b) Wind Tunnels and the Honey Waterfalls – Only just outside the city were two beautiful natural phenomenons. The first was these pits carved into the side of a mountain caused by wind. I have the sneaking suspicion that I’ve seen these before elsewhere, but still, the view (what we could see when the mist lifted a bit) was well worth the climb. Also, this was the first of many places mentioned by the poet and author Mikhail Lermontov, the poet laureate of this area. Next we travelled to the Honey Waterfalls, a beautiful little valley with, well, waterfalls. The rickety Russian structures that one walked over to see these falls were almost as much fun as the view itself, but it was all good when we got to the end and ate Caucasian food and drank homemade white wine (more about toasts later). Also, the whole valley we drove along used to be a part of the renowned Silk Road from China to Europe. Ruins have been found all along the valley and one could easily picture caravans moving slowly across this picturesque landscape headed for the markets of France and England.
c) Toasts – This is a random addition, but I wanted to get these down in writing before I forget them. These are from Anatoly Ivanovich when we were toasting with the homemade wine. First: “Here in the Caucasus there are many poisonous snakes. It is well known that if one bites you on the arm, you can suck the poison out and then spit it and you will be ok. But, if the snake bites you in the rear, you better have a good friend. To Friendship!” Second: “There was a flock of birds flying in formation. One bird thought he was better and flew very high, away from the rest of the birds. But he flew too high, burned his wings and plummeted to his death (Deadalus and Icarus anyone?). So, may none of us stray from the group or feel superior. To Togetherness!” I told you Russians were pro at toasting. Bust this out at your next dinner party.
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