{"id":6859,"date":"2020-05-03T00:50:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T00:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=6859"},"modified":"2021-04-22T20:31:56","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T20:31:56","slug":"south-caucasus-why-i-love-this-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/south-caucasus-why-i-love-this-place\/","title":{"rendered":"South Caucasus: Why I Love This Place"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><em>Annie Lucas&nbsp;is Vice President of MIR Corporation. She\u2019s deeply drawn to many parts of the world, especially to the&nbsp;<a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800.jpg\" alt=\"MIR VP Annie Lucas with a new Georgian friend. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes\" class=\"wp-image-7093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_0510-1-800-600x401.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>MIR VP Annie Lucas with a new Georgian friend. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a> countries of&nbsp;<a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a>&nbsp;are quite simply&nbsp;my favorite destinations.<\/strong> Why do I have such a strong affinity for this region?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bold architecture<\/li><li>Gorgeous landscapes<\/li><li>Fabulous table traditions of food and wine<\/li><li>Distinctive and diverse cultures<\/li><li>Beautiful languages from ancient alphabets&nbsp;<\/li><li>Outstanding musical traditions<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2026Need I go on?<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A live a capella concert in Armenia\u2019s Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-150x99.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-600x396.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This view of Georgia's Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Photo: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"408\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Mt. Ararat seen from Armenia. Photo Credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"682\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenia's blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 2<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Traditional dancing in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Devin Connelly\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5e8e1ffbdb4fd-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7495-Armenia-RichardFejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A live a capella concert in Armenia\u2019s Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A live a capella concert in Armenia\u2019s Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-150x99.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels-600x396.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This view of Georgia's Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Photo: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"408\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">This view of Georgia&#8217;s Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MIRMEDIA-TC-AR-MK-_2A_0005-lg-1024x682-1-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Mt. Ararat seen from Armenia. Photo Credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"682\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Mt. Ararat seen from Armenia. Photo Credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenia's blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Armenia&#8217;s blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_3661-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Traditional dancing in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Devin Connelly\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Traditional dancing in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Devin Connelly<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/024BakuCarpetFactory-600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Azeri carpets in Baku. Photo credit: Ana Filonov\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Azeri carpets in Baku. Photo credit: Ana Filonov<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_44241-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Horsemen of Svaneti, Georgia. Photo credit: Gotita Bukhaidze\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Horsemen of Svaneti, Georgia. Photo credit: Gotita Bukhaidze<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food, Glorious Food!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel to the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a> is undoubtedly the wide range of exceptional dishes and beverages available.<\/strong> Regional favorites include Caspian Sea sturgeon kabobs with pomegranate sauce served in <a href=\"\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a>, as well as vegetarian delights made from eggplant, walnuts and mouth-watering cheeses found in <a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> and <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-97x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-195x300.jpg 195w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-97x150.jpg 97w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-390x600.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-585x900.jpg 585w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Cheeses paired with organic wines from Pheasant's Tears Winery. Photo credit: John Wurdeman\"\n  height=\"951\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-600x449.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A sampling of Georgia's fresh, delicious foods at a Georgian Table feast. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"462\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-600x449.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgian singers harmonize at a legendary Georgian Table feast. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"462\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-150x107.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-600x426.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Making lavash, Armenian flatbread. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"568\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 1<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Khinkali, here made in Tusheti for a festival. Photo credit: Shota Lagazidze\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5e8e210edb4ff-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-97x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-195x300.jpg 195w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-97x150.jpg 97w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-390x600.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tatsing-at-Pheasants-Tears-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-585x900.jpg 585w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Cheeses paired with organic wines from Pheasant's Tears Winery. Photo credit: John Wurdeman\"\n  height=\"951\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Cheeses paired with organic wines from Pheasant&#8217;s Tears Winery. Photo credit: John Wurdeman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-13-18-50-Georgian-food-MBehar-618-pixels-600x449.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A sampling of Georgia's fresh, delicious foods at a Georgian Table feast. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"462\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A sampling of Georgia&#8217;s fresh, delicious foods at a Georgian Table feast.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Michel Behar<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Photo-12-09-13-14-04-55-Georgian-singers-MBehar-618-pixels-600x449.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgian singers harmonize at a legendary Georgian Table feast. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"462\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Georgian singers harmonize at a legendary Georgian Table feast. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-150x107.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Armenia-Garni-lavash-bakery-600x426.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Making lavash, Armenian flatbread. