In 2015, I visited the wider Caucasus region for the first time, specifically Georgia. I remember that, as we were organizing the trip at the end of 2014, there was very little information available in the Greek media, limited mainly to previous military conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Many people, due to the recent annexation of Crimea, considered it rather dangerous to venture into "areas of interest" of the Russian Federation. Some useful tips came mainly from transatlantic riders, in the style of "overlanding," but this was unfamiliar to me due to my limited budget and time. 

In retrospect, April was a rather challenging choice: snow on the mountain roads, low temperatures that required layering up, and very few hours of daylight, which limited the daily driving windows. Nevertheless, these "mistakes" created unique moments and experiences that I would not have otherwise had, and they make up a story that I will remember and share for years to come.

As the distance to Georgia exceeded 2,100 kilometers, we decided to spend two nights in Turkey before reaching Batumi. The plan was clear: Day 1: Thessaloniki – Bursa (680 km), Day 2: Bursa – Sivas (840 km) and Day 3: Sivas – Batumi (620 km). Our route took us through the mountain passes of Central Anatolia, with its impressive peaks and breathtaking landscapes. Notable stops included the historic Cifte Minareli Medrese in Sivasand the Sumela Monastery, hidden on the steep slopes. Upon arriving in Batumi, we were impressed by the architectural development and the liveliness of the city's nightlife.

Day 1 [Thessaloniki – Bursa, 680 km]

On the road. Via Egnatia highway, we soon reached the Greek-Turkish border.

Although there is a bridge over the straits, we preferred to take the ferry from Gelibolu (Kallipolis) to Lapseki (Lampsakos).

Fuel stops and photos with the most professional police officers I have ever met.

We quickly settled into the hotel and took a stroll along the pedestrian streets of central Bursa, which retain their historic and traditional character.

Day 2 [Bursa – Sivas, 840 km]

Goodmorning Bursa!

A quick stroll through the empty city and preparations for departure.

Coffee break.

The next stop was involuntary. A traffic stop for speeding. At the same spot, in 2015, we paid dearly for the same driving behavior.

Monument to the Battle of Sangarius, near the Polatli district of Ankara. The battle took place in August 1921 between the Greeks and the Turks, as the culmination of the Greek Army's advance into the interior of Asia Minor. 

The outcome of the battle was uncertain and contributed to halting the Greeks' advance towards Ankara and forcing them to adopt a defensive stance until their final defeat a year later.

Sivas.

Day 3 [Sivas – Batumi, 620 km]

Morning stroll in the city center and visit to the Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minarets Madrasa). 

It was built in 1271 and is an important example of Seljuk architecture.

Breakfast and departure.

Mountain passes of central Anatolia.

Leaving the inland behind, we approached the small town of Maçka. The name comes from the medieval Greek Matzouka, which was one of the provinces of the Empire of Trebizond. Nearby is the Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela, which we visited.

It functioned as an Orthodox monastery until the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922. It is built inside a cave on a steep slope of Mount Mela, in the hinterland of Trebizond, from which it takes its name.

The monasteries of Pontus suffered from the barbaric and irreverent behavior of the Young Turks and Kemalists, who incited the savage and marauding Muslim groups. During the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922, the Turks completely destroyed the monastery. 

After first stealing all the valuable items inside the monastery, they set it on fire, either to cover up the traces of their crimes or to satisfy their hatred towards the Greeks.

The weather ceased to be favorable, and the kilometers were now difficult to cover. Stop at a gas station, heavy rainfall, and limited visibility.

After incredible hardship, we finally reached the Turkish-Georgian border.

Batumi.

Day 4 [Batumi – Tbilisi, 450 km] & [Batumi – Mestia, 260 km]

The goal of the day was the mountain passes of the Caucasus, with the final destination being Mestia. 

Early morning departure after a hearty breakfast featuring local products.

In the small town of Zugdidi, right on the foothills of the Caucasus, a warning light on my motorcycle forced us to change our plans. 

In the central square, there was a small repair shop where, once again, it was proven that motorcyclist solidarity can overcome language barriers. 

Although I didn't find the solution I was hoping for, thank you George for your help and support. I'll be happy to treat you if you ever find yourself in my city. Lazaros then continued on to Mestia, while I headed to the capital to find a repair shop to fix the damage. 

