Kvirikoba, K'ala, Svaneti, Georgia, 29/7/2010

Okay... if you've forgiven me for the gore of the last post's images, a regular part of life in Svaneti, here are a few shots from the interior of the church where Kvirikoba happens

Kvirikoba, K'ala, Svaneti, Georgia, 29/7/2010

I TOLD you there'd be sacrifice! Did you think I was joking?

Kvirikoba, K'ala, Svaneti, Georgia, 29/7/2010

Top 2: candles on the outside of the church wall

Bottom: boy with goat, the latter soon to be sacrificed

Kvirikoba, K'ala, Svaneti, Georgia, 29/7/2010

Above the village of K'ala stands this beautiful little church, reachable by a somewhat tortuous track. The Kvirikoba festival, Svaneti's most important religious event after Christmas and Easter, happens here, visited by hundreds of people in late July from all over the world.

Top 2, people watching a strongman competition - the rock is not only very heavy, it's also very difficult to get a firm grip on due to its size

Bottom - view of part of K'ala, with Mt Ushba (top centre) presiding over all, nice weather for it