Georgia = Adventure (Erasmus + project)

Georgia = Adventure

The outdoor project „Breathe in Svaneti” started on 22 July in Tibilisi. We gathered on Pushkin Square in center of Tbilisi to pack our backpacks on the rooftop of marshrutka and ourselves in it and start narrow, winding road thru picturesque landscapes of Svaneti region. Our destination was Mestia, a small town surrounded by Caucasian 4k + peaks, where we were to pitch the first camp. The trip itself was a pretty interesting experience, we could tell quite extreme.

Including the organizers our group counted 36 people including 4 people from Poland. During the first 5 days this multinational mix had the opportunity to integrate, as well as taste of what we were supposed to face during hiking. We have visited the traditional Svan house-museum of one of the best Georgian mountaineers – Mikhail Chergiani; we had the opportunity to climb the stone defensive tower build in medieval times. We also met local youth to learn more about situation of young people in this region. One day during a „city game” we had to complete a number of tasks which required from us getting to know local Svan community and engaging them to teach us how to sing traditional songs and dance local dances.

Before we actually started with hiking, we had a series of trainings with the Georgian Mountain Federation which was involved in the whole project. We learned the basics of navigation, reading the maps and setting paths. We also had sessions during which we got tips on packing the backpack, choosing tent/ sleeping bag for mountain trips, catching water and first aid. It was a very interesting aspect to work in international teams and exchange experiences collected in different European countries and even Lebanon.

That prepared, with the Georgians guides, we headed off to first trail on 7th day of project. Since then the weather was very favorable. While on a campsite we were several times surprised by sudden shower rain, during hikes we had perfect weather. We were walking thru mountains several days, feeding our eyes with breathtaking views, amazed by beauty and power of Nature. In the evenings we were playing guitar and singing, had had country presentations and tasting of international treats; we were sitting by the fire, talking, joking, baking potatoes, making wishes while watching falling stars. We were even offered short horse rides by friendly border police.

For 2 weeks we were sleeping in tents. While staying in Mestia we had a luxury of regular shower. After we moved into mountains we turned rivers and creeks into our bathroom. For most of the project there was no electricity nor cell phone coverage. During this time we managed to explore other cultures, landscapes, flavors (in particular combination of potatoes, onions and cheese served once for breakfast was very interesting ☺ ). But what is the most important we had a great chance to learn about ourselves and overcame some of our inner borders and fears.

Trekking in such a large group, with people of very diverse experience and condition, taught us teamwork, working out a common pace suitable for all participants, helping others and accepting help when needed. Every day we heard that sharing is caring, and those words had a deepest and true meaning while project. One day we hiked much longer than expected- memory of over 30 people sharing a very few potatoes we took is the best picture of  a wonderful team we became.

Mariola Włodarczyk