Georgia

At a time when there are many refugees fleeing their countries and when Europe is trying to define how welcoming it should be, I experienced the most welcoming arrival ever in a country. At the Tbilisi airport, the immigration officials offered me a bottle of Georgian wine after having stamped me passport. Now that is a welcome!

It is not only wine that is good in Georgia. Food is also pretty interesting. Your plates might be set on fire, but your palate is never burnt... At least not by the food.

And then there is the entertainement. The danse...

and the music.

The capital Tbilisi has a rich history reflected in its many colorful buildings. It was shaken by earthquakes, as well as by political revolution. The main symbol on Freedom Square is of course Saint George killing the dragon.

Downtown Tbilisi is very lively, especially along Rustaveli Avenue.

There is a good mix between tradition and modernism.

The peace bridge symbolises a new chapter in the history of Georgia.

A new chapter is always a difficult balancing act. A country has its history and traditions. The many churches that dot Tbilisi (as well as the mosques and the synagogues) are a reminder of the country's roots.