The run to the Georgian border was good, but the temperature was up to 36 degrees, so the heat has been killing me and the bike.
I thought the border queue looked horrible, but luckily they waved me through pretty quickly.
Once in Georgia, you can see the full effects of the post-Russia involvement; huge crumbling buildings, derelict airfields and a totally polarised population - either very poor or driving big Mercs on mafia business!
The police density is incredible as every 4km you see a big American-style police car fining someone on the roadside.
About an hour after the border I was forced onto the hard shoulder by the local mafia, where they pointed a hand-gun at me and yelled in (what sounded like) German. To me it seemed like their job was to stop all visitors and invite them to their casino/brothel.
Strangely enough, when I declined the offer they wanted to escort me to a supermarket where they guaranteed a discount.
Being more than a little worried by my new friends, I donated a packed of Marlboro to them and they were very delighted; shook my hand and saw me on my way.
All in all, this is a dangerous place and I do not want to be here on my own. I've decided to drop down to the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan.
Baku is another 12 hour ride tomorrow so I'm going to bed soon, but I have found the Old Town Hostel in Tbilisi, which is an amazing city! Almost like Paris and completely out of character compared to the rest of Georgia.
Nearly half way there - at least according to Google...
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