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Borjomi = Georgia

Borjomi = Georgia

You have likely pondered the small yet incredibly diverse nature of Georgia, with each corner boasting distinct characteristics in terms of nature, climate, character, history, scent, and emotion. Here, the most significant contrasts converge: mountains and sea, modernity and antiquity, harshness and gentleness. Let's embark on a journey to explore each corner: Kakheti - a region seen by many, characterized by a fighting spirit and entertainment. It has a historical legacy of repelling enemies and safeguarding the country's independence. The Kakhuri table tradition might be connected to the need for celebration and cheer after battles. When Georgian wine is discussed, Kakheti takes the spotlight. The ancient method of making Kvevri wine, recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, originated here. It is one of the oldest winemaking techniques globally, dating back 8,000 years. Kakheti, the center of which is influenced by a royal past, exudes mediocrity, peace, and beauty. It was the throne city of the Kingdom of Kakheti and the residence of Erekle II, a symbol of Georgia's independence. Tusheti - the most inaccessible and untouched, a sacred place of Georgia. The journey to Tusheti is an adventure in itself, with extreme landscapes, invisible mountains, and fields. The road to Tusheti's Piraketa and opposite valleys is equally thrilling, leading to the highest village in Europe at 2345 meters above sea level. Imagine arriving in a valley, isolated and tranquil, after a day full of adrenaline. Against the backdrop of breathtaking mountains, you savor the delicious Tušur Kotor and, before sunrise, drink chondri tea picked from steep rocks. It's akin to the feelings of climbers at Everest base camp. Kartli - a repository of ancient history and archaeological monuments. In Shida Kartli, near Gori, lies Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-cut city with a disputed purpose among researchers. Legends abound, suggesting it may have been a city of priests or had a portal connecting different dimensions. Another legend proposes that slaves built Uplistsikhe; with gold at one end of the shaft, a slave gained freedom after the weapons wore out. The archaeological site of Dmanis in Kvemo Kartli revealed the oldest hominids living outside of Africa, dating back 1.8 million years. Samtskhe-Javakheti - a symbol of pristine forests and natural waters. Borjom-Kharagauli National Park, one of Europe's largest, is home to rare flora and fauna, some included in Georgia's red list. Borjomi's sulfur pools and mineral water deposits enrich its water with more than 60 unique minerals, beginning its journey from 8,000 meters below the surface. Imereti - a symbol of talent and hospitality. Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the region's ancient history. Kutaisi is the birthplace of many talented Georgians. Imeruli khachapuri, a symbol of Georgian table, hospitality, and celebrations, is one of the local specialties. Guria - the most delightful, sweet, and lively. Known for unique Georgian folklore, including the incomparable "Krimanchuli" song, Guria's people are not only singers but also possess fast kilos and a great sense of humor. Traveling to Guria means enjoying both nature and folk traditions. Samegrelo - incomparably beautiful and delicious. Nature in Samegrelo is outstanding, featuring majestic Tobavarchkhil lakes, Martvili and Balda Kamkama canyons, and the Kolkheti National Park. Alexandre Dumas praised the beauty of Samegrelo's women, considering them the most beautiful creatures on Earth. The local cuisine, including Megrul Sulguni, Elarji, Gebzhalia, Kharcho, and Megrul spices, offers a feast of flavors. Adjara - two dimensions of Georgia. With both beautiful beaches in places like Batumi, Gonio, Tsikhisdziri, Kvariati, and stunning mountainous landscapes in Khulo, Keda, Beshumi, and Gomarduli, Adjara offers a unique blend of sea and mountain beauty. The region also boasts incredible greenery in protected areas like Kintrish, Ispani, Machakhela Valley, Mtirala National Park, and Batumi Botanical Garden. Svaneti - the treasury of an inflexible, strong country. Characterized by towering mountains and resilient towers, Svaneti's towers, standing against natural calamities and enemies, symbolize the Svan character. The region served as a treasure trove for hiding valuable cultural items during invasions. This overview only scratches the surface of Georgia's myriad attractions. We take pride in "Borjomi," representing Georgia internationally and serving as a symbol of our country for the world.
19 December, 2023
New Year's 'Kukushka' - a gateway to a fairy-tale world