Gori. The city is best known internationally as the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. In the center of the city is a museum, which I visited on a previous trip to Georgia, dedicated to Stalin's life. In the courtyard is the house where he was born, and his railway carriage and other personal items are on display. 

Jvari Monastery.

When entering Tbilisi, it is difficult not to notice the former Ministry of Road Construction of Georgia, now known as the Bank of Georgia Headquarters. It is considered one of the most important examples of Soviet modernist architecture worldwide, as it is inspired by a radical idea – "a city within a building.".

Architect George Chakhava approached the building as a vertical city: the independent volumes constitute the "neighborhoods," while the spaces between them are the "streets and public spaces." As an idea, it departs from the typical Soviet logic of the monolithic block. Finally, instead of leveling the hill or otherwise imposing itself on the environment, the building rises above the ground, respecting the natural landscape, something completely anti-Soviet and certainly innovative for its time.

I checked into a central hotel and took a stroll around the city in the evening.

Next are some photos of Lazarus from Mestia. 

Mestia is a small mountain village and the administrative capital of Upper Svaneti, in northwestern Georgia, at an altitude of about 1,400 meters in the Greater Caucasus.

 

This small mountain town in Svaneti seems to hover between time and myth. The medieval towers rise among old houses, reminiscent of centuries of defense, family honor, and isolation. 

Next to them, almost unexpectedly, stand the structures of the Soviet era — austere, functional, sometimes worn — creating a striking but charming contrast.

 

It is said that, due to its isolation and inaccessible location, Svaneti never fully submitted to conquerors. The steep mountains and impassable passes served as natural fortresses, allowing the inhabitants to maintain their autonomy and traditions. 

Even during the Soviet period, when daily life in much of Georgia changed radically, Mestia and the surrounding villages largely retained their traditional way of life.

Day 5 [Tbilisi] & [Mestia - Ushguli, 100 km]

Waking up very early in the morning is certainly not a typical feature of Georgian culture. 

So, until my appointment at the repair shop, I had enough time to visit the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity — commonly known as Sameba.

The temple dominates Tbilisi, imposing and luminous, combining Byzantine tradition with contemporary Georgian architectural references.

 

It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and serves not only as a religious center, but also as a symbol of national identity for modern Georgia.

In the depths of Georgian workshops.

Nutsubidze Plato 1 Apartments in the Saburtalo district. The Nutsubidze Plato 1 district stands out for its brutalist-style residential complexes. 

As a typical example of Soviet modernism, the aim was simplicity, functionality, and social benefit, avoiding unnecessary decoration.

The buildings, often constructed of concrete, with protruding volumes and repetitive windows, create a simple but striking aesthetic, symbolic of Soviet engineering, power, and progress.

 

At the same time, the organization of complexes in communal spaces and squares reflects the social philosophy of Soviet architecture. 

Return to the center and stroll around Meidan Square.

Kartlis Deda. The statue is approximately 20 meters tall and was constructed in 1958 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi. The female figure holds a sword in her right hand, symbolizing protection against enemies, and a glass of wine in her left hand, symbolizing hospitality and friendship. 

It represents the character of Georgians: dynamic yet hospitable. The statue is made of aluminum and iron, in a style reminiscent of Soviet modernist aesthetics, with simple lines and an imposing presence.

View from Narikala Fortress towards the historic center.

Meidan Square. The square is bustling with life in the heart of old Tbilisi, with cafes and shops that catch the visitor's eye, while the Kura River and the imposing Narikala Fortress dominate the background, reminding us of the city's history.

Near Meidan Square are the traditional baths (sulphur baths), which stand out for their atmosphere with Arabic and Oriental elements.

Following are photos of Lazarus from his visit to Ushguli. 

Ushguli is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, at an altitude of about 2,100 meters, in Upper Svaneti, Georgia.

It consists of a cluster of four small villages: Chvibiani, Zhibiani, Chazhashi, and Murqmeli. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly due to its well-preserved Svan towers.

 

It is located at the foot of Mount Shkhara (5,193 m), the highest peak in Georgia.

 

The alpine landscape of the North Caucasus is simply second to none.

