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Sunday 26 July 2009

Abastumani, Georgia

Newest visitor countries: F.Y.R.O.M. (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and Guyana! Welcome!

Some views of the Tsar's "cottage" (location of the last post's sculpture group), dating from the 19th century, when Georgia itself was in the Russian empire, having asked for help against yet another infidel invasion and sacking. (The cost for Georgia was absorption into Russia, dissolution of its monarchy, and eventually forced inclusion in the USSR. Nonetheless, lesser of two evils?)

The wooden structure is in sad need of rebuilding to save it, and I hope this is forthcoming. But as I wrote last post, I also hope the sculptures are left as they are! They are much more unusual in their dilapidated form.