Georgia, Tbilisi 2nd July 2026, a bit more history.

Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall, popularly known as the "Rike Tubes" are located on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, these futuristic, conjoined glass-and-steel tubes were designed by the renowned Italian firm Studio Fuksas.

The tubes sit in Rike Park, just beneath the Metekhi Bridge and directly across the river from the historic Old Town.The Design: The two periscope-like tubular structures were originally intended to serve as a musical theatre and a multi-purpose exhibition hall, framing views of the city.

Only the exterior metal and glass panels were completed. Following a change in government and shifting urban priorities, the interior was never finished, and the complex has sat completely abandoned and fenced off for years.

Because the modern, metallic design clashes with the traditional architecture of the Old Town, the building has faced public criticism. Tbilisi authorities have debated whether to demolish the abandoned structure completely or find an adaptive reuse purpose for the site.

We walked up the stairs to find mattresses of homeless strewn about the floors. Michael reckons it is prime homeless estate as the views are astounding.

Georgia, Tiblisi, 01 July 2026

In the native language, Georgia is called Sakartvelo (საქართველო).The term translates directly to "the land of the Kartvelians". It originates from Kartli, which is the central historical region of the country. Locally, the people refer to themselves as Kartvelebi (ქართველები), and the Georgian language is known as Kartuli (ქართული).

We arrived at the airport and we were mobbed by men wanting to give us a ride to the airport. They have Bolt in Georgia so lets just say that we should have gone with Bolt. So angry I grabbed my bag and left Darren's water flask, as Darren says pay it forward and let the flask serve someone else.

The hotel is in a traditional residential area, whereas the Hotel could have been built in the stone age, so much detail with metal door trimmings , ancient lights, and an intricate wrought iron staircase with the reception at the bottom and the rooms above.

In Georgian practicality, it has a wash line. With only 16kgs of luggage between us, we are grateful for the line.

The primary river flowing through Tbilisi is the Mtkvari (known internationally as the Kura River). Originating in northeastern Turkey, it winds through the heart of Georgia's capital, visually and historically dividing the city into two sides before eventually flowing into the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan.

On our way to and back from Budget Tbilisi  Travel, we walked 10km of Tbilisi old town seeing many attractions. We paid for and booked the 4 day hiking and the 3 day site seeing tours.

This tower is intentionally built to look like it is on the verge of collapsing, humorously held up by a single dark grey steel beam.

Gabriadze constructed the tower using hundreds of recycled bricks and decorative tiles salvaged from abandoned buildings and ruins across Tbilisi.

Every hour, a small window opens at the top, and a mechanical angel emerges to strike the bell outside with a hammer.

A lower window opens twice a day (at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM) to present a brief, poignant mechanical puppet show called "The Circle of Life," depicting a couple meeting, marrying, having children, and growing old together.

The tower is attached directly to the Gabriadze Marionette Theater, where world-class puppet shows are still performed today.

We visited the botanical gardens.

We continued down the hill through various attractions.

Virtual reality tour on an air ballon.

Bridge of Peace.

Random statue, so beautiful.

After a Macha large milk shake in Istanbul at 4am, full breakfast on the plane around 6am (food was excellent on Turkish airways) large ice cream in Tbilisi and a large pomegranate juice made with a press on front of me, wow it was yummy. I was not hungry for supper.

Michael had a traditional pork, potatoes and red onion dish called and we made our way uphill back to the hotel.

We slept very well.

St Francis to Cape Town, 29th and 30th June 2026

We drove to CT, grateful for an uneventful trip with 2 very hungover sleeping boys memories of driving back to hostel. They can sleep anywhere at anytime. We stopped in Heidelberg for breakfast and Delish and other Breakfast places were all closed. So we drove 1km into town to Rooi Cafe, what a fantastic egg, bacon on roostercook breakfast.

In the morning we woke up with the Amy and Andrew having to go to work and Holly to school, I did my daily J and we walked to red sofa cafe to meet Terrance and Darren for breakfast. It never disappoints. Egg Benedict with mushrooms and spinach. 

We packed up and made our way to the airport and sadly said goodbye to Darren for hopefully just 2 and a half months. Terrance we will gladly see on the first day back as he generally collects us from the airport.

Bye CT.

Hello Istanbul Airport

Hello Caucasus range of mountains.

Late lunch at Gavins did not disappoint. 28th June 2026

Saying goodbye to the family prior to our drive to Cape Town. Darren and Terrance are joining us on the trip down after which we will obernight in CT, leaving Terrance and Darren to catch a flight on Turkish airways to Georgia 🇬🇪 to see the u20 world cup rugby.

The whole week went past in a blur, great having both Terrance and Darren at home.

Rugby weekend. Barbarians versus the Springboks, Friday 19th to 21st of June 2026.

Michael organised a taxi to take them to Port Elizabeth to enjoy the rugby. So very special that Andrew, Terrance and Darren could join, leaving Amy, Holly and I to enjoy the hot tub.

Early Sunday morning we had the Solstice bob at Bruce's and Terrance, Brendan and Darren made it, hangover and all. 

We had a late braai and Andrew, Holly and Amy went back to CT.

Madame Zingara, 18th March 2026

 

Madam Zingara, what a night. Amy, Andrew, Carolyn, Terrance, Jacqueline, Adriaan, Michael and I. On arrival at 18:00 it was still light outside. Michael and I were staying at the Colosseum so we walked there. Everyone arrived on or before time and we made our way into the tent.

We were taken to our table # 500 right in front of the stage and ordered drinks. The starters, a mese starter platter arrived, one for each couple.

The acts took place in between the different courses. From acrobats to the chocolate snake, to the retro singers, what fantastic acts of an incredible high standard.

Next course was the butternut ravioli.

A choice of of lamb shank, chocolate steak, salmon and a vegetarian option.

Desert was delicious.

After all the acts were finished, everyone got up and danced.

We walked back to the Colosseum and a fun evening was had by all!!