It was one of the places I really wanted to visit, but for the second time, I found myself so close and yet so far away..

Day 6 [Tbilisi – Ananuri, 140 km] & [Mestia - Kutaisi, 240 km]

Since I had some time before meeting Lazarus the next day to continue our trip, I decided to visit a few more sights. Meidan Square.

Chronicles of Georgia. The monument stands imposingly on a hill near Tbilisi, with huge sculptures narrating the history, religion, and mythology of Georgia.

 

Their monumental character, with elements of Soviet modernism, creates a sense of power and timelessness.

Ananuri Fortress. This is one of Georgia's most impressive historical monuments, built on the banks of the Aragvi River, about 70 km north of Tbilisi, on the road to Kazbegi.

The original construction of the fortress dates back to the 16th–17th century and was the residence of the family of local rulers, the Eristavis.

The historic complex, surrounded by mountains and lakes, offers unique views and a sense of timeless grandeur.

Jvari Monastery. This is one of Georgia's most historic and iconic monuments, built on a hill near the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, close to the city of Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia.

The monastery dates back to the 6th–7th century and is called Jvari, which means "Cross," because according to tradition, a cross placed by Saint Nino marked the spot where the monastery would be built.

Return to Tbilisi city center.

Lazarus spent the night in the city of Kutaisi..

Day 7 [Tbilisi – Kazbegi, 160 km]

Coffee and departure with the small town of Kazbegi as final destination.

Stop in Mtskheta, the historical and religious heart of Georgia, where churches and monasteries tell centuries of history and spiritual tradition.

The city, formerly the capital of Georgia, keeps alive the atmosphere of the medieval world through its stone-paved alleys, churches with Byzantine and Georgian elements, and monuments that bear witness to its religious significance. 

The monastery was built in the 6th–7th century on top of an older wooden church to honor Christianity and mark the new religious era in Georgia.

From its high points, the view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers creates a sense of tranquility, while every corner of the city tells a story of centuries.

After meeting up with Lazarus, who had left Kutaisi earlier, we visited the Ananuri fortress.

 

Heading north on the E117, the historic Georgian Military Highway, our road led us to the monument of Russian-Georgian Friendship, perched between the mountains and the endless landscape of the Caucasus.

 

The monument is located near the village of Gudauri, at an altitude of about 2,300 m, overlooking the Aragvi River valley.

It was built in 1983 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk (1783), which sealed the alliance between the Kingdom of Georgia and the Russian Empire.

It is a semicircular structure made of stone and concrete. Its interior is decorated with impressive colorful mosaics depicting historical scenes, figures, symbols, and motifs from Georgian and Russian tradition.

Although it was built as a symbol of friendship, today it often evokes mixed feelings due to the complex and tense contemporary history of Russia and Georgia.

Opportunity for some more photos.

Heading towards the small town of Kazbegi. The road passes through a stunning mountainous area, with clouds closing in on the horizon and casting shadows over the mountain peaks, creating an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.

At the end of the road lies the town of Kazbegi, at the foot of Mount Kazbek, one of the most famous mountains in the region.

 

Riding a motorcycle in this beautiful region offers a sense of freedom and exploration, while the vastness of nature impresses and commands respect. The feeling of adventure is heightened by the atmospheric sky, a perfect condition for road discovery that combines adrenaline and the tranquility of nature.

Although the weather was not on our side during the ride, we arrived at our destination full of images and grateful for the whole experience.

Free time.

Day 8 [Kazbegi - Tbilisi, 160 km]

The day was not demanding in terms of driving; time passed calmly, allowing us to stop, look around, and feel the place.

 

It was one of those days when the journey is measured not in kilometers, but in images and sensations; a quiet, full day, perfectly complementing the grandeur of Kazbegi and the serenity of the Georgian mountains..

 

So, without rushing, we headed up to the Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, the 14th-century Holy Trinity Church, one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Georgia.

 

The temple stands tall, isolated, against the backdrop of the steep slopes of the Caucasus and—when the weather permits—the imposing peak of Kazbek at an altitude of 5054m.

Even today, the route there retains something of its former ruggedness; uphill, it slowly immerses you in the spirit of the place. When you arrive, the silence is almost absolute. Only the air, the low-moving clouds, and the view that disappears into the ravines.

