July 14th: We began the trip to Turkey; a taxi to Khashuri and then the train to Batumi where we spent the night. We had an interesting Chinese meal where the Peking duck was not what we were expecting - don’t ask - but the restaurant did have electric swans! The next day, we took a taxi to Sarpi at the border, walked across the border, took a taxi to Hopa and then two buses to Trabazon. After a meal and some heel cooling in Trabazon, we caught the plane to Istanbul.

It was really a joy to be with Mako (who is always a pleasure to be with, but had never been outside Georgia or flown in an aeroplane before). She was excited but poised and apprehensive but thrilled. She was a delight.

The farewell photograph.

Waiting for the train to Batumi.

Chinese restaurant menu in Chinese, Georgian and Russian.

Waiting for Peking Duck.

Outside the restaurant with electric swans. Georgians love lights.

In a Trabazon restaurant.

In a Trabazon restaurant.

In a Trabazon restaurant.

Two passengers waiting at Trabazon airpoer.

The start of Mako’s maiden flight. Gill, as usual, is trying to break her ankle.