Exploring the Neighborhood and Funicular

Two weekends ago (yes I am behind) we were itching to get out and explore the area a bit.  It rained slightly that morning but we didn't let that stop us and headed toward the park.  At the time we didn't have any real destination in mind but ended up deciding to wander around three of the downtown streets.  We had heard that there were a lot of little shops and great cafes.

Lunch at Entree

Mara loved sitting in the window

Isn't she a beauty?!

We spent the early part of the afternoon doing just that.  We didn't stop into any shops but hit up a local bakery for lunch.  Entree is a twist on a French bakery with mouth watering pastries and a decent selection of grab and go sandwiches.  We decided that would be our lunch stop and hung out people watching for a bit.  

cheesin'

Park fun

Look at her hair!

Afterwards we made our way to a near by park.  I swear there are more playgrounds in Tbilisi than there are kids because we always seem to stumble upon another one.  Mara has really gotten into slides and this one had two that she could go down.  

Here comes the funicular

From there it was a quick run to the neighborhood grocery store for a few staples.  Mainly we wanted to check out the selection.  We really haven't identified our main store for groceries yet and usually by a little here and there.  

Going up!

Tbilisi

By late afternoon we were ready for a little fun and less walking.  Josh had suggested we visit the funicular so we jumped in a cab and headed that way.  The funicular is basically a cable car you can take up this steep mountain overlooking the city.  At the top is a restaurant and an amusement park with a huge Ferris wheel.  

Unfortunately the Ferris wheel wasn't in operation but had a few rides Mara could get on.  She loved the merry-go-round and the bee cars.  She hasn't stopped talking about the "buzzzzzz ride"!   

We stopped in the restaurant for dinner and enjoyed some traditional Georgian fare.  We got a few chicken kabobs to share and some seasonal veggies.  All was delicious!  The views overlooking the meal were even better!

Pano

The next day we took it a little easier and went to the local mall.  I was really impressed with the amount and quality of the stores in there.  I felt like we were back in the states!  From what I've heard prices are reasonable and the quality is pretty much the same.  They also have a large grocery store which is toted as being the best.  It definitely had the most selection out of all the places we've been but it is quite a drive to get out there.  I'm not sure how much we'll be headed that way!

She just wanted to ride in this not the horses

On the buzz ride with Daddy

In the afternoon we attended a church service in town.  We've been to two churches now and have enjoyed both.  The biggest difference is the service time.  The later one seems to be a tad hard to get to with naps and bedtime/dinner.

We're hungry!

Overall it was a great weekend.  It was really nice to get out and enjoy the city!