Gori: Stalin’s Birthplace

29/09/3025

We had overnighted near the Katskhi Pillar, so walked up to it. Locals believed it to be the pillar of life.

Katskhi Pillar: evidence of a church atop since C9/10. 130m high

It was then a 40 min drive to the nearest vet. A funny little shop selling feed for cattle, pigs etc. With G translate, I explained that I wanted antibiotics for Corrie in case her wounds became nasty. Injection applied and bright blue antiseptic sprayed. And NO CHARGE. How kind.

Blue antiseptic spray

The next stop was Gori. The guide book described it as unattractive. So it was a stop only to visit the Stalin museum.

Not that was his actual name. He didn’t have any emotional attachment for being Georgian. We were lucky to have an excellent English speaking guide. The museum was created 4 years after Stalin died by the Soviets, so nothing was in English, old fashioned and it was pretty much glorifying the man. The guide explained that some people locally revere his name, but she described how his overriding ambition was completely ruthless. Facilitated by his manipulation and persuasive skills. Definitely worth a stop, if you get a good guide.

The cottage where his parents rented a room has been moved in front of the museum, but closed off for work
Stalin aged 12. His father was a cobbler. His mother was very religious and wanted Stalin to enter the Church. Despite attending Theological University (expelled), he did not believe
To fund his propaganda and proclamations (newspapers) he robbed banks. He served several terms in Tbilisi prisons and went to Siberia 3 times, escaping twice
Apparently he was short and had one arm shorter
He was self conscious of his bad skin so images were doctored. This photo journalist ‘disappeared’
Original death mask
His office furniture donated to the museum by the Kremlin

We drove on to Tbilisi … just as well I’ve nerves of steel with the traffic and crap driving! Tonight is not a dry night.