randombirder

18th April 2025 A 9.30pm departure time, a five hour flight coupled with a three hour time difference while having been up since 4.30am the same day for work felt like a dare. Curiously though, what could be described as sleep did come my way despite moderate turbulence en route on the relatively recent commencement of British Airways services to Tbilisi from Heathrow. Thinking ahead, and grateful for doing so, was the room booking at the Ibis Airport Hotel for a few hours to sleep off the flight as best as possible before embarking on a hell-raising drive north to Kasbegi. A short three-night stay was planned to connect with some of the region's avian specialties. Stopping en route at the rather impressive Ananuri Fort Complex. The drive though - my goodness it was eventful - typical of the wider region, the Georgians drive as if it is their final journey. The traffic was also horrendous in places as heavy snow had dumped its load on the higher altitudes over the preceding few day...