Tsminda Sameba does not impress with luxury, but with its simplicity and location. Stone upon stone, tied to the landscape, it seems to guard centuries of history, faith, and endurance.

Up there, time slows down. You sit down, observe the road you came from, the mountains that surround you, and you understand why this stop is not just a tourist attraction, but something essential.

Coffee at the hotel.

Early in the afternoon, we were in Tbilisi, where we followed our usual routine: a stroll and a few beers.

Having already spent several days in the city, I showed Lazarus around the main sights. Meidan.

View of the old town from Narikala Fortress and Kartlis Deda.

Sulfur baths and a stroll through downtown.

Day 9 [Tbilisi – Davit Gareji, 160 km]

We started off strong in the morning, feeling up for something more challenging. We picked a tough off-road route, leaving the asphalt behind to head towards the Kakheti region, where the landscape changes dramatically and becomes drier, almost lunar.

 

The dust, the rocks, and the open horizons set the pace for the day and made every kilometer count. Our destination was the Davit Gareji monastery complex, one of the most unique and emotionally charged sites in Georgia.

Carved literally into the rocks, it stretches across the slopes, silent and austere, bearing centuries of monastic life. Its uniqueness is not only architectural or spiritual; the area is located right on the border with Azerbaijan, a fact that has created a long-standing dispute over control of the region.

 

There, you don't tell where the bordes are from signs, but from the feeling that you're in a fragile, charged place, where history and politics are still present even in the silence.

After the intensity of the journey and the heavy atmosphere of Davit Gareji, the return to Tbilisi was almost cathartic. 

The city immediately embraces you: sounds, smells, old balconies, wine, smiles. A true blending with the spirit and local culture – from the courtyards and small shops to the food and conversations with the people.

A day full of contrasts: dust and stone in the morning, history and borders at noon, urban life and human warmth in the evening. Just as a trip to Georgia should be.

Day 10 [Tbilisi – Yerevan, 330 km]

The day's ride began with our entry into Armenia.

 

First point of interest: the small town of Alaverdi.

The city is home to the Mikoyan Brothers Museum, dedicated to Anastas Mikoyan, a prominent political figure in the Soviet Union, and his brother Artem, an aircraft designer and co-creator of the MiG fighter jets.

 

The museum displays personal items, archival material, and aviation exhibits that shed light on their lives and work, as well as the region's contribution to the history of Soviet aviation.

We continued our way to Lake Sevan, where the landscape demanded a short stop.

From there, the road took us to the Greco-Roman temple of Garni.

It is often described as the "easternmost building of the Greco-Roman world" and is the only surviving Greco-Roman temple in the entire former Soviet Union.

As I was leaving, I turned to look back at the monument; the temple resembled a guardian of a world far away in time.

The day ended in Yerevan.

 

In the evening, going out into the city revealed a completely different Armenia: lively, bright, in stark contrast to the empty, almost deserted countryside we had left behind.

Day 11 [Yerevan - Akhaltsikhe, 315 km]

One last glance at the city before we leave the capital behind and take the road to the Lesser Caucasus. We chose to stop in the shadow of the "Mother Armenia" statue, which stands majestically above Yerevan, like a silent guardian of the city. From up there, she watches everyday life unfold, holding her sword lowered but always ready.

 

Until 1962, an imposing statue of Stalin stood on the same spot where Mother Armenia stands today. It was one of the largest in the Soviet Union and towered over Yerevan, a symbol of an era and a power that wanted to impose itself even on the landscape.

With de-Stalinization, the statue was removed and replaced with a figure much closer to the collective sentiment of the Armenian people. This change was not only aesthetic, but deeply symbolic: from imposition to memory and identity.

Next, we visited Cascade, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It is a monumental complex of terraced steps, stairways, and gardens that connects the city center with the hill where the statue of "Mother Armenia" stands.

Designed during the Soviet era, Cascade hosts contemporary art exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and offers panoramic views of Yerevan — and on clear days, as far as Mount Ararat. It is a place for walking, art, and everyday life for the city's residents. Stroll and coffee on the main pedestrian street.

