David Gareji Monastery

The David Garejia Monastery complex was founded in the 6th century. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters. Part of the complex is located on the Azerbaijan-Georgian border and has become subject to a border dispute. As such, you are limited in what you can visit. As we knew that people had been sent away by the military while camping near the Monastery or Rainbow hills, we opted to go straight to the spot where camping is allowed. We hiked to the Monastery the next morning. The Monastery complex is impressive and is situated in a beautiful area. On the hike there, we had seen some sheep dogs, but they only barked from a distance. On the way back, same happened, but unfortunately a pack of other dogs heard them and they all decided to accost us, while we were “retreating”. Unfortunately, one snapped at Monique’s knee cavity causing a few cuts. We attended the wounds and after a further 45min hike back to the truck we drove to the nearest hospital (Sagarejo). They helped Monique very swiftly. No stitches were needed but Tetanus and a series of three Rabies shots were called for. The event also allowed us to “test” the SOS services of our NL medical insurance and travel insurance. They both asked for pictures and reverted within hours in support of the treatment with at least two Rabies shots. Monique has healed fully since.