Despite its proximity to political uncertainty, the Georgian capital of Tbilisi is an under-the-radar European destination rich in tradition, art and culture, and home to a thriving food and coffee scene. By Audrey Ng - 6 Sep Pounding fast-paced beats of heavy music resonated through the dimly lit underground cavern as blue strobe lights beamed over tightly packed bodies dancing with abandon. I was standing on the sloped floor of a former swimming pool in the famous Bassiani nightclub , hailed as one of the best clubs in Europe.
I was guided only by the music to the main dance floor, where the bass beats pumping out of an incredible sound system engulfed me. Atmosphere and sound system aside, its unique location also adds to its character. I was actually beneath the largest stadium in the country, the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena where, during the day, raucous football matches are held before crowds of nearly 55, Then again, it is Tbilisi, the capital city where the ancient and contemporary converge on a daily basis.
Established in the 5th century, Tbilisi has a long history that has gone through the ebb and flow of growth and upheaval. Its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road made it an ideal place for trade, but also worked against its favour as it became highly coveted among regional powers. All these have resulted in a multicultural mosaic, which till today is still clearly represented in the different architectural styles of buildings. Islamic architecture is also represented with the sulphur baths, easily distinguishable with their domed roofs and colourful mosaic tiles adorning tall arched windows.
Being a history buff, museums were also on my to-do list. I made a beeline for the National Gallery, Art Palace and Georgian National Museum, all of which were beautiful ways to spend an afternoon learning about this part of the world I was unfamiliar with.
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The Soviet Occupation Exhibition Hall on the fourth floor of the National Museum, though small, left the biggest impression on me. Although its exhibits depict the time of Soviet rule in Georgia from to , it brings to mind more recent conflicts in the region β a stark reminder for this sheltered Singaporean that peace is never guaranteed for some in other countries.