A brief stop at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial, a site that commands silence. The austere lines of gray stone, the circular core, and the sharp column rising toward the sky are impressive not for their size, but for the weight of the memory they carry.

As we left the city, the weather changed dramatically. The wind picked up, the sky darkened, and storms came one after another, ending with hailstones reminding us that nothing comes easy on this journey.

As the weather grew increasingly severe, the sky had its own surprises in store. Amidst the heavy clouds and storms, a Mig suddenly appeared, tearing through the air above Yerevan. For a few seconds, nature and human power met in the same frame — before the aircraft disappeared again into the gray sky.

Stop just before the city of Gyumri.

Giumri is a city with character. Less glamorous than Yerevan, but more authentic, it bears the scars of the great earthquake of 1988 and, at the same time, a stubborn determination to get back on its feet.

On the road to the border.

As soon as we crossed the border, the weather changed. It seemed that Georgia welcomed us with good weather – as if to say, "Come on, enjoy your ride. ."

Following the road north, we arrived at Khertvisi, one of the oldest castles in Georgia, built in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt several times throughout history. It is strategically located on a hill above the Mtkvari River and served as a fortress protecting the region.

 

Its imposing walls and towers, along with the panoramic view of the surrounding valley, bear witness to its strategic importance and the architectural skill of the time.

Nearby is Vardzia, a place I visited again in 2015, but at that time the weather did not allow me to spend as much time there as I wanted to.

It is a cave monastery complex dating back to the 12th century, during the reign of Queen Tamar. Built into the steep cliffs of the Kura River valley, it consists of hundreds of caves that served as dwellings, churches, storerooms, and monks' cells.

Unfortunately, we arrived late again and entry was no longer possible. Returning from Vardzia, I may have been disappointed that I didn't visit the monastery complex, but the feeling of being there, on my motorcycle, riding alongside the Kura River, almost compensated me.

The freedom and contact with nature were intense; the sound of the engine stops, and you remain watching the river continue its journey, as if it knows more than you do about what real adventure means.

Late at night in Akhaltsikhe.

That was the closest thing we found to eat, but in reality we were full from the whole experience on the road.

Day 12 [Akhaltsikhe - Batumi, 315 km]

View of Rabati Castle.

Breakfast.

During breakfast, a topic that had been on my mind all night came up again. The decision was pretty much a no-brainer: we couldn't leave without visiting Vardzia.

Khertvisi Fortress.

In the daylight, the landscape rewarded us with more than we could have hoped for, giving us the perfect opportunity to take some photos with the impressive monastic complex, carved into the rock, as a backdrop.

Vardzia is an impressive carved monastic complex in southern Georgia, built in the 12th century on the slopes of Mount Erusheti. It consists of hundreds of caves on multiple levels, which in the past served as cells, churches, storerooms, and living quarters.

At its peak, Vardzia was not just a monastery, but an entire underground city, a symbol of faith, strength, and survival in a wild, imposing landscape. Vardzia is not just another tourist attraction. It is one of those places that makes you pause and reflect.

As you approach, the caves suddenly appear on the rock. Walking through the narrow passages and climbing the carved steps, time seems to slow down as if you are transported back centuries, when people lived and prayed inside the mountain itself.

 

The tranquility, the light streaming through the cracks, and the view of the Kura Valley make Vardzia a place that stays with you, not just a point on the map.

Cursus naturalis rerum or, in other words, the natural course of things (coffee, khachapuri, and sandpaper).

Having already deviated from our schedule for the day, we didn't mind delaying a little longer. We thought that, on our way back to Akhaltsikhe, we could also visit the castle.

Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe is an impressive fortress with a history dating back to the 9th century, but it has undergone continuous expansion and changes over the years. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of different cultural elements: Arabic, Byzantine, and Georgian. This is because the castle changed hands between Georgian rulers, Ottomans, and other conquerors.

 

One of its most striking features is the Akhmedia Mosque, which bears Arabic decorations but is located right next to a Christian church with Byzantine frescoes.

The result is an impressive blend of architecture and decoration: mosques, churches, forts, and monuments coexist harmoniously in the same space, reflecting the region's long and multicultural history.

