Anaklia

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The Eye overlooking the river's entry to the Black Sea in Anaklia

The Eye overlooking the river's entry to the Black Sea in Anaklia

The former president of Georgia ordered the development of Anaklia, a barren beach 3 miles south of the Administrative Boundary Line, as a new tourist destination in 2009.  He envisioned this community's volcanic sand beachfront would become the new tourist destination; however, it's remote location combined with the close proximity of Russian occupation troops has stymied foreign investment.

I was the first guest at the Anaklia Hotel in 2010 when the hotel opened, teaching a class for the Ministry.   

Its location has prompted one visitor.  It has become the venue for a large, yearly techno music  festival called GemFest.  This year the promoter decided to expand the festival to a 30 day event with 50 acts and over 15,000 (projected) daily attendees.  

Consequently, I found myself back in Anaklia, population less than 5,000 people not including 450 cows, 600 pigs and a buttload of other farm animals, helping the police establish a public safety plan for GemFest.

Sunrise on the river's pedestrian bridge.

Sunrise on the river's pedestrian bridge.

The abandoned chinese restaurant that never opened on the breakwater

The abandoned chinese restaurant that never opened on the breakwater

The remains of a boat in on the beach near the old Soviet pier

The remains of a boat in on the beach near the old Soviet pier

Fishing the river's end

Fishing the river's end

Life moves at a slower pace in Anaklia

Life moves at a slower pace in Anaklia