New Year's 'Kukushka' - a gateway to a fairy-tale world

In an era when the entire world was intricately connected by iron threads, Georgia, too, found itself woven into this transformative tapestry. The nineteenth century witnessed a surge in railway construction throughout the country. Remarkably, amidst challenging terrain, a railway route was unveiled at the turn of the century. In 1902, a specially imported steamer from England set sail from Borjomi to Bakuriani, its resonant voice echoing through the entire Borjomi valley. Locals, associating the sound with that of a cuckoo, affectionately dubbed it "Kukushka." Thus, the connection between Borjomi and Bakuriani was established, and Kukushka evolved into a symbol of adventure's commencement. The small train leaves an indelible impression on all who journey aboard, linking travelers through shared emotions. The enchanting path hidden among the pines serves as the perfect prologue to a fairy-tale adventure. The two-hour journey feels like a prelude to an unforgettable story, heightening anticipation for the unexpected. Inspired by this, the Borjomi New Year's video unfolds, portraying friends leaving a New Year's celebration to embark on a magical adventure after indulging in Borjomi. Just when it seems like all planned endeavors have concluded, the unplanned takes center stage. Miracles cannot be prearranged; they must be embraced and seized. The tale concludes as the protagonists embark on an unexpected journey aboard the suddenly appearing "Kukushka." This underscores that the essence lies not solely in the destination but in the journey itself, in the adventure. Maintaining an inspired mindset along the path leads to continual novelty, perpetual marvels: the night lights mirrored on wet streets, a friend's smile, the air infused with New Year's energy. To grasp these moments necessitates perpetual mindfulness. We implore you to seize the moment; otherwise, eternity remains confined within it. The present is an immense current of life, akin to a concealed cuckoo in a magical forest. To partake in this vital celebration, one must trust and embark on the journey. Immerse yourself in life's energies, becoming a fount of vitality. Who knows? Perhaps, in doing so, you may manifest as a miracle in others' lives, guiding them on their own magical odyssey.
04 December, 2023
Georgian genius spread in water

Georgian genius spread in water

Although the birth of Borjomi may have been accompanied by sparkles, it flowed quietly in the forest for a long time. Only a few people knew its legend and savored the juvenile energy it offered.   Archaeological excavations have unearthed stone baths, bearing witness to the use of this juvenile water thousands of years ago, not just for drinking but also for other purposes. It's often said that in life, one is born twice.   In the case of Borjomi, the bouquet of life whispered quietly, drawing the attention of an entire empire over the course of a century. In the nineteenth century, it gained such renown that even the ruler of the time, Yevgeny Golovin, sent his own daughter for treatment. The nature of Ekaterina's ailment remains unknown, but it's a fact that Borjomi healed her like a wounded deer. The first spring emerged, known as Ekaterina's Spring, marking the beginning of Borjomi's second birth. As time passed, the water continued to flow. Rulers changed, but Borjomi remained constant. Consequently, their interest never waned. Golovin was succeeded by Vorontsov, Vorontsov by Romanov.   Both rulers liked Borjomi's water and the natural surroundings so much that they chose it as their summer residence. They constructed houses, baths, and hotels. The hotel names of that era reflected Borjomi's European-style resort status, including places like Marseille and Berlin. Borjomi became a gathering place for salon conversations, poets, artists, lovers, and aristocrats. Soon, they began bottling the water. Initially, this was done by hand, and glass bottles were crafted manually. However, over time, mechanization took over, and by 1900, Borjomi was even being exported. By 1913, production had exceeded 9 million bottles. Everyone unanimously agreed that water with such exceptional characteristics could not be found anywhere else in the world. Then came the era of the Soviet Union, and Borjomi effortlessly made its mark on the USSR. It was omnipresent—at banquets, weddings, birthdays, in theaters, opera houses, cinemas, and even during historical moments where the fate of the planet was decided. Borjomi bore witness to it all and was an observer of everything. It was even sold in the United States during the Cold War era, breaking through the iron curtain.   Mother nature doesn't discriminate among her children; she nurtures everyone equally, infusing them with life in the same way. Borjomi embodies this unconditional love of mother nature, like a genie trapped in a bottle. Despite numerous attempts, Borjomi has never lost its Georgian identity. It has remained a symbol of Georgian culture, encompassing dance, song, nature, unique cuisine, and hospitality. It represents the tangible side of Georgia's intangible wealth. Its connection to the Georgian land, both figuratively and literally, is so profound that breaking this bond is nearly impossible. One could say that Borjomi has traversed this lengthy journey of self-discovery alongside Georgia. Discovering oneself isn't a complicated process; it entails shedding what doesn't belong to you, what has been imposed from the outside. What remains is your true essence. And when you stand on that foundation, you become strong because it's the eternal part of you, something that no one and nothing can ever take away.   The incorporation of Georgian ornaments into Borjomi's visual identity further intertwines this juvenile water with its homeland. In general, assigning geometric figures to any specific ethnic culture can be challenging.   Carl Gustav Jung made an interesting observation when he realized that the sketches he made in his youth resembled the drawings of Australian aborigines. This led to his discovery of what he called the collective unconscious. Indeed, geometry is a universal language, and these forms lie deep within the collective unconscious. However, when they surface, they pass through the prism of individual consciousness and take on local nuances. Georgian ornaments are no exception. They originate from the collective unconscious but are transformed by the Georgian spirit, much like Borjomi itself. Born from the depths of the earth, they are molded within the Georgian soul.
18 September, 2023