When we wake the town is already very busy. We do not know what the festival is, other than that it is a religious festival. There is heavy police and security presence, as well as TV coverage, men in black suits and hoards of people.
We walk to the cathedral, still we have no idea what the celebration is for. People are praying very fervently. Beggars are out in force. Many Orthodox priests are about as well as the most unlikely looking worshipers. 70% of the Georgian men have an appearance, statue and demeanour that would allow any of them to instantly be employed as a bouncer or body guard anywhere in the west, on looks alone. Yet here in front of the Cathedral, these fierce looking men, cross themselves, fall to their knees and kiss the walls of the church.
Having people watched for some time, we wander on through the town. There are stalls and general fair/fete type activities, folk dancing and singing. The deeply religious Georgians also enjoy their vodka and gambling!
In the evening we return to the fair with Ian. It is good to stroll and take in the atmosphere. In the centre is a very nice restaurant which is connected to one of the many wineries. We all go in and enjoy drinks and nibbles on the top floor terrace. From here we have an excellent view of the fireworks and of the Monastery and fort on the nearby hills. The waitress helps us to choose wines from their ample list. Georgian wine can be recommended and compared to European prices is very reasonable. We question her about today's activities. With her helpful but limited English, we discover that it is to do with St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia.
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