More Than a Field Trip: Freshmen Explore Mtskheta

A field trip is more than just a day away from the classroom. It is a chance to experience something new, spend time with classmates, and create memories that cannot be made while sitting behind a desk. Recently, our 9th graders had that opportunity during their field trip to Mtskheta, where they visited Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Shiomghvime alongside our lovely teachers: Paata Ramishvili, Kato Tsuladze, Liza Dzagnidze, Anthony Schierman, Gvantsa Zhuruli, and Irma Chelidze. 

While the trip gave students a chance to learn more about Georgia’s history and culture, it also gave them time to relax, have fun, and spend time together outside of school. But what stood out to the students the most? What was their favorite part of the day? And what do they think they will remember years from now?

The first stop was Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in the center of Mtskheta. The cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Georgia and has played an important role in the country’s history for centuries. Students had the opportunity to explore the cathedral and learn more about its history, architecture, and religious significance.

One of the details that particularly caught the attention of students was a hand-shaped carving connected to a local legend. This was something that stood out to Mike Tsitsqishvili, who had recently transferred to Givi Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi.

“I did learn one thing on the field trip,” Mike explained. He described seeing the hand engraved in the church and hearing the legend that a builder supposedly had one of his hands cut off, with the carving later serving as a tribute.

After Svetitskhoveli, the students continued to Shiomghvime Monastery, a historic monastic complex located in a more secluded and mountainous place. Unlike the busy atmosphere of a school day, the location gave the students an opportunity to experience Georgia’s history in a quieter environment. The monastery, surrounded by the landscape of Mtskheta, provided another look on Georgia’s religious and cultural significance.

For some students, the historical sites were the most educational part of the trip. Ilia Maghradze described the field trip as “extremely informational” and said that visiting the churches was particularly interesting to him.

However, the day was not entirely focused on history. After visiting the sites, the students went to a restaurant, where they had a chance to eat and relax together. For Davit Khonelia, the restaurant was actually one of the most memorable stops.

After the meal, students played football together near the restaurant, giving them a chance to relax and have fun after spending the earlier part of the day exploring Mtskheta. Davit especially enjoyed this part of the day. “There were so many people playing,” he said. “I even scored one goal and it was really fun.”

Ilia also chose football as his favorite part of the trip. Although he appreciated visiting the churches, he said that it was “the best part of the entire trip.”

For Mike, the contrast between the two halves of the day was noticeable. “Although the first half  was not as entertaining as the second, it was still really fun,” he said. He explained that playing sports made the second half particularly enjoyable.

In the end, the Mtskheta trip was about more than simply visiting historical sites. It gave the freshmen a chance to see an important part of Georgia’s history while also strengthening their friendship bonds and creating new memories. Judging by their answers, this trip is one to remember. 

Written by-Zaza Bokhua

Edited by-Anna Akhvlediani