Batumi, Georgia

Fascinating, beautiful, different. Batumi is the third city of Georgia, and a popular Black Sea resort, attracting visitors from neighbouring countries.

They are building so much that is new. The photo here is of Piazza Square - their version of a cafe society, with their own version of a cuckoo-type clock whose doors open twice a day to reveal figures.

New hotels. Seaside park. New station. Cable car. And a strange building they've not quite decided what they should use it for!

We headed up to the Botanical Gardens. Huge, a 3km walk through sections representing plants of the world. Hundreds of bamboos, magnolias, Japanese gardens, tea plantations. A magical and well guided trail. (Plus butterflies who tried to hi jack the blip).

Next into town. Piazza Square. The Orthodox Church which is just so attractive, Europa Square and finally Seaside Park. So much and so fascinating.

Friendly, welcoming and looking to the future. But Georgia has been troubled and how far their magical dream can go in these difficult times, we will just have to see.

Perfect for a weekend city break - but so hard to get there.

We really loved it (and lots in the group who went to the archaeological museum will mention lots more good reasons to go).