Set off to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. A local guide took us on a walking tour, as there is more to Gori including Memorial to Georgian War Heroes from the Second World War, they lost approx 500,000 from a population of only 3 million, the repurposed church which was originally Christian and now Greek Orthodox, the Fortress (under renovation), and an art installation representing the cost of war to soldiers, missing arms, legs and other parts of the body. We passed the local secondary school on their last day of school, lots of celebrating, all wearing white T-shirt, which others write messages on. Statue of a famous Georgian poet, the local theatre and another art installation of many different tiles on a wall, making up a fabulous picture, a mural nearby of a traditional dancer (which was only painted last month), the Town Hall and finally a mural about the end of the war with Russia.

Off to the Stalin Museum, very scripted tour, but mainly photographs of Stalin through the years, outside was his own personal train carriage, with the very first air conditioning unit installed, made in Azerbaijan.

Late lunch at KE&RA, run by Gorgi and his wife in a local house and garage, which he converted in the pandemic. People come from many miles to visit his garage, with its eclectic collection on display and the music he plays. The lunch was delicious – chicken, mushrooms, cheese & aubergine with traditional roasted potatoes and of course a beer.

Headed to Gudauri, a ski resort in the mountains on the Military Highway. Stopped off to see the Reservoir and the wonderful views, with a local market selling the usual souvenirs. Then bumpy ride on the local roads. Huge hotel with outstanding views of the local Caucasus Mountains.