amandaw983
Dadiani Summer Residence has supposedly been bought by the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, and ever since, it's not been open for tourists. We were allowed to walk around, but we weren't allowed to enter the house. The grounds were beautiful. However, while walking around, we encountered a bear in a cage. The conditions of the cage were poor, and the cage looked as though it isn't kept clean. First of all, I imagine that very few tourists stop here, so why is there a need to hold a bear in captivity? Second, feeding a bear a loaf of bread each day isn't enough to keep a bear healthy. It was clear that the bear was malnourished and unhappy. When we asked why there was a bear, the groundskeeper suggested that we ask the Papa (the Catholicos–Patriarch of All Georgia - Ilia II of Georgia) who now owns the property. If I could ask, I certainly would. But, since I can't, I suggest that all tourists not visit this place. It was the biggest disappointment during our trip to Georgia. I hope the papa comes to his senses and the bear is freed.