The subsequent day’s phone call to the Azerbaijan embassy revealed that no visa
on arrival was issued at the border. One thus needed to apply at the consulate,
which took three days. In the meantime, less expensive digs were sought nearer
to the centre of Tbilisi. Nasi’s Homestay was an institution popular with budget
travellers from virtually anywhere. Each nook and cranny were filled with beds
and bunks. Nasi’s was where you were bound to meet a few interesting
characters and we had a great time staying there.
Tbilisi was graced with a remarkable architectural heritage and historic Tbilisi
offered numerous attractions. Not only was the city old (founded in the 5th
century AD), but due to its central location between Europe and Asia, every man
and his dog wanted a piece of Tbilisi. To this day, Tbilisi is still an important
transit and trade route. Like us, most needed this route to get between Europe
and Asia overland.
The town provided a multitude of attractions, from beautiful old cathedrals and
the fascinating and vast Freedom Square to the Narikala Fortress with its long
history. The maze-like, cobblestone streets in the historic part of town came with
an ensemble of restored buildings and many hours were spent wandering
Rustaveli and Aghmashenebeli Avenues.
Tbilisi
After waiting the obligatory three days, we eagerly biked to the Azari embassy,
where the queue was long and slow-moving. Once inside the building, the staff
informed us the fee had to be paid at a bank in town. I thought this information
they should’ve parted with earlier. Then, back on the bicycles and into the city
where we had only minutes ago come from, and (receipt in hand) we returned to
the embassy. Again, after waiting in line, we learned visas were only issued in
the afternoon! Darn, I was under the impression they were given straightaway.