By visiting the castle, we had officially gone completely off schedule. With Batumi as our destination, we followed a small provincial road in the Lesser Caucasus, heading west. The GPS estimated that it would take us about four hours to cover those 160 kilometers. While I initially thought this estimate was excessive, I soon understood why. The road was, to put it mildly, under construction—a mosaic of dirt roads and construction sites, dust rising with every passing vehicle, deep potholes, and machinery working nonstop on the slopes. Every turn required caution, testing our patience and skills, but at the same time, the landscape around us reminded us why it was worth the effort.

Goderdzi Pass. This is a high mountain pass in the Lesser Caucasus in southwestern Georgia, in the Adjara region. It is located at an altitude of approximately 2,025 meters above sea level and connects the mountainous interior with the plain towards Batumi and Akhaltsikhe. The pass crosses the Arsiani mountain range and is an important natural passage between the provinces of Adjara and Samtskhe-Javakheti.

The most important center in the area is the village of Khulo, which offers an authentic taste of Georgian mountain life, far from the tourist crowds. The area is famous for its traditional Georgian bridges and villages with stone houses. This is a place we left for a future visit.

 

We continued our journey and near Khulo, further west in the same region of the Lesser Caucasus, we came across the Goderdzi Resort ski complex, where we made a short stop.

 

We didn't miss the opportunity to share a little knowledge with the locals, making our favorite freddo espresso ourselves. With a little persistence, you can create the perfect result, even away from home.

All gender bathrooms.

At last, Batumi.

The day ended with checking into a hotel and a leisurely stroll through the city center, with skyscrapers dominating the landscape.

The McDonald's restaurant in Batumi stands out for its impressive, ultra-modern architecture. The sharp angles and metal surfaces gave me the impression that a Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bomber had landed in the city. It's my favorite spot in the city, as the building looks more like a high-tech object, aircraft, or low-observability vehicle than a typical fast food restaurant.

Day 13 [Batumi – Amasya, 660 km]

Goodmorning Batumi!

Although the day was full of kilometers, we managed to sneak in a little time for a short walk in Batumi, just before leaving Georgia behind.

Ali and Nino, the embracing statues. This is an impressive, moving sculpture that symbolises love, coexistence and the borders that separate people. As the statues approach each other, they unite for a few moments and then move apart again, creating a powerful and moving image.

Europe Square. Located in the heart of the old town, it took on its current form in the 2000s, when it was officially renamed to emphasize Georgia's European orientation. 

In the center of the square stands the statue of Medea, a mythological figure originating from ancient Colchis, holding the Golden Fleece, a direct reference to ancient Greek mythology and the historical roots of the region.

The imposing building behind the square, with its classical proportions, columns, and symmetrical façade, is the former building of the National Bank of Georgia. Its design draws inspiration from European and neoclassical architecture, deliberately reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple, in order to visually connect the city with classical tradition.

In front of the building stands the fountain of Neptune, a faithful replica of the famous fountain of Neptune in Bologna, designed by Giambologna.

 

Goodbye Georgia..

Leaving Georgia behind, we continued on our way to Amasya, crossing parts of the typical Turkish road network, with wide roads, gas stations, and a strong sense of policing.

Amasya, a picturesque city built along the Yeşilırmak River, is known for its traditional houses and rich history. An important attraction of the city is the Royal Tombs of the Kings of Pontus, carved into the rocks of Mount Harşena and considered important monuments of the Hellenistic period, associated with the Mithridates.

Walk around the city.

Day 14 [Amasya - Istanbul, 695 km]

Breakfast in Amaseia before we started our "mileage hunt." The day was particularly demanding, with many miles, bad weather, and the feeling that the trip was coming to an end, making the return even more difficult.

Istanbul, at the narrowest strait in the world used for international shipping, the Bosphorus.

Hagia Sophia.

Day 15 [Istanbul - Thessaloniki, 580 km]

The entire route was uninteresting, consisting mainly of highways. Greek-Turkish border.

After this last stop, our trip came to an end. As on other occasions, returning from a trip, I feel as if everyday life can no longer accommodate the intensity and liveliness of the days that have passed. And perhaps this slight "melancholy" of returning is the truest indicator of how full and meaningful these trips were.

Lazaros, thank you for your company.

Safe travels to all..