Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Svaneti (5) Ushguli

Ushguli, at close to 7,000 ft in elevation is the highest village in Europe that is inhabited year-round. From our home-stay in Mestia, it is another three-hour drive up into the mountains.

We pile into a sturdy 4-wheel drive vehicle


(Russian something, I think)


Not particularly comfortable


Lots of levers, and a cup holder


Our suspicious Svan driver checks the tires

And we head out....


On some pretty scary roads


Into the middle of nowhere

We finally get out of the car a couple of kilometers before we reach the village, and walk in to Ushguli enjoying the scenery.




The main activity going on in the village seems to be watching a truck being unloaded.




We decide to drop in on the (very modern) local school.



This guy greeting us is one of the teachers. He is 14 years old.




Classroom


Class in session with guest lecturer


The bell they ring, when they have electricity


The gong they use when the power is out


The school restrooms


Inside the restroom

As we leave the school, our guide meets a lady on the road.



Turns out they know each other, and we get invited to lunch at their house.

First we have to stroll through the town.



And then get to enjoy the hospitality.



This was such an interesting place, with great views and surprises around every corner.




We met a friendly local dog


What does his collar protect him from???

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