Japan - Himeji Castle
Foto: The Stalin Museum (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Georgia - We drive on to Gori, a city world-famous as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. He was born here in 1878 in a modest wooden house, still standing next to the museum later built in his honor. Visiting a museum dedicated to a man responsible for the oppression and death of millions as a Soviet leader feels somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the museum draws many visitors daily, attracted by the historical significance of the site and the complexity of Stalin’s legacy. Inside the museum, it’s crowded. We join the English-language tour along with at least fifty other visitors. It’s difficult to hear the guide clearly, as explanations in Russian, French, and German are simultaneously being given throughout the halls. Despite the chaos, the museum provides an interesting, though one-sided, picture of Stalin’s life. The rooms are filled with childhood photographs, propaganda portraits, and images of his meetings with world leaders such as Roosevelt and Churchill during World War II. The tone is admiring, almost reverent, with little critical reflection on the brutal aspects of his rule. One display case holds personal belongings: uniforms, documents, pipes, and gifts from foreign guests. Everything seems carefully staged to emphasize Stalin’s greatness. Yet I mostly feel a certain chill, as if the museum is trapped between pride and shame. Outside, we view Stalin’s small birthplace, protected by a roof. The simple wooden building sharply contrasts with the monumental Soviet architecture of the museum beside it. Nearby stands the dark green train carriage Stalin used for travel across the country. Afraid of flying, he relied on this luxurious carriage as his personal transport, complete with office, bedroom, and meeting space. As we walk back to the bus, the experience lingers. The museum in Gori mainly presents a glorified version of Stalin’s life, but behind the walls echo stories of fear and oppression that truly defined his leadership. It’s a remarkable place—historically fascinating yet morally unsettling.
Freedom Square in Tbilisi
Georgia - Today is Independence Day in Georgia. For the 25th time, it is celebrated that Georgia became independent from Russia. On the famous Rustaveli Avenue, many stalls and stages are set up. There is entertainment everywhere. We order a sandwich at one of ...
The Ancient Capital Mtskheta
Georgia - We drive to the old capital, Mtskheta. Before visiting the cathedral in the town, we drive to the church on the hill opposite Mtskheta. This church sits on the other bank of the river. The Jvari Church contains a large wooden cross, symbolizing the wooden ...
The Bodbe Monastery
Georgia - After about a two-hour drive, we reach Bodbe Monastery, one of Georgia’s most important religious sites. This active convent is particularly known as the burial place of Saint Nino, who played a crucial role in converting Georgia to Christianity in ...
The Cave City of Vardzia
Georgia - The cave city of Vardzia is a rock monastery on the slopes of the Erusheli River. It was founded by Queen Tamar in 1185 as protection against the Mongols and consisted of over six thousand apartments across thirteen levels. The only access to the complex ...
The Modern Resort Town of Batumi
Georgia - The weather clears, and the sun even breaks through. On the boulevard, most of the beach tents are being dismantled and cleared away—the season is over. Behind the boulevard stand tall apartment blocks and skyscrapers of unusual shapes, giving the skyline ...
The monastery of David Gareja
Georgia - We drive out of Sagarejo, heading for the David Gareja monastery. The monastery is carved into the rocks and lies exactly in the mountainous area on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. We had heard the road there would be bad. Expecting the worst, ...
The mountain road to Ushguli
Georgia - From Mestia we continue driving to Ushguli. Mestia is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Ushguli at 2,200 meters. This makes Ushguli the highest continuously inhabited mountain village in Europe. We do wonder if this is not higher in the Alps. The ...
Tsminda Sameba Church Kazbegi
Georgia - Just after two o’clock we approach Stepantsminda. Along the roadside are numerous trucks, kilometers long. The trucks have been waiting here for the border crossing with Russia. Further along the route, there is no place to park. The police let a few ...