Georgia
Georgia was the greatest surprise of the journey.
A beautiful land, warm-hearted people, and a culture unlike any other.
A small place pulled me in—and didn’t let go.
This country held memories I didn’t expect.
It showed me how self-awareness can change everything.
I met people who gave me so much. Every single one of them.
Georgia marked the beginning of something new.
It stole my heart.
A painful, beautiful, necessary gift.
I knew nothing about Georgia.
Nothing about the land, the people, the culture.
The plan was simple:
cross the country in three weeks and move on.
But I had heard a few travelers say:
“Once you arrive in Georgia, you’ll stay longer.”
I felt it deep down,
even though I didn’t want to admit it yet.
Sebastian and I arrived
and took a few days to rest, plan, and get a sense of this place.
What we saw in photos was impressive.
But we weren’t ready for what it would become.
We continued riding –
through soaking rain,
down a road that ended in mud
and forced us to turn around for the first time on the journey.
Morale was low.
Wet clothes. Cold skin. No sleeping spot.
So we booked a room in a small town called Martvili.
We had no idea what we had just stepped into.
Karma Hostel.
A place full of stories, feelings, and soul.
Run by Woody, Ema, and Max –
who created something real,
with love and life poured into every corner.
We checked in for one night.
The next morning, Sebastian came to me and said:
“I think I want to stay.”
I smiled.
I had the same thought.
We asked if we could volunteer.
The answer was yes.
And then, just like that –
three months passed.
That place changed everything.
Encounters that showed me things about myself.
Pain that surfaced.
Beauty in people and the stories we shared.
And truths I had to face.
When I think of that time,
my heart warms.
Strangers became friends.
Friends became family.
There was sweat, tears, joy, intensity.
Everything at once.
Georgia – and especially Karma Hostel –
flipped something inside me.
It was beautiful.
It was painful.
And it was necessary.
And with its nature, its food, its culture –
Georgia found its place in my heart.
A country I never expected to stay in,
and one I’ll never forget.
🚲🎒 Travel Mode
Bicycle / Backpack
📅 Date From: March 2024
📅 Date To: July 2024
📍 Points of Interest
🏙️ Tbilisi – One of the most beautiful capitals on my journey. A city full of contrast, energy, and depth. Its vibe reminded me in many moments of Berlin – chaotic, creative, and unexpectedly grounding.
🏚️ Tskaltubo – A post-Soviet ghost town turned into an urban explorer’s paradise. Dozens of abandoned sanatoriums, all open to walk through. Creepy, fascinating, unforgettable. You won’t find a place like this anywhere else.
⛰️ Mestia – A mountain gem I never reached – but often heard about. Hidden deep in the Caucasus mountains, it’s said to reflect the wild, raw soul of Georgia. A place many call their favorite stop.
❤️ Karma Hostel (near Martvili) – Not just a hostel. A heart-place. Woody, Ema, and Max built something deeply human. Lukas came as a traveler – and stayed. Together, they created a family. Still today, this place moves something in me every time I think of it. Thank you – for the warmth, the space, the stories.
✍️ Experience Snippet
When we arrived at the hostel
and both felt like staying the next day,
it felt strange and exciting at the same time.
We ended up staying three months
and met so many amazing people.
Just a few days before we left,
Woody came to us and told us:
he had spoken to Ema about the season –
a couple of weeks before we arrived,
they needed people.
A carpenter. A chef.
But where would they find them?
A few weeks later,
Sebastian and I showed up at Karma.
He, the carpenter. I, the chef.
It just fit. Perfectly.
Call it coincidence.
Or maybe –
something like fate.
👉 Want to see the full route?
Check out the route below.
🗺️ Route Legend
🔴 Red – Bicycle
🔵 Blue – Ferry
🟣 Purple – Hitchhiking
🟡 Yellow – Bus / Taxi
🟢 Green – Train
⚫ Black – Airplane
⚪ White – Planned Route