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"568\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Making lavash, Armenian flatbread. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_4986-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Khinkali, here made in Tusheti for a festival. Photo credit: Shota Lagazidze\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Khinkali, here made in Tusheti for a festival. Photo credit: Shota Lagazidze<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12--150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12-.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Appetizers-Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-12--600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A variety of appetizers to begin a feast. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A variety of appetizers to begin a feast. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let\u2019s not forget the bread!&#8217;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes very thin, other times an elongated boat shape (called&nbsp;<em>pirosmani<\/em>), and always regionally distinct,&nbsp;nothing tops the fresh Georgian bread available at the local bakeries in the country\u2019s capital, Tbilisi.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5eacc076a327d-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-132x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-265x300.jpg 265w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-132x150.jpg 132w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-530x600.jpg 530w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"700\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-150x95.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-600x379.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"390\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5eacc076a327d-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5eacc076a327d-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-132x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-265x300.jpg 265w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-132x150.jpg 132w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels-530x600.jpg 530w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"700\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Khachapuri is Georgia&#8217;s most famous cheese bread, baked into many shapes. This is the Ajarian style. Photo credit: John Wurdeman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-150x95.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/TTC2010-Martin120-khachapuri-slices-MKlimenta-618-pixels-600x379.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"390\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Laden with cheese, khachapuri is one of Georgia&#8217;s most famous snacks. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/SAM_1586-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Georgia Ajarian style Khachapuri cheese bread\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Traditional Georgian khachapuri. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tbilisi\u2019s Restaurant Scene: Better Every Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tbilisi, <a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> is emerging as a modern foodie destination, with wonderful new restaurants popping up all over town. One of the newest is called <strong>Poliphonia Tbilisi.<\/strong> Located in the historic Sololaki district, it offers an inspired, rotating menu of Georgian fusion dishes, highlighting the country\u2019s distinctive culinary regions, and prepared from organic, local, and seasonal ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Azarpesha<\/strong>&nbsp;is a chic wine restaurant with a classy interior decorated with old photos and antique drinking vessels. Cuisine is contemporary Eastern-Mediterranean\/Georgian fusion using local seasonal ingredients. Groups can enjoy a full Georgian Table here, with dozens of dishes, toasts, and polyphonic singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman.jpg\" alt=\"A sommelier hosts a tasting at Azarphesha in Georgia. Photo: John Wurdeman\" class=\"wp-image-7091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Brian-Sommelier-at-Azarphesha-Georgia-Wurdeman-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>A sommelier hosts a tasting at Azarphesha in Georgia. Photo: John Wurdeman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The exclusive&nbsp;<strong>Barbarestan<\/strong>&nbsp;restaurant is set in an old-fashioned Georgian apartment, furnished with antiques and \u201cGrandma\u2019s old furniture.\u201d The cuisine is a fresh, local, modern take on the 19th century recipes of Duchess Barbara Jorjadze. The extensive wine cellar is from the 19th century as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Land of the Vine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>To wash down these flavorful foods is an equal pleasure.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> claims to be the land where the wine grape was first cultivated, and its ever-evolving viniculture industry is perhaps the most sophisticated anywhere at this crossroads of Europe and Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman.jpg\" alt=\"Vineyards in Imereti, Georgia. Photo: John Wurdeman\" class=\"wp-image-7111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Vineyards-in-Imeriti-Georgia-Wurdeman-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Vineyards in Imereti, Georgia. Photo: John Wurdeman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgia\u2019s organic wine movement, with wines fermented inside&nbsp;<em>qvevri<\/em>, or clay vessels, buried in the ground, is nothing new \u2013 it\u2019s been going on here for about 8,000 years. <strong>If you\u2019re into wine, this is fantastically interesting stuff to learn about, and to sample.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"703\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker.jpg\" alt=\"A winemaker checks on his product, which ages to perfection in an underground qvevri. Photo credit: John Wurdeman\" class=\"wp-image-1856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker-768x675.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker-150x132.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker-600x527.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>A winemaker checks on his product, which ages to perfection in an underground qvevri. Photo credit: John Wurdeman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some time ago I had the pleasure of meeting Isabelle Legeron, otherwise known as \u201cthat crazy French woman.\u201d Her mission? Introducing the world to wonderful natural wine like that found in Georgia. She made a believer out of me, a big fan of Belgian beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith.jpg\" alt=\"Schuchmann Winery in Telavi, Georgia. Photo: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-7108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Schuchmann Winery in Telavi, Georgia. Photo: Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brandy Tales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s another grape-based beverage highly worth seeking out in this neighborhood \u2013&nbsp;Ararat Brandy, produced in Armenia since 1887. The most famous story goes that Stalin gave a bottle to Winston Churchill at the Yalta Conference, and it promptly became&nbsp;Churchill\u2019s favorite brandy, to the tune of hundreds of bottles delivered annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-Ararat-cognac-factory-sampling-cognac-e1414708511529.jpg\" alt=\"A cognac tasting in Yerevan\u2019s Ararat Brandy Factory. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\" class=\"wp-image-7112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-Ararat-cognac-factory-sampling-cognac-e1414708511529.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-Ararat-cognac-factory-sampling-cognac-e1414708511529-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-Ararat-cognac-factory-sampling-cognac-e1414708511529-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-Ararat-cognac-factory-sampling-cognac-e1414708511529-600x427.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption>A cognac tasting in Yerevan\u2019s Ararat Brandy Factory. