Georgia, day three

Georgia's capital Tblisi (old Tiflis) was a 4 hour bus ride away and we arrived after dark. In the morning we found a city of contrasts: modern stores, offices  and a torrent of traffic along the main Rustaveli Avenue (only crossable via underpass),  blocky remnants of Soviet architecture and steep old narrow streets winding upwards where sagging wooden balconies seemed supported by little more than a vine and a prayer. Dusty shuttered courtyards hinted at mysterious lives lived much as they ever were. Street cats and dogs lurked and loped around all the corners, enticing smells rose from basement bakeries, women shuffled by with shopping bags,  and eventually we found ourselves enjoying an alfresco lunch on a wisteria-hung balcony. The afternoon's rambling culminated in a long dark traipse to an Azerbaijani restaurant. Generous catering is de rigeur in the Caucasus  as demonstrated by the uproarious birthday party taking place  at the next table where vast servings were interspersed with vodka shots, cigarette smoking and frenetic dancing - in which they had us all joining in at the end.

Extras:
Old streets and houses
Hot dogs
Selfie opportunity
Backgammon
Over-ordered again! (tomorrow's picnic)
Party time: the mysterious domes were consummately-cooked buttery rice pilaffs brought ceremoniously to the table.