Get to Know Showaround Locals in Tbilisi: Meet Elene
Background: As she was born, raised, and currently lives in Tbilisi, Elene knows her home incredibly well. She is studying Mathematics and Biology at Tbilisi State University and also works on several mathematical projects in addition to her studies. Even though Elene has a hectic schedule, there are always two things that a Showaround Local finds time for: travelling, and introducing visitors to Georgian culture. Thus, she can meet new people and make friends from all over the world, as well as share experiences with them, and this has always been her favourite part.
Showaround: Why did you decide to become a Showaround Local?
Elene: Showaround is a great platform that provides one with an opportunity to communicate freely with visitors and manage bookings more efficiently than any other platform I know. So I said: Why not? Especially, when I have quite a lot of free time during my summer break, and it allows me to spend it in a productive and fun way.
Showaround: Name three super local things to do in the city?
Elene: On the top of my list would definitely be the legendary sulphur baths, conveniently located in the city centre of Tbilisi. These baths are not only architectural gems, but they also have numerous benefits for your health and skin. Then the next thing would be to try making some traditional Georgian dishes in the region of Kakheti. My recommendation would be to either bake the local bread Tonis Puri or make meat dumplings called Khinkali. Also, you can create some typical arts and crafts, for example, pottery, and you get to keep your own creation as a memory.
Showaround: Favourite restaurant?
Elene: There are many restaurants that I find myself coming back to for their tasty dishes, but I can narrow down my list to the three: Gabriadze Cafe, Kafe Leila, and Funicular.
Showaround: Best place for a drink?
Elene: If you're an enthusiast of fine wine, I'd advise you to go on a winery tour and tasting. In particular, it's worth trying our unique Georgian Qvevri wines, typically kept in clay vessels called qvevri. You may want to go to Schuchmann, which is a wine bar and restaurant, or Chardin 12, where you can find a large variety of quality drinks.
Showaround: What about the nightlife?
Elene: People say that Tbilisi never sleeps, so we have some well-known streets that are pretty loud at night: Chardin, Cotton Row, Dadiani, Akhvlediani (Perovskaya), just to name a few. After a tiring day, my go-to place is Old London Pub with great live music and beer selection.
Showaround: How would you describe the local people of Tbilisi?
Elene: The local people of Tbilisi are just like other Georgians, warm-hearted and praised for their hospitality. We are also considered to be very friendly and helpful. In Georgia, anywhere you go you can be whisked through the door then, BAM, you find yourself at a supra, which is a famous Georgian feast – and I’m pretty sure that you wouldn’t want to leave there anytime soon. So I think that hospitality is in our DNA.
Showaround: Thank you Elene for your answers!