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Who knows if that\u2019s really true? Regardless, it\u2019s <strong>the favorite of many brandy and cognac connoisseurs, and&nbsp;a great souvenir to savor<\/strong>, while it lasts. It\u2019s part of the spirit of the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>, along with my favorite foods, wines, tales, and traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5eacc104a327e-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Imparting brandy facts, Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Aging casks at Ararat Brandy Factory in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Churchill's favorite smooth sipping brandy in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5eacc104a327e-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5eacc104a327e-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7862-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Imparting brandy facts, Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Imparting brandy facts, Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-4-JakeSmith-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Aging casks at Ararat Brandy Factory in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Aging casks at Ararat Brandy Factory in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-1-Jakesmith-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Churchill's favorite smooth sipping brandy in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Churchill&#8217;s favorite smooth sipping brandy in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Photos of the South Caucasus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_5e8e248adb503-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e248adb503\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-150x80.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-150x80.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-600x320.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Artist Niko Pirosmani often painted crescent-shaped Georgian bread into his pictures. Photo credit: Georgia Tourist Board\"\n  height=\"330\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e248adb503\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The three Flame Towers in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Gorman\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e248adb503\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Mt. Ararat, seen from Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e248adb503\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-150x99.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-600x395.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Singers at Armenia's Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"527\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_5e8e248adb503\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 1<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Guamarjos! An often-heard toast in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5e8e248adb503-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5e8e248adb503-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-150x80.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-150x80.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Pirosmani_Georgian-Table-copy-Feast-of-Four-Residents-Georgian-Tourist-Board-618-pixels-600x320.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Artist Niko Pirosmani often painted crescent-shaped Georgian bread into his pictures. Photo credit: Georgia Tourist Board\"\n  height=\"330\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Artist Niko Pirosmani often painted crescent-shaped Georgian bread into his pictures.  Photo credit: Georgia Tourist Board<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Carpet-Museum-1-Jered-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The three Flame Towers in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Gorman\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The three Flame Towers in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Gorman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_5665-Armenia-mountain-DConnolley-618-600x388.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Mt. Ararat, seen from Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Mt. Ararat, seen from Armenia. Photo credit: Devin Connolly<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Devin Connolly<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-150x99.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00026_s_r13ajrxlmry0026-800-600x395.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Singers at Armenia's Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"527\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Singers at Armenia&#8217;s Temple of Garni. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Guamarjos! An often-heard toast in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Guamarjos! An often-heard toast in Georgia. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Living-Roots-Ranch-Georgia-Wurdeman-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Even in the winter, Georgia is the place to be. Photo credit: John Wurdeman\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Even in the winter, Georgia is the place to be. Photo credit: John Wurdeman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#909599\" class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-image:url(http:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Khinkali-Mtskheta-Georgia-October-2015-1-Jake-Smith-250.jpg);min-height:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Travel to the South Caucasus with MIR<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container-fluid\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MIR has more than 30 years of unmatched destination expertise&nbsp;and travel planning experience<\/strong>, hand-crafting tours to&nbsp;<a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>&nbsp;since 1986.You can sample the food, wine, song, culture, and scenery of&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;on MIR\u2019s&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"\/trip\/a-taste-of-georgia-wine-cuisine-culture\/\">A Taste of Georgia: Wine, Cuisine &amp; Culture<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or fall in love with the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a> countries of <a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a>, <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>, and <a href=\"\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a> on one of these small group tours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a href=\"\/trip\/treasures-of-the-south-caucasus\/\">Treasures of the South Caucasus<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"\/trip\/village-traditions-of-the-south-caucasus\/\">Village Traditions of the South Caucasus<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can visit the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a> on a rail journey by private train, as well. Hop aboard the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"\/trip\/caspian-odyssey-by-private-train-eastbound\/\">Caspian Odyssey by Private Train<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;rail journey, which travels between the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">Caucasus<\/a> region and <a href=\"\/region\/central-asia\/\">Central Asia<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also opt to&nbsp;travel on your dates and at your pace&nbsp;on one of <strong><a href=\"\/trip\/?tt=private_trip&amp;r=469\">MIR\u2019s private independent trips<\/a><\/strong> or on a&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"\/custom-private-travel\/\">private journey<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 customized to your desired dates and style.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are quite simply my favorite destinations. Why do I have such a strong affinity for this region?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6860,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[114,334,364,380,339,383,356,385,384,225,381,382,115,387,388,86,389,96,386,54,206],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>South Caucasus: Why I Love This Place<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The South Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are quite simply my favorite destinations. 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