Khidistavi

Khidistavi (ხიდისთავი) is a village in the Guria region. The village is located in the Chokhatauri district 9 km southwest from the district center and 23 km east regional capital Ozurgeti. Khidistavi is located on the access road to Nabeglavi and Bakhmaro. The village is known due to the numerous swimming places in mountain rivers.

Understand
The village is located by the river Gubaseuli, in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus and was founded around the 1870s. The name derives from the local Khidistavibridge over the river from and means "bridgehead". The former wooden bridge was washed away in the past during floods repeatedly, so that only the bridgeheads were left. In the mid-20th century, the bridge was replaced by a concrete bridge chip, which has since been stable. It is named after the poet and writer Nodar Dumbadze, who lived in Khidistavi.

The surrounding villages live mainly from agriculture. During the Soviet era these villages were also popular places as summer resorts, pioneer camps and recreational spaces. Khidistavi is lively, especially in summer when the expatriates coming to rest. In winter, the town is almost dead.

Climate
Subtropical. Mild, wet winters. Warm, humid summers. The clouds that are blown away by the zoom Westwind over Black Sea, remain in the nearby mountains of the Lesser Caucasus and rain hanging off here. Therefore, it can rain often in the summer, usually are the brief summer storms, some with heavy rain.

Talk
Gurians speak much more quickly than average Georgians from other regions, so it is more complicated to understand them. When in need for help, look for younger people; they are more likely to know some English.

By plane
Nearest airports with scheduled services are located in Batumi (85 km) and Kutaisi (about 50 km). A taxi to or from the Kutaisi airport costs about 30 lari (as of 2014).

By train
The nearest train station is located in Ozurgeti about 30 km away. Another useful option is the Samtredia station about 45 km northeast of Khidistavi. A taxi from Samtredia costs about 25 lari from Ozurgeti 15 lari.

By bus
You can catch a minibus (marshutka) from Chokhatauri or minibus going to Bakhmaro from Ozurgeti during summer season. Minibuses or Marschrutkas keep in Khidistavi in the village center at the beautiful bus stop. Marschrutkas go irregularly from Chokhatauri or Ozurgeti to Khidistawi. Also from Tbilisi (bus station "Dedakalaki" above the Central Station) depart daily at 8 clock in the morning (about 5 hours, 17 lari).

Better bus services from the or in the nearby regional centers, and also to Batumi and Tbilisi have been from Chokhatauri, but especially from Ozurgeti. From there you can take a taxi or auto stop.

By car
Khidistavi lies on the regional road Chokhatauri-Bakhmaro. From Chokhatauri drive to Bakhmaro and about 9 km away you will reach Khidistavi.

Get around
You can easily walk in Khidistavi. In the surrounding area a car or a mountain bike is recommended (for the side streets: SUV). Even auto-stop is a good way to move forward and.

See
The  Nodar Dumbadze-Bridge, a simple, narrow concrete bridge from the 1950s, spans the river Gubaseuli. You can reach the main square of the town by a tall maple tree whose canopy leaves appear on the bridge like a tunnel. with splendid mosaics, one of the finest in the country, is on the main square. Furthermore you will find the Former - a constructivist functional building from the 1970s, now vacant; and the Urban Park with  dedicated to Stalin's speech.

In the center you will find also, abandoned today; Former (1924-2008) (not accessible) and an : All technical details like water wheel are still present. The mill is now electrically driven



Do
Whitewater Baden: The rivers in and around the place can be awarded in the summer to use for a cool refreshment.
 * Hiking and trekking in mountains. There are paths through the woods going to Bakhmaro from Khidistavi village







Caution: swimming places are neither protected nor supervised and also there is no infrastructure developed. You should be an experienced swimmer. Watch on sharp rocks that lie just below the water surface and are not visible. Risk of injury. Avoid jumping into unknown waters. It is better to ask locals where to swim.

Buy
Buy very delicious honey in Khidistavi, from local people. Some small stores can be found in the center of Khidistavi, open-air markets can be found in Nabeglavi during summer season

At the bus stop in the town center, there are three small mini markets where one gets everything vital. In most of them there is also a vending machine where you can charge your mobile phone with the bank. In addition to the bus stop and fresh fruit and vegetables sold in the daytime.

Better shopping options are in Chokhatauri, but especially in Ozurgeti (market, bookstore). There are also ATMs and money changers, which you will not find in Khidistavi.



Eat
There is no restaurant. For this you have to go to Chokhatauri or Ozurgeti. But if you are lucky, you may be invited and get offered homemade products: house wine, home-distilled, cheese and honey. Just try.

Stay safe
There is little crime. Police cars are patrolling repeatedly. Some native plants in the garden or in the forest marijuana. You may get invited to try it, but Hands off! If you are caught with drugs in Georgia, the draconian punishments may ensue.

Go next

 * Ozurgeti
 * Chokhatauri
 * Nabeglavi
 * Bakhmaro