the grounds of the fortress focusing  on the Roman layers. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Fortress Walls

This is thought to be the Grave of St Matthias one of the 12 Apostles

Pieces of Ceramic found during the dig.

Remains of the Roman Bathhouse

Clay Pipes from the Underground Watering System

Fortress Walls and Current Dig

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Batumi-Churches-Georgia-May 2012

Churches of Batumi, Georgia May 2012

We enjoyed the beauty of the churches in Batumi although they were a tad difficult to photograph. As usual in some churches we were unable to use the flash so that makes it even more tricky. Both Tom and Fran are the photographers. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

St Nicholas Church was built in 1860

These Tiles were Magnificent

Georgian Church

Cathedral Church

Beautiful Stained Glass Window

Batumi- Botanical Gardens-Georgia- May 2012

Batumi Botanical Gardens-May 2012

During our trip to Batumi Georgia we visited the wonderful Botanical Gardens.It was very peaceful wondering around after the rush of the city. Also we were surprised that the gardens were very well kept and contained many very old trees and plants. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

The Quaint Entrance

Fran just had to "Hug this Tree

Old Russian Truck

Colourful Flowers & fran

Note the old Tractor down the Pathway.

Tash our Turkish Guide

We were surprised to find this Australian Bottle Brush.

Caretakers Hut

So  Soft & Pretty! 

Batumi- Out & About-Georgia- May 2012

Out and About in Batumi.

In late May 2012 we went on a land  tour to the Turkish Black Sea Coast with a group of other cruisers from Marmaris.  While on the trip we also went on a day trip from Hopa,Turkey across the border into Batumi, Georgia which is also on the Black Sea Coast.

It was difficult getting photos as we were whisked about by a very fast bus driver! However, in the afternoon we were able to do a walking tour of the city as well as spending time wandering the streets trying to get a photos as a "taste of Batumi."  Bare in mind that this city once belonged to Russia and now is trying to catch up to the modern world. Hence the interesting modern constructions.  

Here is a collection of some of those amazing old, modern, weird and renovated buildings!

 (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Border Crossing into Batumi

Statue of Media

Apartment Blocks

This Piazza was almost empty until we arrived for afternoon tea

More of the Piazza

Clock Tower

This is as Crazy as it Gets!

Alphabetic Tower

Yoga Anyone?

Some of the girls on the trip enjoying an after lunch break!

We do not know why the Windmill was there.

Apartment Blocks

Lovely Old House

Past Glory?

Note the Tin Hats & Columns

More of the Piazza

Even More of the Piazza

There were lots of Streets Like this.

Georgian Flags

We had to walk across the Border to Turkey

Border crossing on Georgia side.

Although we enjoyed the day we would have preferred to have spent the night in Batumi so we wouldn't have been too rushed  as there was lots more to see and do.