Vera: The Heartbeat of Tbilisi's Charm

• Helloგამარჯობა
  [gamardjoba]
• Goodbyeნახვამდი
  [nakhvamdi]
• Yesკი
  [ki]
• Noარა
  [ara]
• Please/You're welcomeგთხოვთ
  [gtkhovt]
• Thank youმადლობა
  [madloba]
• Excuse me/Sorryშემავალინე
  [shemavalin]
• How are you?როგორ ხარ?
  [rogor khar?]
• Fine. And you?კარგად. შენ?
  [kargad. shen?]
• Do you speak English?იცი ინგლისურა?
  [itsi inglisura?]
• I don't understandარ ვარგები
  [ar vargebi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseგთხოვთ, მენიუს ნახოთ
  [gtkhovt, menuis nakhot]
• I don't eat meatმე ხორცს არ ჭირვები
  [me khorts ar chirvebi]
• Cheers!გაუმარჯობებელი!
  [gaumarjoebebeli]
• I would like to pay, pleaseგთხოვთ, გადახდოთ
  [gtkhovt, gadakhdot]

• Help!დალიებებს!
  [daliiebeps]
• Go away!წვილის შემდეგ!
  [tsvilis shemdeg]
• Call the Police!დაიკავეთ პოლიცია!
  [daikavet politsia]
• Call a doctor!დაიკავეთ ექიმი!
  [daikavet ekimi]
• I'm lostმე შევაჩერები
  [me shevacherbi]
• I'm illმე ავიდან
  [me avidan]

• I'd like to buy...მე მსახიობს ვიყიდი
  [me msakhiovs viqidi]
• I'm just lookingმხოლოდ შევიცნობ
  [mkholod shevicnob]
• How much is it?რამდენი ღირაბებია?
  [ramdeni ghirabebia?]
• That's too expensiveეს ძალიან ღირაბებია
  [es dzalian ghirabebia]
• Can you lower the price?შეიძინოს ფასი?
  [sheidzinos fasi?]

• What time is it?რა დროა?
  [ra droa?]
• It's one o'clockერთია
  [ertiia]
• Half past (10)ათის ნახვა
  [atis nakhva]
• Morningდილი
  [dili]
• Afternoonსაღამო
  [sagamo]
• Eveningსაღამო
  [sagamo]
• Yesterdayგუშინ
  [gushin]
• Todayდღეს
  [dg'es]
• Tomorrowხვალ
  [khval]
• 1ერთი
  [erti]
• 2ორი
  [ori]
• 3სამი
  [sami]
• 4ოთხი
  [otkhi]
• 5ხუთი
  [khuti]
• 6ექვსი
  [ekvsi]
• 7შვიდი
  [shvidi]
• 8რვა
  [rva]
• 9ცხრა
  [tskhra]
• 10ათი
  [ati]

• Where's a/the...?სადაა...
  [sadaa]
• What's the address?რა მისამართია?
  [ra mismartia?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?შეიშორეთ მე (რუკაზე)
  [sheishoret me (rukiaze)]
• When's the next (bus)?როდის მიმდინარე?
  [rodis mimdinare?]
• A ticket (to ....)ბილეთი (სა ...)
  [bileti (sa ...)]

Vera is one of Tbilisi's oldest neighborhoods, with its roots tracing back to the 5th century when Tbilisi itself was founded. The area was known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Kura River, which made it an attractive settlement for early inhabitants. Its strategic location contributed to its development as a residential area, fostering a mix of cultures and communities.

During the 19th century, Vera became a cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse ethnic and social backgrounds of its residents. The influx of Armenians, Russians, and other ethnic groups led to the establishment of various cultural institutions, churches, and schools. The neighborhood was pivotal in the promotion of the arts and education, enhancing Tbilisi's reputation as a cultural hub in the Caucasus.

The early 20th century marked a period of architectural flourishing in Vera. Influenced by European styles, many buildings were constructed, featuring ornate facades and intricate designs. This period also saw the rise of notable figures in Georgian literature and art who lived and worked in the neighborhood, further enriching its cultural landscape and solidifying its importance in Tbilisi's urban identity.

Under Soviet rule, Vera experienced significant changes. The government prioritized the construction of residential blocks and public facilities, which altered the neighborhood's traditional character. However, Vera retained its cultural significance as a center for intellectual and artistic life, with many writers and artists finding inspiration in its surroundings.

Following Georgia's independence in 1991, Vera underwent a revitalization process. The neighborhood has seen a resurgence in interest from both locals and tourists, with many historical buildings being restored. This revival has led to a flourishing of cafes, art galleries, and cultural events, making Vera a vibrant part of Tbilisi's modern cultural scene.

Vera is centrally located in Tbilisi, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the Old Town, you can take a short walk or a taxi, which typically costs around 5-10 GEL. If you’re coming from the airport, take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service, which will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The metro station at Rustaveli is also nearby, allowing for direct access from other parts of the city.

Vera is a walkable neighborhood, with many key attractions located close together. Public transport options include buses and marshrutkas (minibuses), which connect you to other areas of Tbilisi. The metro system is also efficient, with Rustaveli station providing access to the wider city. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and there are bike lanes in some areas, making cycling a pleasant option.

Vera is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to remain cautious. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit streets, particularly in the outskirts of the neighborhood. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it’s best to stay alert and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the First University Clinic on Ketevan Tsamebuli Avenue. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Local pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and they often have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and embrace the hospitality. Don't refuse food or drink offers, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Vera like a local, explore the neighborhood's parks, such as the charming Tbilisi Central Park, and visit local cafes for traditional Georgian coffee. Engage in conversation with shopkeepers and patrons, as Georgians are generally warm and welcoming. Don’t miss the chance to sample local wines and cheeses at nearby markets, and consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.

When visiting local homes, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as pastries or flowers. Always remove your shoes before entering a home. When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to invite you to start eating, and it’s common to share food from a common platter. If attending a religious service, women should cover their heads, and men should wear long pants.

The official language in Georgia is Georgian. While many younger people in Vera speak English, it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Georgian, such as 'madloba' (thank you) and 'gamarjoba' (hello), which can enhance your interactions with locals.